Mowing Where to connect the mower on the 3Pt

[jonc123]

Good morning...second post about mowing, but hopefully this is quick.

In the manual, it says to connect a mower top link to position 3 on the 3PT. The dealer had it connected to position 1. Does it matter?

Thanks

 

[repete]

Does the mower sit level at the height you want to mow? If it does, start mowing.

 

[i7win7]

Geometry, lower hole allows ground engaging implements to dig lower/better. If you have draft control it is less sensitive.
Everything that connects to the back of your tractor: Three point hitch - YouTube jump to 10 min. mark.

Upper hole - raised implement is more level than lower hole - less strain on pto shaft/u-joints, draft control more sensitive. If using box blade less material collected in box. Spreading won't work in draft mode implement is either raised or lowered.

Draft mode eliminated on most CUT's most of us don't farm for a living.

Another top link vido
where to connect your tractor top link - YouTube

 

[mcfarmall]

I think the hole position that you use with the top link is more of a concern when you are pulling a heavy draft load such as a moldboard plow or disk. Many draft sensors are linked to the top link bracket so the hole position that you select may have an effect on the sensitivity of the draft control mechanism.

Your finish mower is such a light draft load that it really doesn't matter. It will affect the angle of the implement when it is raised. Try each of the holes without changing the length of the top link, raise/lower and watch the angle of the deck relative to the ground at the raised position and you should see a difference.

 

[workinonit]

Obviously the lower hole will raise your implement higher but that's not why they are there. Those are for draft sensitivity. I run mine in the top all the time no matter if I'm using draft or not. No particular reason except it just stays there.

 

[Fallon]

Does the mower sit level at the height you want to mow? If it does, start mowing.

With a rotary cutter, you want the front a little lower than the rear. If its level the blade runs against the grass over the full revolution. If the front is a hair lower only the front touches the uncut grass. Touching all the way around robs a little HP. It makes for ever so slightly less even of a cut, but we are talking about rough cut mowers that shouldn't have the blades sharpened (makes for sharp tire & foot spearing brush stumps).

As others have said, toplink hole selection relates to draft control that isn't relevant to you. It also affects the geometry of how level the mower stays as you lift it. Generally lifting the tail more than the front is good for not dragging on hills. But as a practical matter you wont have any problems no matter what hole you use if you pay attention.

I have a Quick Hitch & hydraulic toplink, no draft control. I have no idea which hole on my machine the toplink is in. I didn't pay attention before getting the hydraulic toplink either.

 

[Tinhack]

Obviously the lower hole will raise your implement higher but that's not why they are there.

What? The lift arms raise the implement. The top link is along for the ride and has no affect on height.

With a rotary cutter, you want the front a little lower than the rear. If its level the blade runs against the grass over the full revolution.

Bummer! I want my cutter contacting all the grass it can. It also cuts uneven if you raise the back--Think ellipses. The grass will be shorter in the center than at the edges.

 

[repete]

With a rotary cutter, you want the front a little lower than the rear. If its level the blade runs against the grass over the full revolution. If the front is a hair lower only the front touches the uncut grass. Touching all the way around robs a little HP. It makes for ever so slightly less even of a cut, but we are talking about rough cut mowers that shouldn't have the blades sharpened (makes for sharp tire & foot spearing brush stumps).

As others have said, toplink hole selection relates to draft control that isn't relevant to you. It also affects the geometry of how level the mower stays as you lift it. Generally lifting the tail more than the front is good for not dragging on hills. But as a practical matter you wont have any problems no matter what hole you use if you pay attention.

I have a Quick Hitch & hydraulic toplink, no draft control. I have no idea which hole on my machine the toplink is in. I didn't pay attention before getting the hydraulic toplink either.

So true on the slight tilt forward. I just got in after mowing 10 of the 20 acres of the hay field for the last time of the year to get the weeds down and that is the way I set it. I use the IH584 as it is a bit of a load on the L2550 and the 584 has the Bostrom seat I pay little attention to the hole that the top link is in for the bush hog as it rides on the tail wheel and the lift arms. The only time the top link is in play is going to and from the field when it is raised.

 

[jonc123]

Thanks for the feedback. I was reading over the manual and there's a chart where they mention the different types of implements and position/draft control configurations. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't setup incorrectly or could cause an issue down the road.

Hydraulic Control Unit Use Reference Chart (in the 3Pt section)
In order to handle the hydraulics properly, the operator must be familiar with the following. Though this information may not
be applicable to all types of implements and soil conditions, it is useful for general conditions.

see attached

 

[newbury]

What? The lift arms raise the implement. The top link is along for the ride and has no affect on height.


Bummer! I want my cutter contacting all the grass it can. It also cuts uneven if you raise the back--Think ellipses. The grass will be shorter in the center than at the edges.

On my cutter, with a slight tip forward, the leading edge cuts all grass at the speed I mow.