Rotary Cutter Backing rotary cutter

[gino45]

I've just been reading about the pros and cons of tractor size, and why larger is usually better. I've been thinking that I need smaller to better get through my tight tree rows, but the smaller tractors seem to lack some of the features of my Kubota B2710.

On the B2710, I have a 5' Land Pride cutter. Works great and will handle whatever I can get under it; however, I need to make some tight turns in my mowing. Problem is that I need to reverse to make these turns, and the single tail wheel has a hard time turning around. The wheel also drags across and tears up the ground. I did read a comment somewhere that 'bad things happen' when backing up with a rotary cutter. What I'm wondering is: Is there another heavy duty mower that can back up without these problems? Or can a modification be done to the tail wheel which will enable smooth backups? Thanks for any advice!

 

[beenthere]

If the tail wheel assembly isn't bent, then it should 'caster' without any problem.

If still a problem, then just raise the deck off the wheel when backing up to make the turn.

 

[jinman]

Gino, there are two things you can do to improve your tailwheel's response. One is to ensure there is a big flat washer on the wheel spindle, under the hollow tube the spindle is in. The other is to grease that spindle every time you mow. I have had experience with three rotary cutters and they all have trouble with the tail wheel turning if they are not well greased.

 

[Bird]

I've had the same experience as jinman, plus one time when I noticed the tail wheel didn't turn correctly, I found that my son-in-law had used it and broke a weld so the wheel wasn't standing up properly.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I can't add much to the good advice you've already received but one thing I will mention. I hire a "professional" to cut my pasture once a year because he will go into places I won't venture on my little B2400. I noticed that when he cuts, he always lifts the deck when making a sharp turn at the end of a row or when reversing. When I asked him about it, he said it saves a whole lot of wear and tear on the equipment and the pasture. Might be something to think about.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've had the same experience as jinman, plus one time when I noticed the tail wheel didn't turn correctly, I found that my son-in-law had used it and broke a weld so the wheel wasn't standing up properly. )</font>

So... I see we have son-in-laws cut from the same cloth. Well, let me re-think that one. My son-in-law, 1st, wouldn't be doing ANY KIND of work, let alone working hard enough to break something. 2nd, IF he did break something, he wouldn't have even welded it. He would have just parked it and denied using it in the first place.

Did I tell you he is my FAVORITE son-in-law? (By default, being the ONLY son-in-law)(And even then, just BARELY the favorite) /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[gino45]

Thanks for the tips! I guess the top link hydraulic setup which I don't have might be a worthwhle investment. Wheel used to spin easier. Meanwhile, I'll try the grease.