Need tips and warnings about mowing with a rear moount deck

[rkcr]

Howdy. I mounted a 60" three-point finish mower on my small compact today, pausing every 10 minutes to wring my t-shirt out and get a dry sweat band. I hope to try it out tomorrow if this storm stops soon enough.
I've been using mid-mount decks and have no idea what to expect.
This Bush Hog RDTH has four swiveling casters so it seems it can float wherever it pleases, if that's a factor.
So.
Should I really snug up the anti-sway links? They're lose now.
What's the deal on turning -- lift the deck or not, go slow and easy or Hayabusa away?
Can I mow backwards without harming the equipment? Any special tricks?
Since the deck is sixty-some inches wide and the tractor is 48 inches, I guess I'll have to be careful not to hook obstacles with the deck. Are there any tricks for this? (I was thinking about the little spring curb scrapers my mother had on her '51 Chevy but that would be too short.)
Thanks very much for any advice -- this doesn't seem like the ideal activity to jump into without it.
rr

 

[Bird]

I used to have a Bush Hog RDTH60 myself and used it behind a Kubota B2710 which was 54" wide. I tightened the anti-sway links pretty snug. And of course I wanted the mower to be wider than the tractor so I could get closer to buildings, fences, etc. You do have to be careful turning until you get used to the mower because when you turn one direction the mower swings out in the opposite direction. It doesn't take long to learn just how close the tractor can go to obstacles without catching the mower on them. And one of the advantages of the 3-point mower is the fact that you can back it under shrubs, into corners, etc.

 

[roxynoodle]

I agree. Tighten the sway chains or RFMs tend to get caught on a back tire. Yes, you can mow in reverse and get in some places you can't with a small rider. I have only had a 60" RFM for 3 months and you will get used to it really fast. You learn how to look ahead and behind you quickly. I haven't had any accidents with it. I wanted the RFM because I had a pretty good idea I'd wreck a MMM while using my tractor for loader chores. Not enough clearance for one sometimes.

 

[PineRidge]

You'll appreciate the fact that the RFM connects and disconnects in minutes, it's a real plus.

 

[Nuru]

You'll appreciate the fact that the RFM connects and disconnects in minutes, it's a real plus.

Besides being able to cut things out of reach of my MMM, I do like the capability to get it off the tractor pretty quick and without having to get under the tractor.

 

[rkcr]

Thank you all -- I'm encouraged.
Still one thing I need to know -- must I lift the deck on turns?
rr

 

[Bird]

must I lift the deck on turns?

I never did; just left the 3-point lever all the way down and let the mower ride on those 4 casters.

 

[Theowegian]

I mow with a rear finish mower, too. I always leave it on the ground when turning. I only lift it to transport it.
One thing I might mention is that you should watch those latch pins that keep your wheels on. If you mow around bushes, branches can unlatch them and then your wheels can fall off. You'll also loose your spacers. So what I did was, install 1/4" bolts with a nylock nut on each bolt. No more problems. and I turn around less often to see whats going on back there.

 

[accordionman]

SIR,
i have a 60" RFM. i do not lift it on turns. the only
thing that you have to watch out for is how close
you are to a tree, and you might want to turn.
you just have to remember there is a few feet of
implement behind the tractor, and you have to
compensate for this, and yes it will mow when you
are backing up.
good luck with your projects.
accordionman
wlbrown
wright city, mo.

 

[jand38]

I always make a wide turns if possible and mow in such a manner that will let me accomplish wide turns and
since I have bent a wheel shaft backing up I lift my RFM before I back up the B/H is made better than mine but I would watch backing up till you get the hang of it like everything experence will answer a lot of questions.