Using both the MMM & Rotary Cutter

[CRaymond]

My dealer told me that when operating a rear PTO implement I need to detach the MMM drive shaft. Therefore, I cannot use a rotary cutter and then switch to the MMM easily. Is this true? I can’t find a reference to this in either of the owner’s manuals.

 

[Tom_H]

Depends on the tractor model. What tractor do you have? It would be helpful if you fill out your bio.

 

[CRaymond]

Thanks Tom, I updated my bio.

I have the B7610 and was surprised when I was told that the 60" MMM needed to be disconnected when using a rotary cutter. I thought that the PTO lever would engaged either the rear (540) or the under (2500) PTO.

- Craig

 

[caylor]

I do not know how the B7610 PTO works, but it works like this on my L3130:

Mid PTO operation: 1) Engage Mid-PTO Lever, 2) Engage Rear PTO Lever 3) Use Mid PTO Implement. While using the mid-pto, the rear PTO shaft is turning (I think).

Rear PTO Operation: 1) Engage Rear PTO Lever 2) Use Rear PTO Implement. Mid PTO does not turn during rear operation if lever is not engaged.

When the Rear PTO is lever is engaged, I cannot engage the Mid PTO, I must engage the Mid PTO then the Rear PTO to use the MMM.

I think you could run the RC with the MMM connected, but I don't think you can run the MMM with the RC connected as the rear shaft would spin the RC.

 

[ronjhall]

On my B2910 I can run either or both PTO's. One does not need the other to operate. But since the 3PH raises both MMM and RC. I have never had both on tractor at same time.

 

[caylor]

Excellent point Ron, I did not even think of the 3PH level

 

[CRaymond]

Thanks for the prompt responses.

Here’s a little background: when I first used the rotary cutter I experienced heavy gear grinding when disengaging the rear PTO (540); specifically, I could not put the PTO gearshift lever in neutral and then release the clutch. Only after letting the rotary cutter come to a complete stop could I release the clutch (w/the gearshift lever in neutral).

My dealer told me that I needed to disconnect the MMM. I’ve since been told by a farmer that I should be able to use the RC while the MMM is connected. He suspects that that there may be a transmission issue.

I’m posting here looking for some clarity before going back to the dealer. Here are my specific questions:

1) Does anyone here use the rear PTO (any implement) without disconnecting the MMM (on a 7610)?
2) Even with the MMM disconnected I still experience some gear grinding. When using the Rotary Cutter, I can’t disengage the RC and then being mowing again unless the rotary blade first comes to an absolute complete stop. Does this sound normal?

 

[B2400]

I have run a post hole digger from the rear pto while MMM was attached with no issues on my B2400,which is essentially the same tractor. As was stated previously, the main conflict is the raising and lowering of the implements as both are operated from the same source. When ever disengaging pto implements, it's best to idle the tractor down and then disengage clutch before shifting out of gear. I even go as far as letting my MMM come to a complete stop after clutching before taking pto out of gear. This seems to make it easier to reengage the pto the next time.

 

[Tom_H]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( On my B2910 I can run either or both PTO's. One does not need the other to operate. But since the 3PH raises both MMM and RC. I have never had both on tractor at same time. )</font>

Ron: I think BX is same. The hydraulic lift lifts the 3ph and the belly lift arms at the same time. When lowering, however, if I set the knob at "Top", the MMM will only go down a little bit, and I'm almost sure that the 3ph will still go down all the way. I can set the PTO lever to mid, rear, or both. So, both PTOs can be engaged simultaneously (of course the hp would be reduced to each). I know I could run the brush hog with the MMM attached and its PTO shaft coupled, yet not engaged. The only thing I'm not totally sure of is whether I can fully lower the brush hog if I have the MMM knob set to "Top" (but I think it can be).

 

[Junkman]

When the MMM is locked in the "Top" position, this mechanically locks the MMM in the up position allowing the three point hitch arms to move freely. I don't use the word "independently" since the mechanism that lowers the MMM is still in play, however with the arms locked the MMM can not lower. Junk..