brush hog conversion kit

[washita]

when I purchased the 48" brush hog I also purchased the conversion kit does anyone have experience with this ? pros-cons worth the effort to convert over?

 

[MossRoad]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does it convert?

 

[KentT]

MR, I think this is the kit that converts it to a disc-type finish mower...

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Whats a disc type finish mower???

 

[SnowRidge]

I didn't know disc mowers were used for finish work. A lot people use them to cut hay. The two tasks don't seem compatible.

 

[KentT]

I recall someone posting in the last year or so about a kit that tries to convert the rough cut into a finish mower. I though it used a large center disc, and short stubby blades (four maybe?) instead of the smaller, heavy duty stump-jumper with longer heavy-duty brush cutter blades...

I don't think it was a total Senior Moment -- I think it was something like that...

 

[washita]

yes, large center disk with short stubby blades, lost the blades and retaining bolts when i moved that is why I was trying to decide to use it or make something out of the large disk

 

[SnowRidge]

yes, large center disk with short stubby blades, lost the blades and retaining bolts when i moved that is why I was trying to decide to use it or make something out of the large disk

Here is something similar.

It's made by these folks.

 

[washita]

looked at the website, hate to ask but is it towed or pushed? unfortunately does not look pedestrian friendly but probably very effective, reminds of a 2 wheeled string weedeater I had, put a 18" disk on it with 2 short blades,another disk was used as a guard (destroyed a rabbit fence,several rose bushes,etc.etc.) stopped using it after I hit/split a rock and one of the stubby blades came zipping out from under the machine at about mach 1 velocity IE; before I purchased the 425, I dismantled it before I hurt myself or someone else, but it was a learning experience

 

[washita]

senior moment took off brush cutter blades to sharpen and decided to put the disk on found all six blades etc etc was looking for a local supplier for the brush hog blades no luck yet had to replace several bolts in the stump jumper though and still trying to find 7/16'' bud lugs to no avail but tomorrows another day maybe I will put studs in it and standard lug nuts on it actually I wonder why it has bud lugs on it is it to keep the stump jumper centered lack of better fastener

 

[J_J]

OK, what is a bud lug. I have never used the words. I know about bolts, studs, lug nuts. Is it just a special lug nut? Are you talking about shoulder bolts?

 

[Rivco]

Might be another name for Plow Bolts

 

[KentT]

I assume he's talking about a lug bolt, as opposed to a lug nut. A lug nut goes on a stud, a lug bolt goes into a threaded hole...

lug bolts - Google Image Search

VWs and many other foreign cars use lug bolts instead of lug nuts. My Simplicity and Allis-Chalmers also use lug bolts instead of lug nuts...

 

[J_J]

Since he is talking about blades that swing, then it probably is a shoulder bolt like on a bush hog or an idler pulley arm that has to move. I have bud wheels on my Ford 350 truck, but I don't call them bud lugs. If the nuts go on wheels, I call them lug nuts.

 

[washita]

bud lugs-wheel bolts-lug bolts/ ken t is right same bolt that holds on the wheels -stump grinder blade-stump jumper on brush hog, hope you never destroy the head on one I still have not found a local supplier ( checked with 2 fastener suppliers locally) and the usually automotive stores-agriculture-and tire store j j the stubby blades are not free swinging solid mount 2 bolts per blade, spent around 2 hours mowing today works great in the pasture field not good around the house though leaves to much chicken grass

 

[Red Zebra]

Twas me that bought the disc kit. As described above: a large disc with 6 smaller rigid blades do the cutting. I use it to cut thick grass/hay and as a finish mower. The "finish" will not win you awards in the neighborhood-best-lawn contest but gets the job done when I don't feel like dragging out the reel mower for the "nice" grass around the house.

Two 3/8" bolts hold each blade to the disc. I put grade 8 in the rear hole
and crap grade in the front hole. On the occaision I hit a rock, the light grade bolt sheers off. I replace and keep on cutting.

I have not had the need to switch back to the brush blades. We only have about 4 acres that are mowed...we keep 1.5 cut on a regular basis and cut the remaining amount twice per year. There's no heavy brush. Works fine.

Warning! The disc kit turns so smoothly there is virtually no vibration...when you shut down, and still have ear muffs on, you can't hear it turning. It takes about 45sec for the disc to stop turning. Look for stopped blades before checking for sheered bolts!!!

 

[RegL]

Zebra,
Do you think the disc mower cuts hey and weeds better than the brush blades? Is it worth the money in your opinion?

 

[Red Zebra]

Zebra,
Do you think the disc mower cuts hey and weeds better than the brush blades? Is it worth the money in your opinion?

It cuts "thick" grass better. I guess because of the smaller blades (about 6" long) are whirling around at fantastagorical speeds.

Was it worth it?....I have not thought it as a waste of money. Yes, I would purchase again. Keep in mind it is truly something between a brush cutter and finish mower. It can do both jobs but not at extremes. I wouldn't brush cut woody material thicker than .5 or .75 inch. I'm saying that "just because" I don't know the upper limit of that thing! And don't want to find out!

I'll likely cut with it this weekend and post some pics of a few passes.
(OK, I'll try!)

Jim

 

[TRUKFXR]

I have the conversion kit too. Works good in heavy grass areas, but if you hit any
obstruction (rock, stump, etc) I can guarantee you will break some bolts. So far that is the only damage I have suffered. I did lose one blade the last time I mowed, but there again it was because I hit a hidden tree stump. The blades are the same ones they use on the 60'' finish mower, but cut it half and mounted with two bolts. I like it better for the grass areas, and easily change back to the two blades when I want to do some real damage.
You can get replacement blades at Mowerpart.com part # 90-125 for abour $7.00 each
plus shipping.

 

[Red Zebra]

Here are a few pics of some before and after shots...