Rotary Cutter Twin Spindle Rotary Cutter?

PSDStu · Apr 4, 2009

A couple of weeks ago I got a chance to use my new 8ft Woods Twin Spindle cutter.

One of the things I noticed was that the cutter seems to vibrate more then any of the 4,5, or 6ft single spindle cutters that I have used before.

The blades seem fine, not hung up, installed correctly, and the crossbar timing is correct.

Just wondering if this was normal for a twin spindle cutter, to vibrate, more at 540 rpms then a single spindle cutter?

Stu

firemen122 · Apr 4, 2009

It will vibrate a little more, but if it is real noticable I would check the blade weights. If it is new I would not accept excessive vibration. It transfers to your tractor and is undue wear and tear...

Soundguy · Apr 5, 2009

Double check that the blades are extended straight on each blade carrier, and blades are all similar size.

post back.

soundguy

GE222 · Apr 5, 2009

I have used both single and triple spindle cutters, and I did not notice any extra vibration.

As indicated in the previous post, I would check the unit out completely.

PSDStu · Apr 6, 2009

After taking another look at everything I did notice that the Crossbar's did not appear to be timed correctly. Woods manual says they should be 90deg +/- 15deg. Based on my measurements it looks more like 30deg.

Looks like I will call the dealer where I bought the cutter from and have them see about fixing this.

Not sure how this made it past the QA folks?

Stu

GATC35 · Apr 6, 2009

Two years ago I upgraded from a 7 ft Rhino SE-7 single spindle cutter to a 8 ft. Kodiak dual spindle cutter. I picked the cutter up at the dealer and head straight to do 10 acres for a customer. At first the dual spindle seemed to be noisier and vibrated more. After that first job I took it home tightened everything up and lubed everything really well. Also made sure all the blades moved freely. Now I don't notice it being noisier or vibrating more. I don't know If the tightening and lubing helped, or I'm just getting acustomed to the noise. It does seem to have more driveline noise due to the three gearboxes vs. one.

How do you like the 5040? Does it have enough HP to handle the 8 ft cutter in thick heavy grass? I have a M5400 with 650 hours on it. It's a good tractor but I would really like something with adjustable steering wheel, and a better seat. Also a cab would be "sweet" for those good ole summer days in Georgia when the temperature is in the mid 90's with 80% humidity.

PSDStu · Apr 6, 2009

GATC35 said:
Two years ago I upgraded from a 7 ft Rhino SE-7 single spindle cutter to a 8 ft. Kodiak dual spindle cutter. I picked the cutter up at the dealer and head straight to do 10 acres for a customer. At first the dual spindle seemed to be noisier and vibrated more. After that first job I took it home tightened everything up and lubed everything really well. Also made sure all the blades moved freely. Now I don't notice it being noisier or vibrating more. I don't know If the tightening and lubing helped, or I'm just getting acustomed to the noise. It does seem to have more driveline noise due to the three gearboxes vs. one.

How do you like the 5040? Does it have enough HP to handle the 8 ft cutter in thick heavy grass? I have a M5400 with 650 hours on it. It's a good tractor but I would really like something with adjustable steering wheel, and a better seat. Also a cab would be "sweet" for those good ole summer days in Georgia when the temperature is in the mid 90's with 80% humidity.

It does vibrate more then any of the single spindle cutters that I have used before..... it's not like it's falling apart or anything and maybe just the way it works with the 3 gearboxes..etc..etc..

I am going to at least have the dealer get the timing of the blades set closer to 90deg like they should be and see what that does.

I really like my M5040 Cab! The steering wheel is sweet, as well as the Air Ride seat, and it's very quiet inside! It doesn't seem to have a problem yet with what I have cut with my 8ft cutter......but.....we will see what happens come June/July/Aug when the Bahia gets really going....not sure if I will still be able to take a full 8ft bite.....or have to slow down....

The bottom line for me on buying the cab M5040 is that at 53yo it will most likely be the last tractor I purchase and I was pretty much over the Heat, Dust, and Yellowjackets every summer!!

I still have my B7510 which I also use for alot of things....but the field/pasture mowing is done with the M5040!

Stu

Soundguy · Apr 6, 2009

how many hp she got?

soundguy

GATC35 · Apr 6, 2009

Engine 50.5
PTO 45

Dead Horse · Apr 6, 2009

I have an 11 foot wide JD twin spindle. Get the blades sycronized and you sould be ok. Check your gear boxes for gear oil. Be careful about letting the disks bottom out on the ground, as you can cause a spindle to shear off.

Having rebuilt both spindle gear boxes on my JD, i can tell you it is a real pain in the tail.