JD 513 Rotary cutter problem (help)

Today purchased a "used" JD 513 rotary cutter from a JD dealer for 675.00. It looks to be in excellent shape. Got it home and hooked it up to my 2040.
As soon as I engaged the PTO and let out the clutch, it sheared the shear bolt. (not sure if it had the correct bolt in it or not)

I stuck another bolt in it and tried it again. As soon as I let the clutch out, it sheared again !

I gave up and hooked to my old dull & rusty WOODS, and did some mowing.

Later, trying to figure out what was wrong, I read through the 513 manual and it does state that when starting the cutter to do so very slowly and at very low RPM to prevent premature shearing.

Are the 513's shear bolts really that touchy ! Or am I doing something wrong ?

Also, what advantage does the "slip clutch" drive shaft have ove the shear bolt type ? (I read about them in the manual, but it didn't really explain anything)

Can I purchase the slip clutch type drive shaft for mine ? If so how much do they cost ?

I'm having second thoughts about buying it now, but doubt that they will take it back since it was a "used" piece.

I've had the Woods for quite a few years and put it through some "terribly rough" use and never had any problems or any shearing of anything.

I just don't want to be screwing with shear bolts breaking all the time if that's how these 513's are designed.

Any info and advice much apreciated !

Thanks,

J. Chipps

how does the bolt fit the holes, tight? loose? are the holes oval instead of being round?

I called the dealer this morning and told them about the problem. At first they were trying to come up with solutions as to why it would be shearing pins etc.

I just told them that I didn't want the headaches of the shear pin problem and that I'd like to return it for credit toward some other items that I was going to purchase anyway such as new tire chains, oil, filters etc...

They readily agreed, so I took it back. Reading these post and all the great information you all gave, helped me tremendously in my desision. (sounds like the only good way to run a 513 is with the slip clutch set-up.

I read a post on another site that said that JD knows about the problem with the 513's and the premature shearing of the bolts. They have some suggestions for curing it, one of which is to install a slip clutch drive shaft.

Oh well, I think for now I'll just stick with my old Woods M5 cutter. It needs some paint and maybe some new blades, but it works like a champ !

Anyway, thanks again.

J. chipps