Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[Coyote machine]

I'm just relaying what I was told by Dr. The guard might well already serve the purpose of keeping a Beaver blade from contacting the fence posts, I don't have a machine to determine that answer.:confused3:
From Dr.'s POV they need to factor in the constantly spinning blade into any such use. An individual could try the Beaver blade mounted with the correct aluminum ball on the bottom of the head assembly, just as it would be fit on one of the self-propelled walk behind trimmer/mowers, and see what the results were. Their method of stopping the Beaver blade would be to turn off the PTO and tractor before exiting the tractor station/cab.
I'd try it myself, if I had a machine to try it on....

 

[slimcity9]

With a full season behind me I can say my opinion of this trimmer has continued to improve since I wrote the original review. The key thing has been to get it adjusted correctly. This keeps the lines out of the dirt and rocks.

One of the downsides is that if the tractor hits a bump and goes up while the arm is back (as seen below) it will angle the cutterhead down drastically and scalp around that post. This is greatly reduced if you ignore DR's recommendation and leave it locked in "transport" mode rather than putting it into "float" mode:
Aaron Z

I have yet to use or need the "float" or "pivot trimming" mode. DR's recommendation is that you lock the unit for "parallel trimming/mowing (terrain that is level with Tractor Wheels)" and use the pivot position (float) for "pivot trimming/mowing (terrain that is higher or lower than Tractor Wheels such as ditches)". Some of my fence lines are on pretty rugged terrain yet the parallel or locked mode always works fine.

It's also important to use sufficient RPM. In recent use I haven't broken any of the lines outright, and after mowing yesterday the lines show only an inch or so of wear after about a mile of cutting. This included some pretty rough brush. The idea of steel line is interesting, but the plastic is doing well enough for me that I don't think it's necessary. I did end up returning to the 0.175 line. With improved adjustments and technique I find it's probably better than the .155 line.

I'm also impressed with the strength and durability of this trimmer. I have unintentionally abused the heck out of it and it still works fine. The details would make you cringe.

The remaining shortcomings are mainly a result of using a larger tractor: I still have to be careful not to lift the unit too high so that the drive shaft doesn't make contact with the 3-point triangle. And I could use more reach, as I can't center the trimmer head in the fence line when I'm on the downhill side of the fence.

 

[slimcity9]

Here is how the line attaches:
View attachment 385200
Aaron Z

Aaron: I'm not sure how much difference it makes, but it looks as though you're putting in the line backwards. Here are the pictures from the manual:

 

[Lockport]

I gave a hard look at their self powered model a few years ago, but passed it up because I didn't want an extra motor to maintain. I did a search but I couldn't find the video she told you about, I would like to see it in action.

The question I have is how often does it need new string put on --- every 100 feet? 500? 1000? I like their idea but I think I will hold out for one with a metal blade.

There's a blade!

Sent from my LON-L29 using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[lostcreekranch]

FWIW Titan is now offering a similar cutter and much lower cost than DR.

https://www.palletforks.com/3-point-hitch-trimmer-lawn-mower-attachment.html

 

[bigtiller]

There's a blade!

Sent from my LON-L29 using TractorByNet mobile app

Your link went to google play.

I was in the market 4 yrs ago but not anymore, thanks anyway.

 

[slimcity9]

FWIW Titan is now offering a similar cutter and much lower cost than DR.

Titan 3-Point Hitch Attachment Trimmer Lawn Mower Category Cat 1 Tractor

It's always good to have competition. But the cost difference is only about $150 at the moment, so other factors could easily be more important. Also, DR Power is offering free shipping at the moment, so theirs may even be less money overall. Titan doesn't give a "reach" spec, but the diagrams make me think it's no more than the 63 inches of the DR Power unit. Longer reach is the only thing that might make me want one.

 

[lostcreekranch]

It's always good to have competition. But the cost difference is only about $150 at the moment, so other factors could easily be more important. Also, DR Power is offering free shipping at the moment, so theirs may even be less money overall. Titan doesn't give a "reach" spec, but the diagrams make me think it's no more than the 63 inches of the DR Power unit. Longer reach is the only thing that might make me want one.

74 1/2" from center line to outside of trimmer guard. DR Claims 63".

So, 11 1/2" wider.

 

[Rara Avis]

FWIW Titan is now offering a similar cutter and much lower cost than DR.

Titan 3-Point Hitch Attachment Trimmer Lawn Mower Category Cat 1 Tractor

But they are currently out of stock...

 

[slimcity9]

74 1/2" from center line to outside of trimmer guard. DR Claims 63".

So, 11 1/2" wider.

View attachment 515123

No, the spec is for overall width. Look more closely at the photo. Probably about the same size as the DR model.