Advice needed for cutting around a lake

[dealerguy]

I have a 4 acre pond that we have been using a weedeater to cut around for many years. I have a Kubota LB400 tractor that we use for bush hogging and it puts out around 22.5 HP. Does anyone know of an attachment that could be used with the Kubota for cutting around the edge of the lake? The lake has some steeper spots and I am afraid to get too close with the bush hog for fear of getting stuck. There is about a 4 ft. spread of grass from the lake to where my tractor will reach.

Suggestions?

 

[nealfris]

There are many project boom type mowers on TBN. Do a search and you will be amazed at the ingenuity some people have. There's one that has a lawn mower engine that looks real simple to make.

 

[RoyJackson]

One TBNer used an ATV tow behind mower rigged to run offset behind his tractor. The deck had it's own gas engine.

There are also mowers (flails types, mostly) designed to do slopes, but you need a pretty good sized tractor for them....and they're pretty expensive.

Try a websearch for "Offset Mower". You'll get quite a few hits.

 

[dex3361]

I have creek banks with the same issue and I am considering a sickle bar mower for these areas.

 

[dealerguy]

I will check out the offset mower options...I hadn't thought about "custom" making something.

I was considering the sickle mower option, but wasn't sure how it would handle getting wet and whether my 22 HP tractor would be able to handle one.

 

[nybirdman]

Those sickle bars are real pricey...even used.It would do the trick.I think the off set atv mowers are a better bet.

 

[captflx]

Bush Hog has a new sickle bar mower for that kind of work. Check with your nearest dealer.

 

[Localmotion]

I'd suggest using a hedge trimmer / verge mower - a flail head mounted on a hydraulic arm, as shown in the pics above.

Generally hedge trimmers have their own closed hydraulic system, with power supplied by the PTO. They are very versatile and can be used for a number of tasks - although the flail head is normally a bit small to use for cutting large areas where a normal mower can access.

The downside is the price tag - hedge trimmers aren't generally cheap, although a number of manufactures do supply affordable units for compact tractors. We sell hedge trimmers designed for 20hp tractors in Europe - if you want a price minus the shipping just let me know!!! :laughing:

 

[beppington]

Caroni's TM1900 6' wide flail mower can be set in an offset position so that it cuts about 1.5' to the right of my 6' wide tractor (or centered of course) ... not sure if that's enough for you.

 

[Localmotion]

Not wanting to hyjack this thread - but I need a bit of advice from lake / pond owners & builders.

After you've helped out here, please take a look my thread to help me build our pond....! :laughing:

Best way to line a pond? - TractorByNet.com

Thanks