Chains instead of a top link for bush hog?

[JWR]

I have run pull type cutters that ride on the 2 rear wheels all day long, year after year. That is all you can do with a pull type, pull it. I get to the end of the field, I just raise the 3pt a bit, turn, lower the 3pt and mow. Why would I need to drive around with the cutter 2 feet in the air if all I'm cutting is prairie grass in a field?

King Kutter 5 Foot Rotary Pull Kutter 4HP P-6-4-P-Y

Some people will pay extra on medium sized hogs to be able to lift it on the 3pt and get it out of the way in many circumstances. Some will not. Every user and buyer is a little different. You just don't feel a need to lift the thing. Even your case is not advocating a lack of ability to lift it, you're just saying you have no need to lift it. Understand.

 

[JWR]

lennyzx11: agree 100%. Me too. I posted picts of my own configuration in post # 128. No great thing, just works best for me.

 

[p0diabl0]

I couldn't imagine not being able to lift my brush hog - have to travel over too much uneven terrain to get places sometimes.

 

[ruffdog]

I couldn't imagine not being able to lift my brush hog - have to travel over too much uneven terrain to get places sometimes.

If I need to lift it or if I mow a unfamiliar area, then I can put the top link in. I just don't see the need in yanking the whole cutter off the ground if it is not needed.

 

[LouNY]

I have run pull type cutters that ride on the 2 rear wheels all day long, year after year. That is all you can do with a pull type, pull it. I get to the end of the field, I just raise the 3pt a bit, turn, lower the 3pt and mow. Why would I need to drive around with the cutter 2 feet in the air if all I'm cutting is prairie grass in a field?

King Kutter 5 Foot Rotary Pull Kutter 4HP P-6-4-P-Y

I am a bit confused are you running a "pull" type brush hog or a "3pt mount" brush hog?
If it is a pull type why are you using your 3 pt lift arms?
Or is it a 3 point that you are using as a 2 point semi mount unit?

 

[JWR]

LouNY, ruffdog is is just saying that he is running the pullbehind hitched to his 3pt such that he can raise the front of the hog when needed (I think, putting words in his mouth.) Since ruffdog posted a link to his KingKutter purchase I'll post this:



I got this for $1000 from my local dealer who took it essentially unused on a trade-in. Notice it has the manufacturers 'loose clevis' providing some flexibility in up-and-down but not like a chain does. This Bush Hog brand unit has a 50hp gearbox. I use it mainly on one of my 24hp Kubota's.

 

[ruffdog]

I'm just running a 3pt kutter (single rear wheel)and not attaching the top link when I don't have to lift it. The picture of the pull type was just to show that some cutters spend there whole life on the rear wheels.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I too run a lot with out the top link hooked, provides a lot more flex between the tractor and cutter, I have a lot of swales and dips to go through. If I’m going to be cutting something where I need to do a lot of raising or lower the cutter I leave the top link attached. I run a quick hitch with a hydraulic toplink and use a toplink adapter instead of the hook.

 

[mcfarmall]

I would recommend a standard top link and then a length of chain from the 3 point hitch "A" frame back to the tail wheel area.

 

[ptsg]

Here is a video I've found from my archives that shows why it's a good advantage to keep the top link and just run chains from the A frame to the rear of the mower. This works much better with a hydraulic top link though. If I had a standard top link, I would still adjusted for this part of the clearing job.

Just be aware that it's very loud and foggy because I had the case on the camera which doesn't work that good.

This is running a brush mower with high strength grade 80 chains instead of blades. I'm running it over rocks and backing up to halfway destroyed walls. You can also get an idea why we don't run the tail wheel on mowers around here.

You'll see me constantly adjusting the top link to lift the rear of the mower when going backwards, and then extending the top link to lower the mower to move forward. The chains from the A frame won't ever get near the PTO shaft.