How do you keep rotary mower blades from binding?

Kevin_in_VA · Jul 19, 2004

I have an old (manufacturer unknown) 5' rotary mower (aka bush hog) that mows well, but the blades have a tendency to bind up. This doesn't happen when cutting grass, but if I run over anything more than an inch in diameter one of the blades will hang up and the unit becomes un balanced. I end up killing power to the pto, dropping it, lifting it with my boom and sledge hammering the blade free before I can finish mowing.

I'm sure I am not the only one that has this problem, so I am asking for advice from anyone that has found a way to keep this from happening.

Kevin

normde2001 · Jul 19, 2004

You need to investigate, find out what is causing the bind, remove the problem, (burr, weeds, wire, etc.), and lube 'til the blades spin freely, 360 degrees.

markct · Jul 19, 2004

that can be caused by blades that are bent near the piviot hole or it can be from wire etc wrapped around the piviot, but my guess is that your blades are bent.

Laminarman · Jul 19, 2004

I've experienced it twice on my brand new Land Pride 6' brush cutter and I attributed it to running the rpm's too slow (by mistake) while it was lowered to the ground. I have not had the problem again since keeping the engine speed up.

KiotiJohn · Jul 19, 2004

I agree that the blade is most likely bent, and also that wire or other material wrapped close around the pivot can cause the same problem. You need to take the stump jumper and blades off (if you don't see anything obvious) to really investigate. It'll be a job, but you'll find the problem.

Soundguy · Jul 19, 2004

Assuming it is lubed.. I'd go with what the others said... look for foriegn material.. or a metal deformity.

I hit mine once a year with pb blaster.. and so far no stickem's

Soundguy

Kevin_in_VA · Jul 20, 2004

Thanks everyone. I'll live with it until winter, then I'll hoist it up in the barn and check/replace the blades if needed. It does look like a job.

KiotiJohn · Jul 20, 2004

( Thanks everyone. I'll live with it until winter, then I'll hoist it up in the barn and check/replace the blades if needed. It does look like a job. )
BOY, you get out there and at least check to see if you have something wound up in there. No telling what troubles you'll create if you do have something in there and don't get it out. You may be adding wear and tear that is not necessary by leaving something twined around the shaft. Put it on the tractor, and if necessary, adjust the toplink to raise the back of the mower high so you can see what you're doing. Put something under the mower to catch it just in case something untoward happens. It's not all that bad just to check. Make sure you have some good pliers, something to pry with and something to cut with ready in case you have to remove something that's tangled up in there. John

Kevin_in_VA · Jul 21, 2004

OK, OK! But the last time I did that the darn thing fell on me and the missus had to come out and lift it off of me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

KiotiJohn · Jul 21, 2004

( OK, OK! But the last time I did that the darn thing fell on me and the missus had to come out and lift it off of me. )
Uh Huh. That's why I said, "Put something under the mower..." !! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif John