Inspecting disc mower cutterbar

ChrisNy · Oct 7, 2013

I'm looking at a used 3pt. hitch disc mower and have heard horror stories about the cost of repairs if the cutter bar goes bad. How do I check the condition of the cutterbar/pods without taking it apart? It is a Morra 2260.

waltdavies · Oct 7, 2013

I have an older 12 ft swather the whole cutter bar is worn out the cost is just to much to even try to fix it. The teeth are cheap but the rock guards cost like well you say it. If they are all the same and in fair condition and the cutting edges are clean and sharp then go for it. But make sure it works befor buying.
Walt

Anonymous-0 · Oct 7, 2013

I have worn out two Vicons, the weak link is the drive end. The case that holds the gear bed cracks under the skid plate. You should check the inside area next to the gearbox for leaks or cracks.

cole in mo. · Oct 7, 2013

Visual inspection will tell you somethings, like cracks, leaking oil, feel each cutter head for loose bearings, turn the pto and listen and feel for any binding. Check the oil in the gear box and bar, look for metal particals in the oil. If practical, hook to a tractor and run at rated pto speed, it should run smooth and quiet. If it sounds raspy or has much of a whine, you might want to shop some more.

RodinNS · Oct 8, 2013

I'm not familiar with that machine... but generally... just check to make sure that it turns freely, that the discs are tight and don't wobble... look for blade cuts on the top of the bar that might indicate that it's had bad bearings or bent blades. Look for leaks. Check for busted shoes. Look for rock damage on the discs. Generally if it's got a lot of rock damage it's going to be a nightmare... Number one thing on your list... BUY it CHEAP then if it does blow you're not out a whole lot and you can either fix it or cut your losses.

Rod

Anonymous-0 · Oct 8, 2013

Make sure all the turtles are lined up, timing wise. Each turtle depends on the slop in the previous turtles, plus the gear or shaft slop it adds to the equation.

showcrop · Oct 8, 2013

Grasp each turtle in turn, where one of the knives mount. Try to lift and turn, If you get more than an eighth of an inch of play it is too much. Side to side is gear wear, up and down is bearing wear. Bearings are cheap, but there is a wide range of difficulty in replacing them amongst different brands.

keh · Oct 8, 2013

Do the checks that the other posers said. Have it hooked to a tractor and hear it run. If you cant run it, don't buy it. Shine a bright light inside the gear box at the oil filler hole , check oil level, rotate the gears and see if any teeth are chipped. If the cutter bar is over filled with oil, that is a sign the bottom seal is leaking oil from the gear box into the cutter bar, especially if the gearbox is low on oil.

KEH

Inspecting disc mower cutterbar

ChrisNy

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waltdavies

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Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

cole in mo.

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RodinNS

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Anonymous-0

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showcrop

Well-known Member

keh

Well-known Member

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