rotary mower

[1aberg1]

I have a bx1800 and just purchased a rotary mower, when I engage it the tractors makes a loud bang and almost wants to stall out, what am I doing wrong?? thanks al 1aberg1@verizon.net

 

[Wolfy]

From sitting, the deck pulleys often freeze up. You may have to remove the belt gaurd, then turn all the pulleys by hand until it frees up. I found this out when I bought a mower which had sat for 10 years.

 

[George2615]

Don't know at what RPM you engage but I always engage a PTO rotary mower (or any PTO implement) at a slow RPM to get it spinning. I let the clutch up slowly since the blades on mine pivot on pins and take a minute to get fully extended by centrifugal force. Once they are spinning then bring up the RPM to mowing speed.

 

[Runner]

Are you talking about a rotary cutter (brush hog) or a finish mower?

At least on my tractor, there is always a fairly violent reaction when engaging the PTO for the rotary cutter, simply because of the type of actions that are happening: it is the process of starting a very heavy set of multi-piece, long, mower blades spinning. And, there is a sort of "bang", along with a shaking of the whole tractor, when it first starts.

So, depending on what kind of mower you have, this may be normal. I know it always gives me pause when I hear mine starting.

If it's a rotary cutter, does it continue to make noise when it's running, or does it smooth out?

On mine, I try to start it spinning at low rpm, say around 1500, and then bump it up to PTO speed, about 2600, once it's turning.

In contrast, when I start my 72 inch rear finish mower, there is very little noise or vibration.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have a bx1800 and just purchased a rotary mower, when I engage it the tractors makes a loud bang and almost wants to stall out, what am I doing wrong?? thanks al 1aberg1@verizon.net

Actually, probably nothing...
If you mean rotary cutter (a field or rough cut mower), there are two heavy blades that pivot.
That "bang" you hear is the blades extending. Normal, but startling when you first hear it.
You're probably feeling a moderately severe vibration too.
As George2615 wrote, engage your PTO at a low RPM. The tractor may stall, so keep your foot or hand near the throttle to give it a bit more fuel.
Once the PTO is engaged and the tractor is running steady (at a reduced RPM), give it 15-20 seconds for those blades to extend. You may still hear the "bang", but it won't be as severe. Then increase RPM to the PTO speed.
If the vibration persists, you may have a blade jammed (cutter not balanced). Disengage the PTO and investigate.

As written, this applies to a rotary cutter, not a finishing mower. If this is a finishing mower making that noise, there's a belt, blade or pulley screwing up. Don't operate the mower until you determine what's going on...

 

[gwdixon]

If it is a Bush Hog type rear mower then that is normal for a BX1800. It does the same thing with my BX2200 and it also does it with a chipper - pretty much anything with a high PTO starting load. It will even do it with a tiller - just not as violently.

One thing you may try is to "ease in" the PTO lever at moderate RPM rather than engage it fully and instantly. It tends to smooth out the engagement and lets the implement get up to speed.

 

[638]

The bang you are hearing is from the center hub of the mower out runnig the tip end of the blades. That is normal. It will also vibrate some as the blades swing out into position (one may swing out before the other).

 

[daveinnh]

I would concur w/ Runner - expect a somewhat loud noise & movement when starting rotary mower.

 

[whistlepig]

Rotary cutters require a "soft start". A lot of heavy stuff to get moving. Set the engine at medium RPM and feather the PTO engagement in. Not the same thing as a finish mower.