Mowing telescoping boom mower for larger PTs?

[wasabi]

for now this is the pondering/musing/mayhaps category...

In my armcahir research for mowing solutions (whilst weeds exceed 4'), I'm considering boom mowers. PT has two solutions, but neither lights my candle for multiple reasons. One is I don't like to mix balance issues with steep hills. Side mowing isn't logical to me.

In addition to balanace issues, in the case of PT's, potential flying debris from side boom mowing with no driver protection is a bad idea. Instead of side boom mowing, why not a front mounted boom mower with perhaps 90 degree side to side tweaking? Telescoping version 1.0 or knuckle/telescoping version 2.0 Both with 30" square deck with 4 caster wheels in float mode.

With manuerverabilty of PT's, would this not provide ample directional control as well as counterbalance? Engineering issues, practical considerations, etc...

 

[J_J]

You mean like this.

 

[wasabi]

You mean like this.

well...much simpler...i'm thinking a couple of 3' telescoping pieces of schedule 80 pipe, say roughly 3 1/2" and 4". Larger one welded to a perpidicular piece of same about 6" long that sleeves over a slightly longer 3 1/2" diam piece welded onto pieces top and bottom on a PT plate. One cylinder for the side to side...one inside larger diam tube for extension (with access holes to reach bolts and nuts) Mower piece that can be steel plate with caster wheels and hydmotor/ stump jumber and hinged blades. maybe gimbled to allow for easier float... I'll tackle a drawing later.

 

[wasabi]

JJ this potential project is taking an ineresting turn. Carl suggested potential of upgrading wheel motors and putting dualies on my 2445, and he has me thinkin... I'm pretty sure I have 3,000 pump. I'd love your input on this for my steep 6 plus acres:

If, the 45 diesel could handle the weight, I would upgrade wheel motors for extra tourqe and strength, add dualies, pull a 72" PT mower behind with modified rough blades (i have jury rigged PT 3pt with plate - would have to work out float) and work a 48" PT deck turned boom mower out front with 45% side to side and some telescoping action. If the flow would handle it, this would allow 9 plus foot swath sideways on hill with extra margin of safety with front mower counter balance.

 

[J_J]

wasabi,

If I am thinking correctly, the wheel brackets for the 2445 are much shorter than the ones used for dual-lies . You could build new motor brackets, that extend out to allow dually. To be swapping out wheel motors, is going to be expensive, around $325 to $400 for a new wheel motor. The new wheels and tires would add to that. With increased torque and smaller diameter tires, you gain even more power, and with dual-lies, more stability. As far as pushing and pulling at the same time, that will have to be tested.

Float mode is no problem, just use a valve with float built in.

 

[wasabi]

wasabi,

If I am thinking correctly, the wheel brackets for the 2445 are much shorter than the ones used for dual-lies . You could build new motor brackets, that extend out to allow dually. To be swapping out wheel motors, is going to be expensive, around $325 to $400 for a new wheel motor. The new wheels and tires would add to that. With increased torque and smaller diameter tires, you gain even more power, and with dual-lies, more stability. As far as pushing and pulling at the same time, that will have to be tested.

Float mode is no problem, just use a valve with float built in.

I think you're right...probably same as your 1445. extending motor brackets makes sense. more power and torque while gaining stability are all good things. smaller diameter tires will lower center of gravity. 2445 has 12" clearance....lower would be better really...only give ups are speed and lift height. cost of motors wheels and tires collectively is a lot less than a used tractor... I'm less worried about abilty to push and pull at the same time as i am the hyd flow...can it handle both mowers, best way to plumb for independent control, etc.

for telescoping boom mower, 48" pt deck is durable...but may want or need to go much lighter. need to find a way to compute safe length to extend assuming 45% from tractor

 

[SpringHollow]

I doubt you have the necessary flow capacity from your pumps to power the wheels and both mowers at the same time. The 2445 is 8 gpm, the pt 1850 is 18 gpm.

Ken

 

[wasabi]

I doubt you have the necessary flow capacity from your pumps to power the wheels and both mowers at the same time. The 2445 is 8 gpm, the pt 1850 is 18 gpm.

Ken

Hey Ken,

perhaps you're referencing 2425 stats? 2445 has 15 gpm at 3,000.

 

[wasabi]

I doubt you have the necessary flow capacity from your pumps to power the wheels and both mowers at the same time. The 2445 is 8 gpm, the pt 1850 is 18 gpm.

Ken

i had the pump rebuilt about 40 hours ago. don't know if they will work together but it would be cool if it did. rather add an 1850 (and the wif likes this idea), but things is what they is til they change

 

[SpringHollow]

yes, sorry, was thinking you had the 2425. I envy the lift capacity of the 2445.

Ken