Chains shredder chains - do I really need them?

[shakman]

I seem to be receiving conflicting information about the need for deflection chains on my new shredder. I have some folks telling me that they are just a waste of $$$ and the cost outweighs the low risk. However, the idea of getting a rock in the back of the head while driving my tractor doesn't appeal to me very much and this worry is echoed by others I have spoken to...the same folks that told me to spend the $$$ and get them.

I know that chains are expensive and having just dropped $16k for a new machine, I would just as soon avoid any further big-ticket items for a little while.

Is there a less-expensive alternative out there? Any and all advice/ideas are appreciated!

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!

 

[Harv]

Assuming a shredder is the same as a slasher is the same as a rotary cutter, I bought a brand new set for mine before I ever ventured out into the brush with it. The full set, front and rear, cost $185. Other folks here were talking about making their own, so maybe one of them can share the experience with us.

Here's a picture right after I installed them, and a discussion on the subject can be found in the Slasher Chain thread.

If you really are talking about one of those flail mower/shredders, I have no idea what the danger is, and I want to see pictures. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Bird]

Shakman, you can use the "Search" function above to look for "chain guards" and find about all the information you want. I think this link might be sufficient.

Get chain guards. Even if they don't keep you from killing or seriously injuring someone, they may prevent you from throwing a piece of debris into your tires, house, car, etc. and that may cost more than the chain guards.

<font color=blue>Is there a less-expensive alternative out there?</font color=blue>

If you can do a little welding, you can make your own like I did.

 

[Bird]

You're faster than I am, Harv./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Harv]

<font color=blue>You're faster than I am, Harv.</font color=blue>

Hah!!! I can count the times I've beaten Quick-Draw Senter on one hand. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif You oughta go up against that Wyatt Chalkley sometime. Oh, that's right -- you have. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[mikim]

When I had my old 8N I had to keep expanded metal wrapped around the motor 'cause the old shredder I had kept throwing rocks forward into it. I had enough times of having a rock zing past me to convince me -- I ordered chains with my new shredder and they were a priority. As mentioned above - all it would take is one incident of having something zinged into somebody / something to cause enough injury/damage to pay for the chains. And those shredders do zing stuff - Nolan ain't got nuttin' on these things.
mike

 

[rdln]

It's the people/animals/buildings around you that benefit from chains, if none of those are an issue where you are mowing don't bother.

Steve
Champagne Taste, Beer Budget

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color=red>...It's the people/animals/buildings around you that benefit from chains</font color=red>

Absolutely... and the one driving the tractor is a person...!/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Disregarding OSHA requirements for a moment, because for AG use, it doesn't apply...but at least get a front chain curtain for the rotary cutter to protect the tractor operator...

Even cutting grass, when you hit an occasional rock, tree limb, piece of metal, or any debris etc. hiding/lying on the ground... it can/will become a dangerous/deadly projectile... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

 

[snowman]

My MMM picked up and winged a piece of metal about 100' through a window screen into my house this summer and left a nice mark on a closet door about 5 feet up.

If my two year old had been standing at the window, it would've killed him.

You should get the chains, in my opinion.

 

[rdln]

That was mostly a tongue in cheek comment as rare is the instance that people/animals/buildings are not an issue when brushogging.

Steve
Champagne Taste, Beer Budget