Help with Sitrex SM180 finish mower

[UpNorthWi]

I'm hoping someone can help with this problem.

I have a Mahindra 3015 and a 6' Sitrex finish mower, about a year old now and everything works good.

I bought a Speeco Quick Hitch for it and now have 2 problems. The first is it seems to scalp a lot now and the other is a poor cut. The mower has 3 blades and seems to leave a small row of grass between the blades... so as you look back you can see where each blade has cut with a row of grass between each.

I thought maybe the blades might be in pretty rough shape after I cut the fields, and replaced with a new set but same problem. I'm pretty sure it started when I put the Quick Hitch on.

Looking through the manual for the Sitrex, it says to "adjust the tie rods so that lateral oscillation of the mower is limited:, it is advisable to maintain a lateral oscillation of about 2 inches"

With the Quick Hitch installed, there is no side to side movement and the tie rods are tight. I'm not sure if that's the right way to do it since I'm new at this and there is no instructions. Also, with my 3015, with the Quick Hitch on I only have about 1/2 inch clearance between the tie rod and the tire on each side.

My question is, do I need that side to side play for a clean cut or is something else wrong?

I'm tempted to take the QH off to see if it will cut clean again.

Thanks for any help,
Tony

 

[huskerfarmer]

Have a sitrex sm180, no quick hitch needed!

 

[UpNorthWi]

You're right, I don't need a QH, but after my heart attack it's a lot easier to switch implements than do all the wrestling and adjusting.

Does your Sitrex have any side to side movement?

 

[huskerfarmer]

Very little, for more info contact John Day Co. They are the Sitrex Distributor in the midwest, thier number is 1-800-767-2273