Mowing Side Mower

[stray]

The snapper blade really isn't designed that way so at least for now I'll see what happens with the direct hook up and let the hydraulics take the abuse. With the small motor I'm hopping that the pressure relief will be sufficient. I did notice that the leading blade of PT's mower is designed like you are talking about. Thanks JJ for bringing that to my att.

 

[stray]

To save cost I will be using the cylinder off of my grapple bucket for the side mower. I don't think I would have the need to use the two attachments at the same time of year. This will not only save the cost of the cylinder but also the cost of hoses, conections and quick connects.

 

[stray]

Here are some of the fabricated pieces I will be using on the side mower.

 

[J_J]

You seem to be coming along on your project fairly well. I can't wait to see it in action.

 

[stray]

Here is a couple more pieces for the side mower. If all goes well I should be finishing this project this week end.

 

[J_J]

Do you use a plasma cutter to cut your parts, and do you plan to put a rubber shield on the mower to protect you from thrown objects? I have slung chewed beer cans up to 20 yds.

 

[stray]

I use a table band saw and a Porto-band. The table saw does very well.
I will put the plastic snapper shield or the metal one for starters before mow with it. I may add piping later to blow clippings up and away from the ponds. As I tell others interested in my projects (I just an’t there yet).

 

[stray]

Still need to paint, a couple of hoses for the mower to install and the mechanism to lock the distance of the mower form the tractor in place and I should be done.

 

[Highridge]

Very Nice! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Awsome! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I know you can float it in the forward/backward plane, but can you float it in the up/down plane?

Is that even clear what I just said?

MAybe I should have said, can that big red cylinder be put in float mode? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[stray]

The cylinder doesn't have a float mode but I incorporated that into where the cylinder is attached to the arm. The one inch pin slips into a slotted hole that allows the arm to float up. The deck will float up about 10" before it comes against the stop at that time one would need to lift up on the cylinder to allow more travel.

 

[LBrown59]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The cylinder doesn't have a float mode but I incorporated that into where the cylinder is attached to the arm. The one inch pin slips into a slotted hole that allows the arm to float up. The deck will float up about 10" before it comes against the stop at that time one would need to lift up on the cylinder to allow more travel. )</font>

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Is the side arm on the boom telescoping or is it fixed?
Looks like you could make it telescoping pretty easily.
The telescoping action could be either hydraulic or manual depending on how you went about it.
The advantage of telecopying is it would give you a much greater reach.
I'm toying with a combination / fixed tow behind incorporating a telescoping boom.
The unit could be built universal to use as a tow behind or it could easily be attached to the 3 point hitch, loader bucket, mmm , FEL arms, BH or as a tow behind on any tractor riding mower ATV etc.

 

[stray]

Question: Is the side arm on the boom telescoping or is it fixed?
ANS: The side arm will telescope out about 3 more ft. It is done manually and there is a bolt that the end has been machined to a pin to hold it in place. I will have more detailed pics of the mower later.

It will be very interesting as to what you come up with on your mower.

 

[stray]

Here it is in action guys. I'll post more pics or answer any quistions if interested.

 

[KentT]

Looks like it works great!

Do I see reversed wheels?

 

[stray]

Yes. Back wheels are reversed. Guess I was more worried about backing out of trouble than getting into it.

 

[Highridge]

Very Nice!

 

[J_J]

Nice job. Does the hyd motor seem to handle the tall grass?

 

[stray]

Surprisingly too me as well, the motor does a good job in tall grass. Seems that the deck will stop up before it stalls out. I do have to go slow in tall grass. To trim tall grass neatly it is necessary to back up once over it after the first pass. I was concerned about the motor being too small but after using it I will have to say that the figures didn't lie. The mower seems to be geared right. 28" blade, .7cc motor, 8 gpm,

 

[LBrown59]

What did you use for tha counter balance on the other side?