Attaching rotary mower to backhoe 2

[Rockjoint]

I am a novice to the world of machinery and related hydraulics, but I am investigating the idea of attaching a small (3.5ft to 4ft) rotary mower to the end of a rubber-tired backhoe, to be used as needed in place of the bucket. Think in terms of a poor man's batwing mower...

If anyone can provide general ideas and suggestions, it will be truly appreciated. The resulting design will hopefully allow me to drop the bucket and relatively quickly attach the mower in its place, with somewhat little difficulty. I plan to use some sort of "quick-disconnects" in the hydraulic hoses to facilitate easy changeover.

Thanks to all for any comments or suggestions.

 

[Barry1961]

You may have a problem with flow if you are going to use a hydraulic motor to spin the mower blades/chains.

I would try to estimate how much horsepower and rpms the mower was going to require by looking at the horsepower and rpms of similar sized mowers. Then calculate the torque and find a suitable hydraulic motor. I have a suspicion that the backhoe will have more of a high pressure low flow type of pump and the motor will need more of a low pressure high flow supply.

You may be able to speed up the blades with a gear set if you have room. If you do, make sure the output shaft can take a beating.

Barry1961

 

[Rockjoint]

Barry1961,

Thank you very much for the informative reply. You have given me several things to think about. I do appreciate it.

-Rockjoint

 

[patdaly]

Another thing to consider will be the boom is quite stiff on the backhoe. This will lead to an interesting time keeping the mowing deck in one piece. You will need to figure out some way to float the hoe arm.

 

[Rockjoint]

Patdaly, thanks for the comment. I am sure this will be a "fun" time when using the mower. I wonder if there is any way to valve the hoe arm in a special manner to provide action similar to a spring... (you guys can tell I am geotech and not industrial/mechanical!).

Thanks again.

-Rockjoint

 

[pennpoint]

Rockjoint
Check with the manufacture of your back hoe. They may already have a PTO mower attachment for you tractor.
"The wheel has already been invented"

Best regards

pennpoint

 

[Philrock]

If you can't find an off-the-shelf solution or something very close, I think you'll end up spending more than the cost of a nice John Deere riding mower.