Woods Brush Bull

[Johno Geo]

I am mowing 10A of heavy brush with a NH-4060 and a BB720 Woods Brush Bull.
The mower grinds the dense brush to mulch but I do have one problem.
The 7" cap screw that holds the mower together (Located just under the top link connection to the mower) likes to shear!
I use the mower for counter weight, when using the FEL.
I drive gentle but the trailing wheel does hit the dirt road on occation, with a Boom!
The dealer replaced the bolt, but the bolt is in "double Shear" and I cannot imagine why it would fail....
Any Ideas ?

Johno Geo

 

[djradz]

A brush bull is really long. Doesn't seem like the best counterweight to me as there's not only a lot of force down, but side to side as well every time you move while working the FEL. You might try shortening the top link at the tractor, at least that would stop the "boom"-ing! However, if you are breaking that bolt you are not doing the rest of the deck and frame any favors either along the way.

 

[Johno Geo]

Thank you for the reply.
I have the top link as short as it goes.
The bolt only sheared once, but I was alarmed it would do that on such a stout piece of equipment.
In retrospect, I agree, the 7ft-8ft long Brush Bull is not the ideal counterweight.
Thanks again for the input.

Johno

 

[beppington]

Maybe use a higher setting for the lower 3ph arms.

Also, you could use a chain to hold the tail wheel up in its highest position. Lift it by hand & then chain it in place up as high as possible.

Still might hit sometimes, though.

 

[djradz]

Thank you for the reply.
I have the top link as short as it goes.
The bolt only sheared once, but I was alarmed it would do that on such a stout piece of equipment.
In retrospect, I agree, the 7ft-8ft long Brush Bull is not the ideal counterweight.
Thanks again for the input.

Johno

Top links are relatively cheap at the tractor supply stores. Although adjustable, there is typically a couple of different lengths. Maybe a shorter one could be found.

 

[Johno Geo]

Thank you for the feed back!
I am thinking that the Brush Bull is probably not best counter weight. I will look into the shorter top link...

btw.... I am glad I have the NH,,,, Deere (4720) did not look as stout (3pt) and the FEL looked a lot less substantial in the "Z" plane (side to side).
Just my opinion....

Johno Geo

 

[dave1949]

That bolt sheared on my 72" brush bull after 5 years of pretty hard use. I think it is undersized for the weight it has to carry actually. It is the smallest diameter bolt/pin in the whole 3pt linkage. I replaced it with a grade 8 bolt from TSC.
Dave.

 

[Johno Geo]

Mine sheared after 3 months of tough duty.
Thanks for the advise. The existing is a 5/8NCx7" Grade 5.
I'll try the grade 8.

 

[dave1949]

Mine sheared after 3 months of tough duty.
Thanks for the advise. The existing is a 5/8NCx7" Grade 5.
I'll try the grade 8.

I can't think why trying a harder bolt would hurt anything. I should clarify; my mower is 5 years old and gets used about 5-6 days per year. They are very hard days for the mower though dodging trees, stumps and rocks on my rough trails. Actually, I am surprised it still is in mostly one piece. My tail wheel is on the ground 99% of the time, so that takes the load off that bolt quite a bit.
Dave.