Unbend rotarty mower skirt

KenB2920 · Mar 21, 2014

Just curious is anyone has some suggestions to unbending the rear skirt on my land pride rotary mower. I probably won't get to this for the next month or so but I want suggestions.

If you suggest attaching a chain and pull it out with a truck, best way to attach the chain to the skirt.

If you suggest heat, which gas is best.

Do rotary mowers use suction like regular mowers? What if I just cut the shirt off and just welded on chain links?

Shoot me your thoughts please

The mower still functions fine. With this bent, it cause some clumping of taller grasses. This can be cured by running clumps over backward with the tractor after being initially cut. However, let's face it, this is a waste of time when it should cut and scatter in the initial pass.

Thanks again

k0ua · Mar 21, 2014

You could take a large pipe wrench adjusted down and pull up with your foot on the mower. When you get close, with the wrench, then get out the hammer and the hearing protection. Or your chains idea doesn't sound bad to me.

aczlan · Mar 21, 2014

Set it down over a stump and slowly drive forward? Back up a few feet on the trailer, lower the cutter to sit on the trailer deck and wail on it from the inside with an 8# sledge and GOOD hearing protection?

Aaron Z

KenB2920 · Mar 21, 2014

Ok, I have tried a sledgehammer and it did nothing. I did hook a chain to my truck whole the cutter was attached to the tractor. I turned the tractor off and set the brake. The truck began to pull the tractor.....

I really like the stump idea ... Maybe even wrap a chain around a stump and attach it to to skirt...

Keep any ideas coming

treefarmerguy · Mar 21, 2014

I had a little success using a "porta-power". Was able to push from one side to the other. Be careful as the device can slide and slip off suddenly.

Code54 · Mar 21, 2014

Cutting it out would be fine. Adding chain would also work but make sure the links can't reach the blade.
It you have access to oxy/acy torch that would help with bending it and the stump idea is worth a shot - l didn't think of it but sounds like a good idea

firemanmike69 · Mar 21, 2014

Cut out, weld in new plate or chain links or a piece of rubber conveyor belt or something like that. That's what I would do if it were mine or of you hired me to fix it

SSdoxie · Mar 21, 2014

Cut it out and put on some deflector chain. The cuttings will be in longer (larger pieces) but you will get away from that clumping problem plus giving it a rear discharge will leave a little extra power running it. Same scenario as running a mulching mower deck versus a discharge deck. If you don't like the result of cutting it out, then weld some new flat stock on a close it back up.

orangeandgreen · Mar 21, 2014

I straightened my skirt by attaching a 16" crescent wrench to the skirt then a " come along" to the handle of the wrench. Also tried the sledge hammer with no success.