10 hours ago
Unexpected Damage During Routine Mowing
A quiet day on the farm turned costly when a disc mower—specifically a John Deere 1360—suffered a mechanical failure that led to a catastrophic tire rupture. While mowing grass to maintain fresh forage for cattle, one of the mower’s saucers (rotating discs) broke loose. The detached metal chunk struck a nearly new rear tractor tire, slicing through the sidewall. The tire, only six months old and valued at nearly €1,000, was rendered unusable. The incident highlights the risks of operating disc mowers without thorough pre-checks and the financial impact of equipment damage in agricultural operations.
Disc Mower Vulnerabilities and Maintenance Advice
Disc mowers are favored for their clean cut and rapid regrowth benefits, but they carry mechanical risks. Each saucer is mounted on a spindle and timed to avoid collision with adjacent units. If a disc shears off its mounting or a weld fails, it can become a high-velocity projectile. Operators should:
Terminology Clarification
In some cases, a sliced tire can be salvaged using a boot and internal patching. One technician reported successfully repairing a 3-inch vertical sidewall cut that lasted three years until the tread wore out. However, success depends on the location and severity of the damage. For sidewall gashes caused by metal impact, especially on the outer face, replacement is often the only safe option.
Recommendations:
The incident also revealed the tension between machinery maintenance and livestock management. The farmer in question was highly skilled in herd genetics and grassland planning but avoided mechanical upkeep. He disliked oil and grease, rarely serviced equipment, and resisted advice—even when safety was at stake. This reflects a broader divide in farming communities:
Craftsmanship and Personal Preferences
Interestingly, the farmer was also a gifted block layer and carpenter, capable of roofing a shed with rudimentary tools. His counterpart, however, preferred steel over timber, enjoying fabrication, welding, and construction. This contrast illustrates how diverse skill sets coexist on farms and how personal preferences shape the division of labor.
Conclusion
A broken disc and a ruined tire may seem like routine setbacks, but they reveal deeper truths about farm operations, equipment maintenance, and interpersonal dynamics. Regular inspections, proactive repairs, and mutual respect between stockmen and mechanics can prevent costly downtime and keep the farm running smoothly. Whether you love grease or loathe it, the land demands both patience and precision.
A quiet day on the farm turned costly when a disc mower—specifically a John Deere 1360—suffered a mechanical failure that led to a catastrophic tire rupture. While mowing grass to maintain fresh forage for cattle, one of the mower’s saucers (rotating discs) broke loose. The detached metal chunk struck a nearly new rear tractor tire, slicing through the sidewall. The tire, only six months old and valued at nearly €1,000, was rendered unusable. The incident highlights the risks of operating disc mowers without thorough pre-checks and the financial impact of equipment damage in agricultural operations.
Disc Mower Vulnerabilities and Maintenance Advice
Disc mowers are favored for their clean cut and rapid regrowth benefits, but they carry mechanical risks. Each saucer is mounted on a spindle and timed to avoid collision with adjacent units. If a disc shears off its mounting or a weld fails, it can become a high-velocity projectile. Operators should:
- Inspect saucers for cracks or weld fatigue before each use
- Check spindle torque and alignment
- Replace worn or repaired discs proactively
- Maintain correct oil levels in the cutter bed (typically 2 liters)
- Avoid running the mower under load with missing or damaged discs
Terminology Clarification
- Saucers: Rotating discs on a disc mower that hold the cutting blades
- Spigot: The mounting shaft for each saucer
- Topper: A rotary mower used for pasture maintenance
- Booting a Tire: Installing an internal patch to reinforce a damaged sidewall
In some cases, a sliced tire can be salvaged using a boot and internal patching. One technician reported successfully repairing a 3-inch vertical sidewall cut that lasted three years until the tread wore out. However, success depends on the location and severity of the damage. For sidewall gashes caused by metal impact, especially on the outer face, replacement is often the only safe option.
Recommendations:
- Use inner tubes to support patched tires
- Monitor repaired tires for bulging or pressure loss
- Avoid high-speed or heavy-load use on patched tires
- Keep spare tires or tubes on hand during mowing season
The incident also revealed the tension between machinery maintenance and livestock management. The farmer in question was highly skilled in herd genetics and grassland planning but avoided mechanical upkeep. He disliked oil and grease, rarely serviced equipment, and resisted advice—even when safety was at stake. This reflects a broader divide in farming communities:
- Farmers focused on stock often neglect machinery
- Machinery-focused operators may lack patience for livestock
- Some excel at both, but many rely on outside help for repairs
Craftsmanship and Personal Preferences
Interestingly, the farmer was also a gifted block layer and carpenter, capable of roofing a shed with rudimentary tools. His counterpart, however, preferred steel over timber, enjoying fabrication, welding, and construction. This contrast illustrates how diverse skill sets coexist on farms and how personal preferences shape the division of labor.
Conclusion
A broken disc and a ruined tire may seem like routine setbacks, but they reveal deeper truths about farm operations, equipment maintenance, and interpersonal dynamics. Regular inspections, proactive repairs, and mutual respect between stockmen and mechanics can prevent costly downtime and keep the farm running smoothly. Whether you love grease or loathe it, the land demands both patience and precision.
