MX8 cutter snapping stabilizer bars?

[beefeater]

Hi gents,

I am running an MX8 semi-mount cutter on my 4720. I have snapped 3 stabilizer bars on the 3 point hitch in a few short outings. Most recently it happened just cutting some grass in an open, but hilly, field.

The 4720 is rated to pull this beast, but I now wonder if the 3 point hitch is too frail for the task of lugging this thing around the fields. The tractor/motor have no problems pulling/powering the MX8, even up and down fairly steep inclines.

Any ideas/suggestions? Can I find any stronger replacement stabilizer bars from another manufacturer? The Deere models are brittle cast metal. It doesn't bend at all, it just snaps in two. That may be by design?

I run about 3.5 to 4 mph max. Cut height is about 5 inches off the ground. Rear cutter wheels are set all the way down to "float".

 

[AKfish]

Hi gents,

I am running an MX8 semi-mount cutter on my 4720. I have snapped 3 stabilizer bars on the 3 point hitch in a few short outings. Most recently it happened just cutting some grass in an open, but hilly, field.

The 4720 is rated to pull this beast, but I now wonder if the 3 point hitch is too frail for the task of lugging this thing around the fields. The tractor/motor have no problems pulling/powering the MX8, even up and down fairly steep inclines.

Any ideas/suggestions? Can I find any stronger replacement stabilizer bars from another manufacturer? The Deere models are brittle cast metal. It doesn't bend at all, it just snaps in two. That may be by design?

I run about 3.5 to 4 mph max. Cut height is about 5 inches off the ground. Rear cutter wheels are set all the way down to "float".

Replacing those arms is gonna start "adding up"...

The MX8 is a pretty heavy beast! And if I'm not mistaken - the beauty of the semi-mount is to remove quite a bit of that weight off the tractor 3pt.

Seems to me if the rear support wheels are set to float and the 3pt is held to 5 inches or so, that the tractor is shouldering most of the weight.

I'd try to set the wheels in a fixed position (3"-4") and cut a few strips to see if that gives a good cut as well as shifts some of the mower weight off of the 3pt.

AKfish

 

[beefeater]

AKfish,

You may be right, now that I think about what you said. I was running it with the rear wheels down a bit when I first got it for some rear lift, but they tended to dig up the field when I turned. At least the stabilizers didn't snap in half though.

New bars are on order. So it'll have to wait.

 

[Bliz]

I had a 4720 with an MX7 and I had the same thing happen. Mine would bend all the time and finally broke. I traded my 4720 for a 6115D so I never really had a solution. You might try the I bolts with the turn-buckle type stabilizers from one of the larger model tractors. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Do they have a position which is an elongated slot? If so, try it. Are you backing up a bunch? A bunch of old day tractors don't even have stabilizers. It will still follow you fine with the elongated slots. Just a little loosy goosy.

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't have much trouble with my tail wheel on the MX6 and would think the weight on an MX8 with two tail wheels should have less load per tailwheel. You might wan't to check the swivels under load to make sure they turn easily. If they bind at all it would put very high loads on your hitch when you turn. Unless the ground is real soft the tailwheels shouldn't mark too much. Conversely if they are not tracking the turns properly as mentioned above they would mark the ground pretty bad.



Steve

 

[beefeater]

Bliz,

I think the larger, heavier duty turnbuckle style stabilizers would definetly be better, but I don't think they will fit on the smaller 4720 3 point fittings?

Kyle,

They snapped with no backing up at all. This was all relatively slow, easy open hayfield mowing. Fairly steep hills though. The adjustable stabilizer bars do have an elongated slot I could try. The MX8 definetly needs some stabilizing as without them, it is all over the place.

Steve,

Good suggestions. I'll check that out as well.

I really hope I can get this worked out. This is an awesome combo when it is working. Small bushes, trees and hay have no chance, and the cut quality on grass is excellent. I really like the 8 ft cut width as well!

 

[RogerH]

It seems that John Deere changed the 4000 series stabilizer bars from a flat bar to a round bar in the last year. It looks beafier to me. Perhaps your new parts will be this way and will help solve your problem.

 

[beefeater]

Roger,

Thanks for that update. My 4720 was last year's model and does have the old style flat/rectangular gold painted, cast metal, adjustable sway bars.

I will put a call in to my dealer to check on these new ?tougher round ones. No sense getting the old ones, if there are new ones to be had.

Do you have any further info on these new round stabilizer bars? Are they cast metal? Are they heavier duty looking?

Any pics on the net anywhere to check out?

Thanks!

 

[beefeater]

Update,

I just checked this out at JD's new parts catalog for the 4720.

Roger is absolutely correct. There are new round stabilizer bars now available. Part 26B male and 27B female. Apparently, these were new for tractors SN H370035 and up.

Put a call in to my dealer. He was on the ball and had ordered the new set of the round bars. Hopefully, these guys will be up to the task.