The device is a Bush Hog RDTH Rear Discharge Finishing Mower, available in two models: RDTH 60 and RDTH 72. It is designed for grooming lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, or any maintained area where a clean, uniform finish is desired. The mower utilizes uplift blades that create suction during operation to lift grass before cutting, ensuring an even cut and minimizing scalping. The caster wheel arrangement, floating lift linkage, and optional front roller contribute to this even cut.
Technical Specifications:
| Specification |
RDTH-60 |
RDTH-72 |
| Cutting Width (in.) |
60 |
72 |
| Cutting Height (in.) |
1-1/2" - 6-1/2" |
1-1/2" - 6-1/2" |
| Horsepower Range |
15-35 |
20-40 |
| Blade Tip Speed (fpm) |
15,613 fpm |
15,613 fpm |
| Weight (lbs.) |
536 |
588 |
Power from the tractor is transmitted through a triangular, telescoping driveline to a 90-degree gearbox. From there, power is passed to the spindle housings via a single, B-section, Kevlar reinforced belt. Drivetrain protection is provided by belt slippage.
Usage Features:
- Attachment to Tractor: The mower attaches to a tractor's Cat. I three-point hitch. Users must ensure the driveline sections are parallel and have a minimum of 6 inches (152mm) overlap. Driveline length may need to be adjusted (shortened) based on tractor PTO shaft and implement input shaft distances. Proper driveline installation requires applying multi-purpose grease to the male driveline section and ensuring yokes lock into place and shielding is secure.
- Leveling: The cutter's lower lift arms should be adjusted to level it from right to left. The tractor's top link should be adjusted to allow the cutter to "float" during operation. Sway chains or stabilizer bars should be adjusted to prevent side sway.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: The cutting height is adjusted by placing spacers on the caster wheel. With no spacers on the bottom, a 1-1/2" cutting height is achieved. All caster wheels must be adjusted to the same height.
- Operation: Before each use, a maintenance checklist should be performed. The tractor should be started, and the cutter lowered until supported by its caster wheels, with lower links parallel to the ground for "float" operation. The PTO drive is engaged at idle speed, then advanced to 540 rpm. Tractor forward speed should be controlled by gear selection to maintain a constant maximum blade speed for optimal cutting efficiency. If the tractor engine or cutter stalls, the PTO drive should be disengaged, the tractor moved to a cut area, the throttle set to idle, and then the PTO re-engaged. Slopes should always be cut up and down, never across.
- Transporting: For transport, the PTO drive must be turned off, and the tractor's three-point lift fully raised. When transporting on roads or highways, tractor flashing warning lights should be used (unless prohibited by law), and a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign must be visible from the rear.
Maintenance Features:
- Scheduled Maintenance: A maintenance checklist should be performed before each use, after each use, every 40 hours, and every 20 hours for specific lubrication tasks. The implement should be lowered to the ground, the tractor turned off, and the parking brake set before any maintenance. If raising the machine, it must be securely supported with blocks. All bolts should be torqued to specifications.
- Before Each Use:
- Check tractor tire air pressure (30 psi for pneumatic tires).
- Inspect blades and spindles for foreign objects.
- Check blade bolts for tightness (76 ft./lbs.).
- Inspect blades for wear and replace if necessary with genuine Bush Hog parts. Blades should be removed from spindles for sharpening.
- Ensure all shields are in place and in good condition.
- Inspect wheels for wear, damage, or foreign objects.
- Lubricate driveline universal joints, driveline guard, wheels, and caster pivots with multi-purpose grease.
- Listen for abnormal sounds during operation.
- After Each Use:
- Clean all debris from the machine, especially under the deck, under the belt shield, and off safety decals. Replace any missing or illegible decals.
- Inspect cutter for worn or damaged components.
- Store the cutter in a dry place.
- Every 20 Hours:
- Disconnect PTO driveline, pull sections apart, clean old grease from tubes, apply a thin coat of multi-purpose grease to the inner (male) section, reassemble, and ensure driveline and shields are securely connected.
- Every 40 Hours:
- Check belt tension and adjust if necessary. The spring length on the moveable idler should be 6-5/8" for 60" mowers and 7-7/8" for 72" mowers. Only genuine Bush Hog replacement parts should be used.
- Add EP80W-90 gear oil to the input gearbox until the oil level reaches the check plug. Allow time for oil to seep through bearings. Replace the solid fill plug with the breather plug supplied in the operator's manual package.
- Apply 5 shots of multi-purpose grease to spindle assembly grease fittings (accessed by removing plastic plugs in shields).
- Belt Replacement: Remove side shields, relieve spring tension, remove the old belt, install a new belt (referencing the belt installation guide decal on the mower deck), adjust belt tension, and replace shields.
- Blade Replacement: Raise and securely block the cutter, set the parking brake, turn off the tractor, and remove the key. Remove the bolt and cup washer securing the blade. Install new blades with the concave side of the cup washer against the blade, ensuring the offset is in the proper direction. Tighten retaining bolts to 76 ft./lbs. Wear heavy work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges.
- Troubleshooting: A troubleshooting guide is provided for common issues like uneven cut, streaking/windrowing, noisy cutter, rapid blade wear, and cutter vibrating, along with probable causes and remedies.
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