The device is a Bush Hog BH300 Series Rotary Mower, designed for medium-duty applications such as cutting weeds, grass, and right-of-way brush. It is a single-spindle mower equipped with two free-swinging blades. These blades are designed to reduce the shock of impact when hitting stationary objects. An offset shear bolt protects the gearbox and driveline from damage on all models. Standard equipment includes driveline shields, clutch shields, slip clutch protected driveline, and front and rear discharge shields (deflectors).
Function Description:
The primary function of the Bush Hog BH300 Series Rotary Mower is to efficiently cut and shred various types of vegetation, from grass and weeds to small brush up to 3 inches in diameter. It is intended for use in areas like pastures, industrial sites, and roadsides. The mower attaches to a tractor via a 3-point hitch system and is powered by the tractor's Power Take-Off (PTO). The design emphasizes safety through shielding and deflectors to prevent thrown objects, and the free-swinging blades and shear bolt protect the machine from impact damage.
Important Technical Specifications:
The BH300 Series includes three models: BH315, BH316, and BH317, with varying cutting widths and horsepower requirements.
- Cutting Width:
- BH315: 60 inches
- BH316: 72 inches
- BH317: 84 inches
- Overall Width:
- BH315: 66-1/4 inches
- BH316: 78-1/4 inches
- BH317: 90-1/4 inches
- Length:
- BH315: 101 inches
- BH316: 112.5 inches
- BH317: 125.5 inches
- Cutting Height: Adjustable from 2 to 12 inches for all models.
- Tractor HP Required (Minimum):
- BH315: 35 HP
- BH316: 45 HP
- BH317: 55 HP
- Cutting Capacity (Maximum): 3 inches for all models.
- Weight:
- BH315: 890 lbs.
- BH316: 1058 lbs.
- BH317: 1200 lbs.
- Hitch Type: QH (Quick Hitch) for all models.
- Gearbox: 130 HP for all models.
- Blade Tip Speed:
- BH315: 14,505 ft./min.
- BH316: 14,556 ft./min.
- BH317: 14,369 ft./min.
- Blades: 1/2 x 4 inches for all models.
- Driveline Protection: Slip Clutch for all models.
The mower is designed to operate at a PTO speed of 540 RPM.
Usage Features:
- Adjustable Cutting Height: The tailwheel frame can be adjusted up or down to achieve cutting heights from 2 to 12 inches. This allows for versatility across different terrains and vegetation types.
- Deck Pitch Adjustment: For better fuel efficiency and lower horsepower requirements, the deck should be operated approximately 3/4" lower in the front than the rear. For increased mulching, the deck can be set 3/4" higher in the front, allowing the mower to cut grass twice for a more uniform cut and better material distribution.
- PTO Engagement: The PTO should be engaged at low engine RPM and slowly increased to the rated speed (540 RPM) to prevent damage.
- Ground Speed: Recommended operating speed is between 2 and 5 mph (3-8 kph) for efficient performance. Slower speeds are advised for tall, dense grass or rough terrain, while faster speeds can be used for medium-height, thin grass on smooth terrain.
- Safety Shielding: The mower is equipped with front and rear deflectors or chain guards. Double chain guards are recommended for highway or public area mowing where bystanders are within 300 feet.
- Tractor Compatibility: Requires a tractor with an ASABE approved Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and seat belt. The tractor's 3-point hitch must be rated to lift the mower's weight, and the PTO output shaft must match the mower's driveline (6-spline for 540 RPM).
- Driveline Length Check: Critical to prevent bottoming out or disengagement, which can cause serious damage and injury. The driveline should have a minimum 6-inch overlap.
- Operating Noise Level: The sound levels at the operator's ear are at least 10 dB(A) below typical agricultural tractors, meaning the tractor's noise emission values are valid.
Maintenance Features:
- Lubrication: Regular lubrication of all grease points (U-joints, shield bearings, tailwheel hubs, axle pivot) is crucial, typically every 8 hours of operation. The gearbox requires EP80W-90 Gear Oil, with the oil level checked every 8 hours.
- Blade Servicing: Blades should be inspected daily for wear, bends, nicks, or cracks. Damaged blades must be replaced in complete sets to maintain rotary balance. Sharpening should follow the original pattern, grinding both blades equally to maintain balance (difference not exceeding 1 ounce) and leaving a 1/16" blunt edge. Blades should not be heated or pounded.
- Blade Bolt Inspection: Blade bolt heads must be inspected daily for wear, gouges, or cracks. Worn or damaged blade bolts must be replaced immediately with new bolts.
- Blade Carrier Installation: The blade carrier retaining nut must be tightened to a minimum of 450 ft-lbs, with rechecks after the first day and every morning of operation, especially in severe cutting conditions.
- Slip Clutch Adjustment: The slip clutch is factory-set but requires periodic adjustment, especially after storage or if slippage is suspected. Spring lengths must be uniform, and nuts should be tightened in 1/3 turn increments. Overtightening can cause shaft failure.
- Pre-Operation Inspection: A thorough inspection of the mower and tractor is required before each use, including checking safety devices, fasteners, driveline, gearbox oil, and overall condition.
- Storage: Proper storage involves thoroughly cleaning the cutter, lubricating all points, tightening bolts, checking for worn parts, placing the driveline in a storage bracket, and storing the unit in a clean, dry place with the housing resting on blocks. Touch-up enamel should be used to prevent rust.
- Safety Decals: Bush Hog provides replacement safety decals free of charge if they become damaged or illegible.
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