420C and a flail mower?

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mickswiftspy
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420C and a flail mower?

Post by mickswiftspy » Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:51 am

Hi all,

I have a late model 420C with a 3pt. hitch and pto. Though I have hung some implements from the 3pt., I have never used the pto. I am thinking of getting a 60" Woodmaxx flail mower that requires a minimum 20hp at the pto. I know the Nebraska tests rated the "belt" hp on a 420 at 28+, which I assume is the same as the pto hp. I am getting tired of mowing my sloping pastures with a walk behind DR brush mower and thought the crawler and flail mower would be a good option. I would mostly be mowing 1'-3' pasture grass, so nothing too difficult. Any words of wisdom, things to watch out for? The flail does come with an internal overriding clutch, and I know not to use the crawler's power reverser. Thanks.
Btw, anyone have an extra master shield they would part with?

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Lavoy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by Lavoy » Tue Apr 28, 2020 11:40 am

420 is 25 PTO horsepower, I think you will find it will do just fine.
Slip clutch is not the same as overrunning clutch, and you have to have one if you are running a mower. Make sure they don't mean slip clutch. I bet it will work great, you have low enough gears for almost any density of grass, I would say go for it.
Lavoy
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mickswiftspy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by mickswiftspy » Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:56 pm

Hi Lavoy,

It's an overrunning clutch, (I mistakenly called it overriding). Here is the exact description from their website. I assume this is what you meant and what I need.

"Cast iron 540 RPM with internal over-running clutch - when the PTO shaft is disengaged the built in over running clutch allows the PTO shaft to stop turning while the gearbox and rotor shaft slow down gradually. This is an important feature, without it, the gearbox will slam to a halt when the PTO is disengaged, causing stress to the gearbox and your tractor. This feature should not be overlooked when shopping for a mower."

So, just bolt on the pto and I should be read to go?

Thanks


(btw, Lavoy, this is Jim in San Jose, you sold me this 420C about 14-15 years ago. Tractor still runs great. And you still get first dibs if I ever decide to part with it. ;)

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Lavoy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by Lavoy » Tue Apr 28, 2020 1:24 pm

Yes, remember that one! That crawler will pull that mower for sure, most power I ever saw out of a 420. Yes, hook it up and go, glad to hear the old girl is still going.
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Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
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gregjo1948
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by gregjo1948 » Wed Apr 29, 2020 2:46 am

Seems like a brush hog would do the same job better and cheaper. A lot of good used ones around. Just my opinion!!!!
JD 350B diesel 6way blade, Case 580B Loader/backhoe, Farmall 504 high crop w/ flail boom mower, International 404 , International 284 diesel w/belly mower, 1972 Ford F600 dump truck, Galion 3-5 roller, Allis Chalmers D17, 1620 Ford

mickswiftspy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by mickswiftspy » Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:07 pm

For sure, both flails and brush hogs have their pros and cons, but, for what I need and want, the flail seems a better choice. Flails do better on uneven ground, which I have, and they don't throw material like a brush hog. And from all the research I have done on different forums, people love their flails, and a lot of them started with rotary cutters. :D

mickswiftspy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by mickswiftspy » Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:25 pm

Lavoy,
I bolted the pto on (for the first time) and noticed that with the tractor running and in neutral with the pto lever disengaged the shaft is still turning, though kind of slowly. When I push the clutch in it then comes to a complete stop. Is it normal for it to turn when in neutral and in the disengaged position? It appears to go to full rpm when I then switch it to the engaged position.
Thanks-Jim

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Lavoy
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by Lavoy » Thu Apr 30, 2020 8:44 am

Lots of times the PTO will "drag" a little due to the oil being enough to make it rotate some. It is not likley under power, just rotating slowly. Don't grab it with your had ever, but you could push against it with a 2x4 or something and see if it stops.
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gus
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by gus » Thu Apr 30, 2020 9:29 am

I mow 5 acres of very steep hillside every year with a brush hog. It's a 6 ft and I have modified the upper link hookup on it to allow extra movement should I hit a high ditch or slope. Sitting still, I have lifted the back of the crawler off the ground with the 3 pt.

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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by B Town » Thu Apr 30, 2020 10:58 am

We don’t run the center link on rotary cutters. I have seen some others run a chain in place of the center link. I have witnessed lots of twisted/broken stuff b/c of binding,

Best regards, Bruce

Ray III
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Re: 420C and a flail mower?

Post by Ray III » Sun May 31, 2020 9:46 am

Flail mowers pulverize what they are cutting and distribute it evenly, rather than laying down mats. They are excellent if you don't have to go fast.

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