Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

One of the most common accidents caused by a disc cutter is not realizing that a worn blade may not cut hay cleanly, but it wears, so the tip takes a rounded shape, and the tip is as sharp (if not sharper) as a new blade. Be careful when cleaning the bar from mud or tangled grass. The worn blades will slice your fingers like paper (see photo accompanying this article).

Also, be sure when dealing with the cutter bar for any reason not to only turn off the PTO but also kill the tractor. Most PTO switches on tractors now turn the PTO on and off with an electric switch. Never trust electronics in a safety situation.

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-- Write Steve Thompson at Ask The Mechanic, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email mechanic@progressivefarmer.com, and be sure to include your phone number.

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