Rotary Cutter Stabilizer Brace for Brush Cutter?

[To20Chris]

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]

I use these.

 

[To20Chris]

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]

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]

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]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 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? )</font>
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]

I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides. )</font>
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]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( </font><font color="blueclass=small">( I have no sway but I mow alot of hillsides. )</font>
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 )</font>

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

 

[Soundguy]

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