Newbie PTO and Brush Cutter operation

[DenmanBC]

Other things for a new operator…

If you are not sure what is on the ground or under the vegetation it would be best to walk the area first to find and mark any obstacles or things you don’t want to mow down. Things like wire or rope will get picked up and wrap around the blades so quickly you won’t have a good day!

Make sure the slip clutch is adjusted correctly or that the shear pin is correct or you can damage the tractor.

Drive the tractor and mower around in an open area first to see how the mower swings around behind the tractor (assuming it is three point mounted). Realize how that large thing behind the tractor can swing out and hit things in tight turns therefore stopping the turning at the front of the tractor. So plan on making large sweeping turns instead of tight turns.

Don’t catch the fence on the tractor or mower by trying to get too close. You can spend a little time trimming or a lot or time repairing fence depending upon your ability to get close! Remember that the mower will swing into the fence if you turn quickly while you are close to the fence so again move away from the fence slowly then start turning.

Super helpful advice. Thank-you!

 

[DenmanBC]

Thanks to all who replied. I have successfully spent 4 hrs brush hogging and advice regarding start up and switch off RPMs was great.

Had a little struggle getting the PTO drive line on cutter attached to tractor PTO shaft. The grooves weren’t lining up perfectly and trying to hold the heavy shaft up and pull collar back and trying to rotate everything was a little tough.

Is there a way to allow the tractor PTO shaft to be rotated manually on the HST L3902? It seems to be rigidly solid with tractor off, and no way I’m touching a PTO with tractor on. Advice? Thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is there a way to allow the tractor PTO shaft to be rotated manually on the HST L3902? It seems to be rigidly solid with tractor off, and no way I’m touching a PTO with tractor on. Advice? Thanks

The PTO has a brake on it so no there is no way to make the tractor side spin freely.

 

[Russell King]

Four hopefully helpful comments about you PTO shaft.

1) Make sure both the tractor shaft external and PTO shaft internal splines are clean and have no really sharp edges. Then put some type of lubricant on both. I use grease, others use oils.

2) Use some type or rope/bungee/spring to hold the weight of the PTO shaft up. Can be supported from the mower or the tractor, just has to be out of the area you need to be in. AND remove it after you get everything hooked up.

3) Learn how to disconnect the plastic shield and slide it back out of your way to provide you better access and sight line.

4) Rotate the mower PTO shaft. May need a bar or screwdriver though the yoke to move and stop it???