Rotary Cutter Bush Hog 306 Facelift

[MF243RedTop]

Decided to throw a new set of blades on the mower and thought about how it's been sitting now for at least 10 years with nothing but rust colored primer.
After numerous man-hours of cutting, welding and some fab work, (paid $150 no tail wheel, front looked like a mushroom) I only got around to putting primer on it years ago.
So threw it up on the steel sawhorses and prepped and painted it. CAT yellow and black was on hand for the job. Definitely not a professional paint job, but i think it turned out good with what I was dealing with.

 

[cglaser104]

I like it. Looks industrial built for sure! Nice work!

 

[RickB]

Nice. Keep it maintained, you can't buy a cutter built like that today. A 306 is an all time classic Bush Hog. One of the ones that made the brand.

 

[LD1]

I ran a 306 behind my bota L3400 for years. RickB is right....not many cutters are built like that today. It was an indestructible beast. I did the same thing....cleaned and painted nice. I got it cheap and sold it for 3x or 4x what I paid when I upgraded to a bigger tractor.

Only negative I have to say about the 306 was pretty low blade tip speeds by modern standards

 

[Gordon Gould]

I'm like you - have a hard time getting beyond the primer stage. But a Rust-O-leum overhaul like you did on the 306 makes for a more durable job and looks much better too !!!

gg

 

[MF243RedTop]

Thanks guys!
The pto shaft that came on it is getting fairly worn and turning a bit out of round.
Yes vabration is happening.
I don't use it a whole lot but when I do I might put it through it paces on a couple of property lines
Been looking at a couple of replacement shafts that might fit. The current one is not up for any short term fixes.. I'll need a complete new one.
Been scoping out series 5 and 6 shafts
Am I in the right area for this mower?
Tractor is 52hp...

 

[RickB]

A series 6 metric shaft would be the minimum I would use. Older 306 cutters used a domestic spec shaft and I believe they were 35 series.

 

[MF243RedTop]

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.
First time ever replacing a pto shaft, don't mind spending the $$$
I just didn't want it pretzel it the first time out..

What would y'all recommend?

 

[Professor Marvel]

that looks great. i have a 5' that looks very close to that but can not y id markings. there is a number on the gearbox but i don't know how that helps. same wheel and similar superstructure in the top surface. from looking at your pictures it might be same brand.
also, how in the world does one get the blades off. i tried ir air impact, electric impact and cordless dewalt impact but nothing budged it. heated it with plumbing torch as well.
also i think the comment about blade speed might be relevent to me because it more knocks stuff down than cuts it

 

[MF243RedTop]

also, how in the world does one get the blades off. i tried ir air impact, electric impact and cordless dewalt impact but nothing budged it. heated it with plumbing torch as well.
also i think the comment about blade speed might be relevent to me because it more knocks stuff down than cuts it

Breaking bar with as long as a cheater that's required.
Works everytime for us.
What's left of the ID tag on mine.