That deck has seen quite a bit of use, has the classic radius dent all around and the repairs needed to the deck should be completed if this rotary cutter does not have other significant problems. No guards on it, you have no idea how it reacts to striking things like wood, rocks etc. and you are on an open station tractor. Think about that combination of things for a moment and consider the following:
So this is one of those implements that I have experience using, maintaining and repairing going back to pre-teenage years. Way back when, using a Bush Hog brand rotary cutter, with a JD 2010 narrow front, it struck a round rock and launched it from the front part of the deck, giving it trajectory that sent it up the back side of where the operator sits and sent it over trees into an old pasture. They can send things out under the right conditions, things that will kill and or maim.
With that in mind, I'd check this mower out, often times they are hammered, other times, like the one I have been running for 20 years and was used when I got it then, still performs well. Previous owner was not kind to it. It's had lots of repairs, and the deck is certainly showing it's use, and abuse. I'd like to replace it, really need a 7'-0 model. No guards on it, but this one does not seem to want to send things out like some do. It's a risk, but an educated one, however, under the right conditions, no doubt it could be dangerous. Hence, me wanting to replace it, like other things, gradually over time, acquiring newer equipment with safety features that are needed.
It's best to know the work area, fields etc. Keep the mower up high and be very attentive to what is ahead and what is about to pass under the tractor. Keep people far away when you are working and you would benefit from a tractor with OROPS and a seat belt if working in rough terrain. A neighbor over the other side of the ridge got bumped off a 640 Ford and was run over by both the tractor and the rotary cutter, a gruesome sight and an accident that was easily prevented.
Not to discourage, please take in all the safety aspects of this equipment and work as safely as you can. I still have to use my old rotary cutter and I know every time I do, the risks are there, so I stay in known areas and keep the cutting level appropriate.
Some maintenance items are keeping the blades properly sharpened, replaced and or keeping same balanced. Grease the tail wheel assembly often and keep tabs on gear box lube, check for leaks under the deck, safely of course.
That one does have the same kind of bracing mine has and I use a standard top link, I would not consider using a chain as I want my cutter 1 lower in the front and level side to side. The top link bracing does flex, so I can't figure why someone would want to use a chain, however maybe there is more to it, I just don't see why.
I'd prefer a slip clutch to protect the driveline, mine has shear bolt protection at the input shaft and I only use grade 2 bolts, it shears them the way it should and more often when I upgraded my tractor from a ford 850 to a ford-NH 4630. So much more torque, I rarely sheared one using the 850, but have sheared them just powering up when engaging the independent PTO.
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