Chains on Brush Hog, Revisited

Slamfire · Oct 28, 2003

My hog has a 6" section of chains fitted into the straps. I'd be willing to post a photo if you want.

have_blue · Oct 28, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My hog has a 6" section of chains fitted into the straps. I'd be willing to post a photo if you want. )</font>

Thanks for the offers Scott and SlamFire, but I should be OK. The project is very simple, and will be really easy to do providing I can find a couple of small but strong turnbuckles. I guess that's the only easy way to tension the chains a little and compensate for any stretch in the chains.

ScottAR · Oct 28, 2003

Mine doesn't use any turnbuckles. The entire 3pt "tower" pivots on the deck. The chain runs from the top, over the gearbox, to the deck near the tail wheel mount.

The chain is tensioned by adjusting the hitch, deck height, and top link length. You want the chain somewhat taught, but not holding the deck up. Harder to explain than to do. HTH

Bob_Skurka · Oct 28, 2003

ScottAR...your set up sounds like what I used to have on my cutter. No turnbuckles. Just a chain from the top of the A frame to the rear wheel.

normde2001 · Oct 29, 2003

"You want the chain somewhat taught, but not holding the deck up."

Is the chain used in addition to, or instead of, a swiveling (flexible) toplink hookup? The deck needs to be able to drop down in the back as well as rise with the terrain, either by the flex connection or slack in the chain.

have_blue · Oct 29, 2003

<Norm> "The deck needs to be able to drop down in the back as well as rise with the terrain, either by the flex connection or slack in the chain."

Norm,

I wish to duplicate what the steel strap does. Only difference, when the wheel is lifted against the strap and runs out of slack in the top link, it compresses backward and gets an ugly bend. The chain would temporarily go slack, but wouldn't hang down far or be dangerous.

All the strap seems to do is triangulate and hold the hitch frame upright. The chain would do the same thing, I hope. The straps and the chains are the same strength in compression...near zero! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just a thought. My BB72 weighs over 700 pounds, and is quite long back there. I bet those chains will take a pounding. I better choose strong chains and do a good welding job.

ScottAR · Oct 29, 2003

The chain is used instead of the swivel. I didn't explain the taughtness very well so here goes again. At ride height, the chain has some droop but isn't touching anything. This gives enough slack for most bumps and changes in grade.