2305 with LX4

lrwagner · Apr 27, 2006

I ran a Terrapro with a Woods RC-42 rotary cutter over this property until it just wore out, so I purchased a 2305 with an LX4 to replace it. However, after following the set-up procedure, the front end of the mower wants to dig in whenever the front wheels start to climb. I have the hitch pins in the lower position. The step after lowering the mower with the wheel in the highest position and adjusting the center link to get the front 1" lower than the rear is to lower the rear wheel and install the bolt in the closest aligning hole, but I already have the weight of the mower on the rear wheel.

Any suggestions on setting this thing up to follow the terrain?
This is in Hawaii and the lava sure is hard on the blades when the mower digs in.

Thanks.

RalphVa · Apr 28, 2006

When adjusting the rear wheel after setting the front, at the height you want it to run is to raise the rear of the LX4 with a jack to where it's about an inch higher than the front. Then adjust your top link so the bolt inside the slide mechanism behind the top link is in the middle. Then set the bolt holding the trail wheel to where the wheel is just touching the ground.

You may have to readjust the top link after letting the jack down, to where the bolt is in the middle of the slide mechanism.

The LX4 will still tend to run on its skids when either the front wheels go up or the rear wheels drop into a hole.

Ralph

lrwagner · Apr 28, 2006

Thanks for that Ralph. I've been experimenting with the rear wheel location and I think you're right: the mower is going to be on the skids when the wheels go up. I guess it will get better as I put a few more hours on the machine. Just have to be fast on the handle some times.

Lawrence

RalphVa · Apr 29, 2006

I've often thought about mounting this castor wheel, that's on my Gravely cart that I no longer use, on one side of the front of the LX4.

See attachment.

Ralph

lrwagner · Apr 30, 2006

Hi again Ralph,

I was going back through old posts because I remember seeing one that mentioned using a piece of chain for the top link. Turns out it was your post! Can you send a picture of that?

I was also looking at the Woods mower because I didn't have the same problem. It has a two point hitch and PTO; I guess the PTO shaft took up the tilting issue.

Still experimenting with wheel position, but without satisfactory results.

Regards,
Larry

RalphVa · Apr 30, 2006

Here it is with the chain. I found some snap links at TSC that I use at the ends of the chain or one at end and the other at the link in the chain that gives me the length I want. One end of the snap link is just the right size for the top link pin to go through it and fit nicely. I can actually have both the top link (with end on the LX4 attached and flopped back) and the chain in place for quick changeout. Right now, I'm using the top link with the chain to the side on the pin at the top link end of the LX4.

The chain allows the LX4 to follow very severe changes in terrain but does have 2 disadvantages: 1) can't raise and then lower onto some brush; 2) usually you want the chain to not allow it to drop down a very steep slope, like a creek back, but the chain then keeps you FROM dropping it to mow a little bit lower just below the top of the bank. The LX4 will not raise very high on my 4010 with the trail wheel properly adjusted though. So, the #1 disadvantage isn't that severe.

A severe change in terrain, like a big dip, can cause both rear wheels to go off the ground or possibly bend the links if using the solid top link.

The LX4 properly adjusted does allow quite a lot of movement of the "hog". The chain allows a bit more though.

Ralph