Tire driven Sidewinder advice

[japody]

Intersting. I take it you have to keep the tire aired up or it would slip?

I guess if you cranked up the pto speed and dropped the pto clutch, you could burn rubber???

Yes, 35 psi. It'll start to slip when not properly inflated. Haven't had to replace the tire in over 20 years of use. I have a live PTO so it ramps up.

 

[geneP]

For those interested in this cutter, this is a photo to show the size of the spindle and nut. The spindle is 1 3/4". I sure would like to find a copy of the owner manual to see the factory recommendation on when and how to maintain the bearings.

 

[ruffdog]

A needle tip for a grease gun would get grease deeper within the top bearing.

https://www.amazon.com/LockNLube-Gr...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

[3gunr]

My neighbor has a 5 ft model and it is amazing how it cuts, a 2 inch tree is nothing , Barely a bump when you run over one,

 

[geneP]

I had one (3 point), neighbor has a pull type and talk about a heavy cutter... anyway for the bearings I packed in some corn head grease. Since it will flow somewhat when it becomes warm I figured it would reach the lower bearing since I did not want the fight of taking it apart. When I sold it everything was still tight and quiet.

I do not consider any grease to be a forever/lifetime lube.

Did you check back later to see if the corn head grease had migrated down into the bearings? I'm still debating this issue with myself, probably over thinking it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[John0829]

No I sold it before I ever got back to check it out but I am almost positive it would have migrated down since it is a flowable grease.

 

[geneP]

Thanks. I'm going to load up the bearing cap area and give it a work out if this rain ever lets up.

 

[geneP]

For those following this thread, or others searching later on: I filled the area around the spindle nut (under the cap) with John Deere corn head grease and cut in thick, tall bahia grass for about an hour. I lifted the cap see if it had gone down into the bearings. There was only a trace of the corn head grease left around the outer rim. It definitely migrates into the bearings. It went so fast I think I will try some Lubriplate wheel bearing grease to see if it will go down into the bearings.

 

[John0829]

Good to know it worked.

 

[workinonit]

apparently Sidewinder has a penchant for doing things differently here is a ditcher

https://www.shoppok.com/limaohio/a,50,112431,FMC-Sidewinder-Ditcher----1450--Continental-.htm

What's differnt about that trencher? You should see the offset version. One of the most useful implements I have.

 

[Raul-02]

What's differnt about that trencher?

All the trenchersI've seen use a chain with excavating buckets, That one goes round and round like an auger

 

[workinonit]

Those are all we have around here. We use them for trenching water furrows through fields.

 

[Raul-02]

Those are all we have around here

I guess I ain't neer spent no time 'round thar.
All the ones (that I've seen) that we have in a place that goes by the exact same name "here" are the kind that look like big chain saws with twirley whirlies to shove the dirt to one side.

 

[workinonit]

LMAO. That's not even close to what that furrow trencher is used for. It's not used to bury things under ground. If that's your feeble ass attempt at writing a southern dialect it's not very humerous nor is it very accurate.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

LMAO. That's not even close to what that furrow trencher is used for. It's not used to bury things under ground. If that's your feeble ass attempt at writing a southern dialect it's not very humerous nor is it very accurate.

I seen me a gravely larn mo with one of them spinning screw ditchers afore.

 

[geneP]

Update on corn head grease for the spindle bearing: I used the cutter this morning for the second time since putting cornhead grease in the spindle cap. The tire started slipping. I went to check the air pressure and saw grease on the tire. The grease has run through the bearings and out on the blade holder. I'm assuming the corn head grease is too thin. Now I have to figure out how to flush the grease out so I can put some thicker grease in. More proof of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

[Isadream]

I recently bought a three point hitch Sidewinder tire driven rotary cutter. Looking for someone with experience with them. I have always heard how tough they are and bought this one when it became available. I went through it greasing, sharpening, etc, to familiarize myself with it. I took the spindle grease cap off and found a small amount of semi-dried grease on the bearings. I had read that the people at Hercules AG and Outdoors were long time employees of FMC/Sidewinder and can provide help with the Sidewinder. I contacted them for advice about the spindle bearing maintenance and he told me that they were packed at the factory with Lubriplate grease and that he considered it a lifetime lube. This cutter was bought in 1973 (Per the story from the original buyer's family). That is a pretty long lifetime for a piece of equipment and I'm wondering if I should go through the repacking routine. The Hercules guy said that the spindle is very tight in the bearings and force is needed to remove the bearings. I would rather not go through that exercise if it is not needed. This one runs quiet as a mouse, so it has held up well over the years. Is/was Lubriplate grease that long lasting? Anyone with experience or a user manual for any tire driven sidewinder would be very helpful. Thanks in advance, Gene

We have one that my father in law bought in 1960. We found the original receipt for it. That big bearing will go out given enough time and use and it is a bear to replace. We replaced the one in ours. We are now up to 3 of these sidewinders. They are great to work on. Paul at Hercules is great for parts and info on them. If you need the number I have it,

 

[geneP]

It is good to hear of more people with experience with these cutters. I have Hercules' number, thanks for the offer. You wouldn't by chance have a copy of the owners' manual, would you?

 

[Isadream]

I do not have a manual but I have a little info that was emailed to me from Hercules back several years ago. It includes a part list. If you give me your email I will send it to you.

 

[Isadream]

The one we have is a pull type. It has been repainted to match the tractor...