Steering a DR brush mower

[Mike058]

I'm considering getting a 15hp pro to maintain my property. I've got six foot tall grass on a large level spot, scotch broom on a hill and silal and huckleberry around the perimeter. Most of the property isn't level. Is there anymore to steering than just pushing down on the handles and levering the beast in the direction you want to go? It'd be nice if there was a brake on each wheel you could work so the machine could turn itself.

[farmerboybill]

Hey Mike,

I looked over the DR site, and it doesn't seem like there is any more to steering than manhandling it, like you said. I've never been near one, so can't be sure.

If you're open to other brands and are searching for new, I'd recommend a BCS 853. The 853 has differential lock and steering brakes. When going along a hill, you'll appreciate the fact that you can unlock the differential and ride the uphill brake to keep it on track. Four forward gears. You can get it with a 13 HP Honda or 11 HP Lombardini diesel. You'll never need more power than that. The rough-cut mowers come in 21, 26, 28 and 31 inch It has many more options for attachments than the DR, including a tiller, rotary plow, snow blower, sickle mower, finish mower even a round baler.

The biggest disadvantage to BCS are the fact that the engine hangs out the back of the wheels, limiting how deep of a ditch you can go through. You can buy taller wheels to overcome this, but it's aggravating when it happens. This is not really an issue with any attachment other than the mower in very rough terrain.

Earthtoolsbcs.com is a very comprehensive site to see all the options. Used versions include the 735, 605, 830, 850, and 852.

[Mike058]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate the info. They're out of my budget range though. Look like well built units.

[SimS]

Mike;

I have a 17hp DR mower and they don't have steering brakes. I received a customer satisfaction survey from DR and they asked me for suggestions and that was my number one request. The problem is that they already have both handles taken up with the clutch, operator presence lever and brakes. You can man handle it fairly easily because it is well balanced but it's nothing like a machine with steering brakes. On flat ground I usually disengage the clutch and that lets the machine freewheel for easier 180 degree turns. In rough stuff you have to hang on and go with the flow. If you keep the ground speed down, it really isn't that bad. Good luck.

SimS

[MarkV]

I had the 17 hp model and sold it for lack of use. My experience was that on hills or irregular terrain it gives you a real workout. Steering brakes would have been a good thing.

MarkV

[farmerboybill]

Hey Mike,

They're way outta my price range as well, but I still have them because I buy used. I bought an 850 with two tiller boxes and a finish mower for $1300 off craigslist and put 200 in parts in it. I sold the spare tiller and mower for $600. I then bought a rough-cut mower for 200 bucks and put another 300 bucks in parts into it. I have $1400 in the unit so far. I'm gonna buy a new Kohler Diesel by spring to mount on it. That'll be a new purchase for 1700. I'll have a $5750 machine for $3100 if I buy the Diesel.

You just gotta have patience and prowl craigslist for a couple months.

Here's an example - BCS 850 & Trailer $1800

[Mike058]

Thanks for the input and taking the time to respond. After poking around the website I found all the owner's manuals are available in PDF format here, DR Power Equipment - DRｮ Field and Brush Mowers - Owners Manuals The manual answers a lot of questions, except what it's like to actually operate the thing.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by MarkV

I had the 17 hp model and sold it for lack of use. My experience was that on hills or irregular terrain it gives you a real workout. Steering brakes would have been a good thing.

MarkV

Sounds like a weed whacker would/might be easier.

[FlaDon]

Another point for a good used Gravely built from the 80s to early 2000s. They could have steering brakes added to them at the factory or as an add-on kit. And anywhere from 8HP up to a 16HP Briggs Vanguard V twin. If you want to see brush fly, put a 30" deck on a 16HP Kohler single or B&S twin powered Gravely 2-wheeler. Just watch out for your prized small trees.

[Mike058]

I went ahead and ordered one Tuesday so it looks like I'll find out for myself what it's like. I'm thinking a lawn mower on steroids for so long it's got a bit of roid rage going on. We'll see.