1860 Vibration Troubleshooting

[PhilHtx]

New 2502 owner here. I used the new brush hog for about three hours last fall and didn't vibrate much at all back then. A recent trial run revealed noticeable vibration. Blade check doesn't reveal any major pitting on either blade and bolts appear fine and allow blades to pivot. PTO shaft is properly attached.

What else should I check? I can remove and balance the blades if necessary but need to get a socket to do the job. Is it a 1 11/16"?

 

[RBsingl]

At times with too low of a PTO engagement speed, even though the blades seem to freely pivot one of them won't swing out resulting in extreme vibration. You don't want to shock load the PTO drive line but if you are engaging at very low engine RPM try bumping it up a bit and then re-engaging the PTO.

Rodger

 

[PhilHtx]

Did some mowing this afternoon and shimmy wasn't as bad, though PTO shaft wobble is more pronounced. Must be nature of the beast.

 

[RBsingl]

How far away is your Kubota dealer? I would either have them look at your setup or you could check another one on their lot to compare to yours but there shouldn't be a lot of vibration once the blades have swung out and it is running at speed.

The original PTO shaft should be keyed so that it isn't possible to install the two halves where the U joints aren't in phase but if it was modified for length or is an aftermarket driveline then make sure the U joints are in phase. Google it and you will find graphics on the web that show proper orientation for each end of the driveshaft to show proper and improper phasing. Also disconnect the U joints and make sure both of them move freely and that the slip section in the middle of the shaft also slides freely.

Not everything runs absolutely smoothly but if there is excessive vibration then something is wrong and get it taken care of it warranty. In addition to the annoyance, excessive vibration is hard on seals and bearings.

Rodger

 

[PhilHtx]

Dealer an hour one way and I currently don't have a trailer to take it there. I think some debris (possibly a rat/mouse nest) was up in that pan which caused the shimmy. They've been stashing acorns between the battery and radiator.

PTO shaft is stock and does shimmy. Will look at that next so thanks for the recommendations.