Rotary Cutter Stabilizer Brace for Brush Cutter?

To20Chris · Apr 24, 2004

This is related to my other post about limiter chains, but a bit different question. In changing my Dixie Cutter over from my TO20 to my LK3054, I'm taking a look at how I have it set up. I've always run it with a stabilizer brace - don't know why, it was set up like that when my dad got it when I was a kid. Now I'm wondering, how do most people set up a brush cutter? Would it be better to let it swing free with limit chains? It's a Woods Dixie Cutter M5 with a single rear wheel.

greg_g · Apr 24, 2004

I use these.

To20Chris · Apr 24, 2004

Hmm - looks like that is designed to control heigth. Come to think of it, since the Ferguson does not have position control, I use vertical limit chains too, but it also has a rigid horizontal brace to the diff case out by the wheels. If the lift limit chains are tight they will limit the side-to-side sway too, but I don't need them on the Kioti. So I guess the question is, on the Kioti should I control the side to side sway tightly, or let it move until it hits the limiter chains?

greg_g · Apr 24, 2004

I use both, to hold the cutter deck in a rigid straight line behind the tractor. Saves a whole lot of wear and tear on fence posts when mowing up close.

//greg//

To20Chris · Apr 24, 2004

I think you are right - I've always liked the way it tracked behind the tractor. If it was free to move laterally, I would have a lot less confidence about where it was relative to the tractor wheels. Reverse could get quite interesting too! I think I will set it up on the LK3054 the same way. In reality, with the narrower track on the new tractor, I would not have much room to let it move anyway.

Thanks!

KiotiJohn · Apr 24, 2004

( So I guess the question is, on the Kioti should I control the side to side sway tightly, or let it move until it hits the limiter chains? )
Owner's manuals usually recommend no sway. My brother says leave a little sway so that if you come up against the side of a tree, trying maneuver around, the little bit of sway will help. I keep mine pretty tight. It does make for more accurate backing. If you leave any sway, don't let it be very much. John

tough451 · Apr 24, 2004

I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides.

KiotiJohn · Apr 24, 2004

( I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides. )
tough451, I'm glad you brought that up as it could be an important safety issue I would imagine. I would think that with sway, the momentum as the mower pulls to the downside might cause the tractor to start slipping down a little, maybe a lot. I hadn't thought of that one. Thanks, John

tough451 · Apr 24, 2004

( ( I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides. )
tough451, I'm glad you brought that up as it could be an important safety issue I would imagine. I would think that with sway, the momentum as the mower pulls to the downside might cause the tractor to start slipping down a little, maybe a lot. I hadn't thought of that one. Thanks, John )

Yes it will pull to the downside and if conditions are right bad things can happen.

Soundguy · Apr 25, 2004

On my NH 1920.. there are chains from the axle mounts to the 3pt arms to limit sway.. much in the same way your solid brace on your to-20 ( and ford N-series ) used a under the fender bracket for the brace.. etc.

Yes.. I would rig up a chain brace.. etc... you don't want eny implement hitting a tire..

Soundguy