Ditch-er

[modre]

This is just in the contemplation stage...
I just tore the deck down off the Bolens G11 I just finished, and tho useable, I don't "really" need another mower (tho I almost hate to sacrilege a fine Bolens original implement). I got to thinking about using the gearbox for a mid-mount side cutting ditch opener...it would drive (thru a ratio) a transverse 1" shaft with a 4" wide cutting wheel (similar to a stump grinder head) for opening and/or maintaining drainage ditches with a cutting depth of 6" controlled by the lift handle...one job I have yet to do is drop an existing ditch I dug by hand spring of '04 a couple inches and lay a perf pipe before covering with gravel...and a couple other run-off drains to maintain now and then.

the mid cradle they used on this model for the deck looks to be a possible usable mount for a mid grader blade as well...tho I haven't thought that one thru yet.

anyone have any experience with radial dirt cutting or some alternate thoughts on the matter?

[bobodu]

I have seen a radial ditcher in an issue of Farm Show.The axle ran parallel with the ditch being dug.This would allow the dirt to be thrown out of the hole.They used some sort of chain flail and blades made from scraper steel.What ya really need is an old Gravely and a rotary plow!!
There are some pictures of mine in action in the Gravely/Ariens forum.

[modre]

thanks...that looks like a nice tool...and one I hadn't thought of. Tho I've never had a Gravely, I can see why you guys are sold on them.

I took the outer tines off my tiller, and am in the process of changing 2 to 4 on the innermost flange to try that as a ditcher. I only need to clean out the existing draw (200' long) about 4" deep to set a perf pipe. If it works out, I'll brag it up later.

[modre]

hey...this re-done tiller works well as a ditcher...I did the 4 tine per inner flange thing (pulled 1/2 the rear shrouding off) and with the wheels in the narrow position it's plenty stable, and makes a 7"-ish wide cut, and since it was in the mid-90's today and I wasn't going to get out there too far, but I made 2 quick passes to try it out...looks like it'll do what I want...which is set a 4" perf pipe down 4" below the current grade...I'm guessing it will do an 8"+ deep ditch no sweat if needed.

the only drawback is the scarf has to be cleaned out by rake/shovel...but it still beats digging...it WILL make a pipe ditch in close quarters as suspected...and would be perfect for normal above ground run offs.

total cost was $4 for 8- 1 1/2" X 3/8" SAE bolts for the added thickness of the doubled up tines.

[sixchows]

Modre
Bolens had a mid mount grader blade for the tubeframes. They were made by ARPS I think.
I probably have some sales flyers w/pics if you need some ideas or would just like to see them, let me know.

[modre]

yes by all means...I'll take all the ideas I can get.

incidently, I still have the Wisconson manual for the 1050 I had if you need it for the archives...I have a good scanner on the 233 pentium, but I may need some guidance on what to do after it's in a Tiff (I think it scans as) format to get it sent. I'm on a G4 and haven't bothered/figured out how to network them yet.