Up on 2 wheels, need new underwear

[geneP]

I THINK I can picture what is happening. I appears as if Paul's third link attaching point on the tractor is lower than the pivot point of the swivel link on the cutter. The position control must have been in "float", and when he backed over the crest of the hill, the mower dropped to the maximum extent allowed by the top link and the lower arms. When the tractor approached the level position, the top link and swivel couldn't return to the 12 o'clock position (up) because the top link was below the swivel point on the mower. The top link then pushed the swivel past the six o'clock position and went in an over-center position (maybe to about 5 o'clock or 4 o'clock), leaving the front of the mower and the rear wheels higher than the tail wheel on the mower.

I agree with the previous posts. A chain replacing the top link would solve the problem. A bracket or a T-bar on the swivel to prevent it from going past the desired position might be an option.

 

[DaleW]

PaulB,
I have tried to simulate your problem with different configurations on my 3pt and can only come to the conclusion that the flex link not being able to rotate the full 360 degrees is causing the problem. Could you explain what is keeping the flex from rotating. Is there an actual hard barrier stopping it or is it a case of binding?

 

[PaulB]

Gene - I could almost kiss you! You have described the situation exactly. As to why the U link will not rotate 360 degrees, it can't because there is a bolt holding the two lift arms of the mower together, and the U link hits it - it is designed this way. Shortening the u link might allow it to rotate 360 degrees, and solve my problem, or I will just get the chain.
thanks for the help guys.

 

[rbargeron]

Paul - in case you still have any doubt about the chain, remember you just can't push on a rope. The hard top link with threaded adjuster has been a staple of three-point hitches since the Crimean war but rotary mowers don't need it. Lots of stuff comes with the U-bolt flex-link (a step in the right direction) but even these get tangled up by other parts (like yours) or pins that are too long, or just insufficient range. With your tractor's top point a little low for your mower, I'd go with a chain.
Of course in the time it took to type this 4 others are saying the same thing.

Nothing like the mention of "up on two wheels" to get tractor people taking note !

 

[Bird]

Aaaah, I've occasionally wished I had one of those newfangled digital cameras; now I wish PaulB had one 'cause I'd like to see that contraption./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I've never used a chain for a top link, and never seen a need for one, but my 1995 Bush Hog came with a chain from the top frame (where the top link hooked to it) back toward the tail wheel which provided the same flexibility. The newer ones have solid bars and the swinging "flex link", but it sounds like either a chain for top link is needed, OR that bolt that prevents 360 degree rotation of the flex link is in the wrong place. But whatever the cause and cure; tractors on 2 wheels is just too much excitement for an old man like me./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

 

[Von]

Paul,
Now you know why I stated to just use a chain. I am cutting nothing but steep slopes and would not do it any other way. I did try it with a screw type top link for about 10 min. and went right to the chain and saved myself a lot of aggravation. It will make a big difference when the tractor is on the level and the cutter is on the upper slope. You might want to do away with the rotating top link on your cutter and just use the pin in its place.

Von

 

[W5FL]

No top link and a chain are almost the same thing, because if you get the chain loose enough to not come into play, then you can't lift the mower anyways.

I have a hydraulic top link that coupled with the adjustable top link on the 260 Bush Hog gives me all the play I need for my place. I have some pretty steep slopes, but I have never even considered mowing a 60% slope (30 degrees). My tank dam is as steep as I plan to put a tractor on and I have no problems with the mower on it.

 

[_RaT_]

Paul, I remember this post from a while back, without having read any of the other posts, I do believe I have a wonderful solution for you. March right down to your drug store and buy a carton of Depends, the solution for incontinence. (Maybe the Kubota store has some Depends with the Kubota logo on them) This way, when the situation arises again, its a simple matter of tossing them in the trash. Another bounus would be the ability to continue your tractor operations without a bathroom break. I hope this helps, let us know, Rat...

 

[PaulB]

So now I have Von, who obviously has tons of experience and I trust, telling me TO use a chain in place of my toplink, and Wen, who obviously has tons of experience and I trust, telling me to NOT use a chain for my toplink. What is a newbie to do???

 

[W5FL]

Paul, I only said when you use a chain, it is the same as using nothing for the top link. You are simply towing a one wheel trailer with your 3 point. Tow behind mowers are made this way except they have side wheels and fasten to the draw bar. Take it out and try it without a top link. Always make a list of what could go wrong and what you do then:

1) The mower tilts so far that the driveshaft gets in a bind going from level to downhill. (can check by slowly backing up to bottom of bank) If you can't pass this test, then don't do it.
2) The mower tilts so far that the driveshaft gets in a bind going from downhill to level.
3) 3 point will tilt mower (be sure level and don't push all the way down into float position)
4) Mower should not be heavy with respect to tractor weight to avoid jack knife. (probably not a problem - but be cautious)
5) You could hang the front edge of the mower and cause the mower to pitch up and hit the tractor or bend the driveshaft. (a top link resists this, but a chain wouldn't help - but it is not likely. This is not possible on some mowers because the 3 point lower links hit the mower brackets.

Just for information, how heavy is the mower and how heavy is the tractor and loader if you have one on it.


p.s. When I get my goats, I have a few questions, too. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif