50+ year old Bush Hog Rotary Cutter help!

[Kmicah40]

Have an old Bush Hog Model 12 rotary cutter that I’m looking for a part I’m unable to find. The gear box is ok but attached to the gear box is a part that supports the shaft and bearing that extends from the gear box and is the mounting bracket that holds the 2 cutter blades. I’ve been searching for a replacement or part number for this part without any luck. This bracket looks to be 10-12” long. I’ve included pictures showing the location and the part as it is still mounted to the bush hog. Any help to better identify and where I might get replacement parts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Larry H.

 

[TractorTech]

I don't see that part on the parts diagram, nor that style gearbox. Nevertheless, I think it could be fabbed by a competent machine shop/welder as it looks like a flat clamp that holds the gearbox steady on the deck.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

If it is an actual Bush Hog brand of rotary cutter you could give Bush Hog a call but I doubt they will support a rotary cutter that is 5 decades old. Still, it might be a starting point.

You might look around for a salvage unit to put together one functional unit but that might be like looking for a unicorn.

Maybe a machine shop/welding shop could fabricate a replacement or repair the existing part. I can't see the problem with the part in the photos but it may be repairable.

Good luck.

 

[sandman2234]

I am not sure just what part you are looking for. I might need to go out to my pile of rotary cutters and see what part you are describing.
What width is that cutter? I think I have that style in 5 or 6 footers, and maybe one 7 footer.
I purchased a "lot" of rotary cutters at an auction many years ago, in order to get a couple that were close to being restorable. The rest are in a pile on the back of my property slowly going back to nature!
David from jax

 

[Kmicah40]

I am not sure just what part you are looking for. I might need to go out to my pile of rotary cutters and see what part you are describing.
What width is that cutter? I think I have that style in 5 or 6 footers, and maybe one 7 footer.
I purchased a "lot" of rotary cutters at an auction many years ago, in order to get a couple that were close to being restorable. The rest are in a pile on the back of my property slowly going back to nature!
David from jax

The part I need is the one shown in this photo. The part is bolted to the bottom of the gear box and has the long shaft that has the connection to the pan that the cutting blades are attached to.

 

[Kmicah40]

The part I need is the one shown in this photo. The part is bolted to the bottom of the gear box and has the long shaft that has the connection to the pan that the cutting blades are attached to.

It’s a 6’ model and dates back to the 70’s. It was my dads and I’ve had it for the last 30 years. It’s a very heavy duty rotary cutter.

 

[Cycledude]

I don’t understand why you are wanting to replace that part, is there something wrong with it that I haven’t noticed ?

 

[Kmicah40]

I don’t understand why you are wanting to replace that part, is there something wrong with it that I haven’t noticed ?

2 of the bolts that clamps through the flange and secures to the gear box came lose and bolts on opposite side broke the flange and when that happened the part was no longer clamped. I guess if unable to find this part I might be able to get it repaired by some good welder.

 

[Tinhack]

The blade carrier has probably been on that shaft for 50 years as well. Good luck getting that off. And even more luck finding that gear box extension. It's most likely not sold by itself--You'd have to buy the whole gear box. If you're set on keeping the cutter for sentimental reasons, I'd look into replacing the gear box with a more modern and conventional style. Or a new cutter.

Edit: Oh yeah, even if you have it welded, it's got to come off. Again, good luck.

 

[TractorTech]

I don't see the damage on the extension with all your pictures. Is it cracked?

The part I need is the one shown in this photo. The part is bolted to the bottom of the gear box and has the long shaft that has the connection to the pan that the cutting blades are attached to.

 

[sixdogs]

The blade carrier has probably been on that shaft for 50 years as well. Good luck getting that off. And even more luck finding that gear box extension. It's most likely not sold by itself--You'd have to buy the whole gear box. If you're set on keeping the cutter for sentimental reasons, I'd look into replacing the gear box with a more modern and conventional style. Or a new cutter.

Edit: Oh yeah, even if you have it welded, it's got to come off. Again, good luck.

I don't know how wide your mower is or how important it is to keep it, but those older brand name mowers can be a money pit of proprietary parts.

You could probably buy an older short line mower that's beat up for a decent price and while it may need parts they are widely available off the shelf.

 

[ludivine21]

Hi, Larry, here’s a more straightforward approach for finding that part for your Bush Hog. Since it’s an older model, reaching out directly to Bush Hog might help as they can offer guidance or point you towards a compatible part. Another good option could be to get the part custom-made. A local machine shop or a welder could use the old part as a template to create a new one for you. This might ensure that the fit and functionality are exactly what you need. Good luck with your search!

 

[Tinhack]

Another good option could be to get the part custom-made. A local machine shop or a welder could use the old part as a template to create a new one for you. This might ensure that the fit and functionality are exactly what you need.

Why of course. I can make that part in my shop for $6,358.00 plus shipping.

 

[RayIN]

Were it my Bush Hog, I'd consider myself lucky it lasted this long. Sell it to a used implement salvage yard for what I was offered. Then shop for a good used rotary mower.
I have several implements that are 50 years old that dad left me. They owe me nothing, and sentiment can't buy parts IF used ones can be found. Cast iron can be braised by someone that knows how, but your ears are missing.
One good place to shop is municipal government auctions.