How many spools to run front back mowers

[valtraman]

I’m thinking of putting a linkage and pto in front of tractor to run a front mower. Do front mowers just need a single spool connected up to lift arms up and down or do they need two spools? Currently my back mower needs two spools and tractor has 3 so one is spare at moment

 

[KB6930]

Some need 1 most need 2

 

[valtraman]

Some need 1 most need 2

So ideally I need 4 spools?

 

[KB6930]

What make of mower ?

 

[KB6930]

So ideally I need 4 spools?

Most that need 2 need 1 for the front linkage and 1 for the mower lift so you could use the linkage spool with a divertor so you set the linkage height shut a tap off then you use it for the mower lift but yes 4 would be easier

 

[valtraman]

I run a krone rear so a krone front would keep blades the same if not then probably a Claas front

 

[Pringles]

@valtraman If you are going to the effort of having front linkage and PTO fitted then I would recommend that you add an extra spool.

Yes it’s possible to use with three spools using a diverter but I find it’s a real pita using the tractor with only three once you have had a spell cutting with the tractor with enough spools!

It is fine if you cut the end rigs and get them cleared before cutting the centre, but if you are cutting decent yields then you want to be able to lift both the mower and the linkage to clear the swath that you are crossing.

 

[Fraserb]

I run a krone rear so a krone front would keep blades the same if not then probably a Claas front

Our krone front doesn't need an extra spool. neither do a lot of claas ones, krone have brought out a pull front mower that does require an extra spool though.

 

[michael N123]

If you need to buy front links pto and have them fitted a extra spool will be the easiest/cheapest part

 

[KB6930]

As @Fraserb says krone and claas you use the front linkage so 3 spools will be enough

 

[valtraman]

Thanks Googled some Claas mower images and never seen any with a hyd pipe

 

[KB6930]

Only the new this season type need it for lift the old ones some has hydraulic suspension which needed an extra spool but most didn't

 

[v8willy]

3 spools is dooable but 4 is better, once in the field the front links don't get lifted much, kinda depends on tractor too but it's handy to be able to lift the links going through a gateway or the like.

Lifting over the headland swaths would only be needed if lifting the rows as they sit with the next pass, if it's going to be tedded or raked tidyness doesn't really matter.
If you do need to lift over rows at the headland what some fellas do is put a T on the linkage line & put the lift hose into that, then the mower lifts first then the linkage all with the 1 lever.

 

[devonboy]

the pull type krone mower only needs one spool to lift on the headland, the linkage stays at the same level but it depends on how your tractor works the lift arms.There is an option for hydraulic guards , but this takes another spool valve.

 

[kill]

Our krone front doesn't need an extra spool. neither do a lot of claas ones, krone have brought out a pull front mower that does require an extra spool though.

I believe this could well be the new type mower as my mate sent me this picture at a Claas open day earlier this week but he said it's a monster of a machine as way bigger than older model

 

[charlie850]

You’ll manage fine with three spools if the front mower needs a extra spool just put a extra connection off the front linkage
So when you lift the linkage it will lift the mower at the same time

 

[Blue.]

You’ll manage fine with three spools if the front mower needs a extra spool just put a extra connection off the front linkage
So when you lift the linkage it will lift the mower at the same time

I did this years ago but fitted a tap so once the linkage was set you turned it off and the spool lifted the mower.

 

[wullbr]

We run Krone front and back mowers. 3 spools work fine. 2 to operate back mower and another to lift the front arms, the front mower doesn't use a spool.

 

[Blue.]

My front krone was pulled so needed a spool,one of my rear krones needs 3 spools,I’ve 4 rear spools and 1 front spool and dedicated front lifts on both my main tractors,it’s hard to go back.

 

[Andrew]

One front spool one rear spool for my triple mowers. But the Fastracs have a proper integrated front hitch, so I suppose it’d be 2 front spools on a normal tractor.