PZ drum mower question

FeelTheBern

Hi All

My uncle bought a disc mower last year and passed on his old 5’6 PZ drum mower to me. Thought would be handy for doing small bits that wouldn’t justify bringing in contractor to mow. Mower is fairly shook but was going ok for him.

Used it few times last year but couldn’t really get it going fully right. Cutting ok in front of both saucers but leaving a strip of grass only half cut in the middle where the two saucers meet. Tried adjusting angle of top link up, down etc as thought angle might be wrong on my tractor (MF 390) and got new blades but couldn’t sort it. Drums and bodywork are shook so not something that would merit a big repair but just wondering what might be causing it. Was actually handy for odd acre or two when paddock gone strong. Thanks

dohc turbo2

Are u sure it’s a pz, would it be a ztr 165 the blades are similar just a slight bit longer which would leave a bit in middle

FeelTheBern

dohc turbo2 wrote: »

Are u sure it’s a pz, would it be a ztr 165 the blades are similar just a slight bit longer which would leave a bit in middle

Just checked and says PZ Zweegers so presume not? Would have been a handy solution though!

cute geoge

:drop the right foot to the floor:D:D

Welding Rod

Now at night. You won’t see them strips.

Nekarsulm

Slowly spin by hand and see if the two drums are "timed" correctly.
Has it been taken apart ever?

If not, then the Uncle has put a block of wood or something similar between the two drums while mowing, and spread them apart.
Then palmed it off on you..

20silkcut

When I first used a pz mower I was getting a lot of strips of uncut grass behind me. Especially in heavier grass.
Those PZ mowers work better with smaller tractors I reckon.
The wide wheel base of a bigger tractor will flatten the grass in front of the mower. In my own case I have to take smaller swaths to cut properly.
I find You can’t get the the full 5’6 with a big tractor and have a nice clean cut in first cut heavy silage. It’s not an issue with lighter crops or second cut.
I once gave 14 hours doing 22 acres. Had a pain in my face. Just do 3 acre fields or less with it now.

Of course OP has an issue between the drums. I don’t have an answer for that one. Must be damage related. PZ 165 is a great mower for cutting bumpy fields with tufts and hollows. And they can take hardship.
Beats the Sh*te out of my 8ft topper on such ground. Only reason I kept it.

patsy_mccabe

A neighbour of mine told me to keep the mower perfect level and it won't leave strips down the middle. When you think about it, if the top link is too short the drums tilt down in front and the cutting point between them is lifted off the ground and cuts too high. Simples.

selectamatic

As Nek said above check the timing of the drums and see that they aren't visibly spread apart it sounds like they might be.

When mowing we always have them leaning the tiniest bit forward here with the reason being that the mower will tend lean ever so slightly back when you start moving so by countering this it cuts level and clean.

Also +1 on them not being the best fit on a big tractor a 5ft6 drum mower is a perfect fit on the likes of a db 995, mf165, ford 4000 etc.

FeelTheBern

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Slowly spin by hand and see if the two drums are "timed" correctly.
Has it been taken apart ever?

If not, then the Uncle has put a block of wood or something similar between the two drums while mowing, and spread them apart.
Then palmed it off on you..

Thanks everyone.

It’s been through a few battles and patch ups in its time alright. Wouldn’t think got battered apart but one of the drums was put back together (in some shape) a while back so maybe timing off. Hadn’t thought of that. Got it for nothing so can’t complain anyway but would be nice if was working well as handy for a small bit here and there.

roosterman71

My money is on the drums being spread apart. Wouldn't take much to leave am uncut strip. Could be a bearing gone wonky in the drum, or the frame slightly bent. A small bend, teeny even, in the frame on top would mean a much bigger gap at the bottom. One thing to try would be longer blades

FeelTheBern

roosterman71 wrote: »

My money is on the drums being spread apart. Wouldn't take much to leave am uncut strip. Could be a bearing gone wonky in the drum, or the frame slightly bent. A small bend, teeny even, in the frame on top would mean a much bigger gap at the bottom. One thing to try would be longer blades

Thanks. From the post above, it seems like blades for ZTR would fit and are bit longer so maybe that’s what I should try? Did a quick Google there now and don’t seem to be finding them. Anyone know who might stick them? Thanks

20silkcut

Quick question, Top cover for one of the drum is gone on my own pz 165. Are these a part that can be got. Or is it a DIY

zetecescort

couple of ads on donedeal for mower spares

https://www.donedeal.ie/mowers-for-sale/rotary-mowers-and-haybobs/24368556

https://www.donedeal.ie/mowers-for-sale/rotary-mowers-and-haybobs/24368556

https://www.donedeal.ie/mowers-for-sale/pz-mowers-dismantling/9822308