Rotary Cutter "Flex wing" rotary cutter question

[Richard]

\"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

Looking at Bush Hog's website, they mention that the "wing flex" on this unit will move from </font><font color="blue" class="small">( 90° up to 22° down )</font>. I understand that the 90° up is in the transport question.

What I'm curious of is, as you are working the unit, will the whole ensamble "flex" a bit to follow the contour of the ground, such that during usage, if the wings need to have "zero" degrees elevation/decline then the next 20 feet, they need to dip to 15 degrees down, will it happen automatically?

Given I noticed the hydraulic ram used to lift the wings up, my guess (fear) is they will go to 22 degrees "down", only if the ram pushes them down, and the same ram will help prevent them from moving up, until it's done hydraulically.

What I'm leading to is scalping. Seems to me, if they will "flex" on a dynamic basis, they will follow the contour of the ground much better. As I live on some rolling hills area... I've been wondering about this and their website (thus far that I've seen) doesn't make this clear.

I talked to a salesman once at end of last summer and he kinda only glossed over my question, saying..."uh.. no problem". Frankly, his answer (glossing) is one reason I didn't pursue the whole situation further.

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

On a flex-wing mower, normally you cut with the two outside wings in "float position" which means they will independently move up/down along the ground. If you are cutting along a stream bank or something you do not want the wing to fall down along the edge, so you can take it out of float and it will stay in the position you want.

You can't really PUSH the wings down -- the hydraulics can only lift them up -- once up, you can let the hydraulics ease them back down, but once they hit the ground, they won't do down any further.

I hope this answers your question -- if not, shoot off another.

 

[JackIL]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

Richard,

On flex-wing (sometimes called "bat-wing) mowers, there are usually 2 wings hinged to the center section. These wings can independently follow the contour. Hydraulics only raise them for transport. While in the working position, the wings are not restrained by the hydraulic cylinders - there are long "slots" in the linkages to allow the movement required.

JackIL

 

[Richard]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

Very cool & thank you. I was HOPING that'd be the answer, but the way it "looked" to me...well... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Richard]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

Come to think of it..I DO have another question.

Since they float, is it reasonable to presume that it will NOT scalp any more than our 5' cutter? (since you have three 5' "independent" sections)

??

Thanks

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

I have never used a 5' cutter, but if you run a flexwing and you scalp something once, it should be the last time, for you will remember next time to nudge the wing up a bit next time.

If I scalp something, it is usually caused by the wheel on the wing falling in a hole. I know know where all my holes are now -- I will scalp the ground only on rare occasions.

 

[Richard]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

Thanks for the info, I feel a bit more comfortable about one now. I was semi-expecting a checkerboard pattern after I finished lol..

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

I doubt you would get a checkerboard pattern. How does this look? Here is my Rhino.

 

[Richard]

Re: \"Flex wing\" rotary cutter question

lol I was just trying to impress you with my cutting (read scalping) abilities moreso than the inferred abilities of machine.

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif