Rotary Disc Mower for Cutting Grass and Cutting Corn

A rotary disc mower, often just called a disc mower, is a piece of agricultural equipment designed for cutting grass, hay, and even corn stalks in preparation for harvesting or making silage. These mowers are highly efficient and versatile, making them a popular choice among farmers and agricultural professionals for managing large fields and pastures.

Rotary disc mowers consist of several rotating discs mounted on a horizontal bar. Each disc is equipped with two or more sharp blades that cut the crop as the mower is driven through the field. The discs are typically made from durable materials to withstand contact with the ground and any obstacles.

The mowers are powered by a tractor's PTO (power take-off) shaft, which transfers the engine's power to the mower's discs. The rotation speed of the discs is high, ensuring a clean and efficient cut. Most models allow for adjustment of the cutting height, enabling the operator to select the optimal height for the specific crop and desired outcome. This feature is particularly useful when transitioning between cutting grass and taller crops like corn.

Specifications of the Rotary Disc Mower

Advantages of Using the Rotary Disc Mower for Cutting Grass

Using a rotary disc mower for cutting grass offers several advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Efficiency: Rotary disc mowers are highly efficient in cutting grass. They have a high cutting speed, allowing for faster operation and increased productivity. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with large areas of grassland or when time is a crucial factor during haymaking or forage harvesting.
• Clean and Precise Cutting: The cutting action of a rotary disc mower is clean and precise. The rotating discs with sharp cutting blades create a scissor-like motion that cleanly slices through the grass. This results in a uniform and even cut, enhancing the overall quality of the harvested forage.
• Minimal Crop Damage: Rotary disc mowers are designed to minimize crop damage during the cutting process. The cutting action is swift and efficient, reducing the risk of tearing or bruising the grass. This is especially important for maintaining the nutritional quality of the forage and preventing spoilage during drying and storage.
• Versatility: Rotary disc mowers are versatile machines that can handle various grass types, including thick and dense vegetation. They can efficiently cut not only grass but also other forage crops, making them suitable for diverse farming operations. This versatility allows farmers to maximize their equipment investment and adapt to different crop conditions.
• Swath Formation: After cutting, rotary disc mowers create neat and organized swaths of cut grass. The swaths facilitate efficient drying by exposing a larger surface area to the sun and airflow. This is crucial for haymaking, as it accelerates the drying process and helps maintain the nutritional value of the harvested forage.
• Easy Maneuverability: Rotary disc mowers are typically attached to tractors and can be easily maneuvered across the field. They follow the tractor's path, making it easier to navigate around obstacles, corners, or irregularly shaped fields. This enhances operator control and reduces the chances of damaging the equipment or the crop.

Common Applications of the Rotary Disc Mower

The rotary disc mower is a versatile agricultural machine that finds applications in various cutting operations. Here are some common applications of the rotary disc mower:

1. Grass Cutting: The primary application of a rotary disc mower is cutting grass. It is widely used in the agricultural sector for mowing grass in fields, pastures, and meadows. The efficient cutting action of the rotary disc mower ensures a clean and even cut, making it suitable for maintaining lawns, sports fields, and other grassy areas.
2. Alfalfa Cutting: Alfalfa is a popular forage crop known for its high nutritional value. Rotary disc mowers are commonly used for cutting alfalfa at the optimal stage of growth. The precise cutting action helps preserve the quality of the alfalfa, ensuring maximum nutrient retention for livestock feed or hay production.
3. Corn Stalks: Rotary disc mowers can also be utilized for cutting corn stalks after harvest. This application is particularly relevant in areas where corn residue needs to be managed for soil conservation or livestock bedding purposes. The rotary disc mower efficiently cuts through the tough corn stalks, facilitating subsequent field operations.
4. Forage Harvesting: Besides grass and alfalfa, rotary disc mowers are extensively employed in the harvesting of other forage crops such as clover, sorghum, Sudan grass, and various legumes. The efficient cutting action ensures a uniform and consistent cut, promoting optimal drying and quality preservation during the forage harvesting process.
5. Silage Production: Rotary disc mowers are often used in silage production, where the entire crop is cut and stored as fermented feed for livestock. They are utilized to cut and form swaths of crops such as corn, grass, or legumes, which are then collected, compacted, and stored in silage pits or bales for fermentation.

Working Principle of Tractor 3 Point Hitch PTO Driven Disc Drum Mower

The working principle of a tractor 3-point hitch PTO (Power Take-Off) driven disc drum mower combines the utility of a tractor's power system with the mechanical efficiency of a disc drum mower. This setup is widely used in agriculture for efficient mowing of grass, hay, or even tougher stalks like those of corn. Understanding how it works involves a look at the tractor's hitch system, the PTO, and the disc drum mower itself. Here's a breakdown:

1. Tractor 3-Point Hitch

• Connection and Support: The 3-point hitch is a standard method of attaching implements (like mowers) to tractors. It consists of three arms that form a triangle or 'three points.' This system allows for quick and secure attachment and detachment of implements, providing a stable, adjustable connection that supports a range of motion essential for following the contour of the land.
• Hydraulic Control: Most 3-point hitches are hydraulically controlled, allowing the operator to adjust the implement's height and angle from the tractor's cabin. This feature is crucial for adapting to different terrain types and ensuring an even cut across uneven ground.

2. Power Take-Off (PTO)

• Power Source: The PTO is a shaft that transfers mechanical power from the tractor (usually from its running engine) to the attached implement. For a disc drum mower, the PTO serves as the primary power source for the cutting action.
• Engagement: Operators can engage and disengage the PTO, allowing them to control when the mower runs. This feature is essential for safety and for managing the mower's operation without stopping the tractor.

3. Disc Drum Mower Mechanism

• Rotating Discs: The disc drum mower uses multiple rotating discs (or drums) mounted on a horizontal bar. Each disc is equipped with sharp blades that spin at high speeds. The rotation is powered by the tractor's PTO, which, when engaged, drives the discs to cut the grass or crop efficiently.
• Cutting Action: As the tractor moves forward, the rotating discs slice through the vegetation. The high-speed rotation ensures a clean, even cut, minimizing damage to the plants and promoting healthy regrowth.
• Adjustability: The mower's cutting height can be adjusted via the 3-point hitch system, allowing for precise control over the cut based on the crop's type and the desired outcome.

Overall Working Principle

In operation, the tractor's engine powers the PTO, which in turn drives the rotating discs on the mower. The 3-point hitch provides a stable connection that allows for precise height and angle adjustments, ensuring the mower adapts to the terrain. This system combines mechanical efficiency with the power and versatility of the tractor, making it an effective solution for large-scale mowing tasks.

How to Install the 3 Point Hitch Disc Drum Mower to Tractor?

Installing a 3-point hitch disc drum mower to a tractor involves a series of steps that ensure a secure and proper connection, enabling efficient operation. This process requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure optimal performance of the mower. Here’s a general guide on how to attach a 3-point hitch disc drum mower to a tractor:

1. Preparation

• Read the Manual: Always start by reading the manufacturer's manual for both your tractor and the disc drum mower. It contains specific instructions, safety warnings, and requirements for your particular models.
• Inspect Equipment: Check both the tractor and the mower for any damage or wear. Ensure all parts are in good condition and that the mower's blades are sharp and secure.
• Position the Tractor: Park the tractor on a flat, stable surface and ensure it's turned off with the keys removed. Engage the parking brake.

2. Aligning Tractor and Mower

• Position the Mower: Place the disc drum mower so that its mounting points align with the tractor's 3-point hitch arms. It may be helpful to have an assistant guide you or to use guiding markers.
• Adjust the Hitch: If your tractor's hitch is adjustable, lower it to the appropriate height for easy attachment to the mower.

3. Attaching the Mower to the 3-Point Hitch

• Connect Lower Links: Attach the lower arms of the 3-point hitch to the mounting points on the mower. Secure the connection with pins or clips provided, ensuring they are fully engaged and locked in place.
• Attach the Top Link: Connect the top link between the tractor and the mower. This link provides vertical support and allows for adjusting the tilt of the mower. Ensure it's secured with a pin or clip.
• Check Attachments: Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and that the pins are properly fastened with retaining clips if applicable.

4. Connecting the Power Take-Off (PTO)

• Align the PTO Shaft: Align the mower's PTO shaft with the tractor's PTO stub. Ensure the shafts are straight to avoid unnecessary wear or damage.
• Engage the PTO: Slide the mower's PTO shaft onto the tractor's PTO stub. Make sure it locks into place. For some models, you may need to compress a collar or a button on the shaft to fit it over the stub, releasing it to lock.
• Secure the Safety Chain: Attach the safety chain from the mower to the tractor to secure the PTO shaft and prevent it from dislodging.

5. Final Checks and Adjustments

• Adjust the Cutting Height: Use the tractor's hydraulic system to raise and lower the mower, adjusting the cutting height as needed.
• Test in a Safe Area: Before starting your mowing task, test the attachment in a safe, clear area to ensure everything is working correctly and the mower is properly adjusted.

Common Troubleshooting of the Tractor 3 Point Hitch Rotary Disc Mower

Troubleshooting a tractor 3-point hitch rotary disc mower involves diagnosing and resolving issues that can arise during its operation. While these mowers are designed for efficiency and reliability, they are not immune to problems. Here’s a guide to some common troubleshooting areas, what they might indicate, and how to address them:

1. Mower Does Not Lift or Lower Properly

• Hydraulic Issues: Check the tractor's hydraulic fluid level; low fluid can impede the operation of the 3-point hitch. Also, inspect for leaks in the hydraulic lines.
• Hitch Adjustments: Ensure the hitch's control lever is functioning correctly and that there are no obstructions or mechanical issues with the hitch itself.
• Check the Relief Valve: If the system seems pressurized but not moving, the relief valve on the hydraulic system might be stuck or set incorrectly.

2. Uneven Cutting

• Blade Condition: Dull or damaged blades are a common cause of uneven cuts. Inspect the blades and replace or sharpen them as needed.
• Deck Leveling: If the mower deck is not level, it can lead to uneven cutting. Adjust the 3-point hitch to level the mower properly.
• Ground Speed and PTO Speed: Too high ground speed or incorrect PTO speed can result in poor cutting. Adjust to recommended settings.
• Obstacles and Terrain: Uneven terrain or hitting obstacles can affect cutting. Survey the area before mowing and adjust the cutting height accordingly.

3. Mower Vibrates Excessively

• Damaged Blades or Discs: Bent or damaged blades can cause imbalance. Check and replace if necessary.
• Loose Components: Check for any loose parts or connections on the mower and the 3-point hitch. Tighten any loose bolts or nuts.
• PTO Shaft Misalignment: Ensure the PTO shaft is correctly aligned and not bent. A misaligned PTO shaft can cause vibrations.

4. Mower Does Not Cut

• Engagement Issues: Ensure the PTO is properly engaged. If it's not engaging, check the linkage and the engagement mechanism on the tractor.
• Blade Wear: Extremely worn blades may not cut effectively. Inspect and replace the blades if they are beyond sharpening.
• PTO Speed: Confirm that the tractor's PTO is operating at the correct RPM for the mower. Consult the manufacturer's specifications.

5. Mower Leaves Strips of Uncut Grass

• Overlapping Passes: Ensure each pass overlaps the previous one sufficiently to avoid missed strips.
• Blade Speed: If the blade speed is too low, it may not cut effectively. Check the PTO speed and adjust as necessary.
• Blade and Disc Spacing: Check for improper spacing between the blades or damaged blade holders that might cause missed areas.

6. Hydraulic Fluid Leaks

• Seal and Hose Inspection: Check for worn or damaged seals and hoses. Replace any that are leaking.
• Tighten Connections: Ensure all hydraulic connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.

Why Choose AGKNX's Disc Drum Mower?

AGKNX Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd. has been engaged in the research and development of agricultural machinery, such as PTO shafts, agricultural gearboxes, agricultural chains, agricultural pulleys, and agricultural sprockets. Our company has more than 100 employees and is equipped with advanced production technology and equipment. AGKNX is known for its professionalism, international certifications, customized services, top-notch production facilities, and excellent after-sales services. Our products are recognized for their quality, performance, and reliability.

Our main products are PTO shafts, agricultural gearboxes, large round baler, mini round baler, hay square baler, PTO wood chipper, diesel wood chipper, drum mowers, rotary hay rakes, silage harvester, flail mowers, lawn mowers, sickle bar mowers, rotary mowers, rotary tillers, land levelers, fertilizer spreaders, disc blades, potato planters, potato harvester, corn seeder, chain trencher, disc mower, snow blower, road sweeper, etc. The above series of products are complete in specifications, excellent in performance, and reliable in quality. Our products are sold all over the country and are exported to many countries and regions in Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia all year round.

Author: Yjx