Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[TerryR]

Curious how this DR mower would stand up to use. Looks almost more hobby farmer than for use on mowing miles and miles of fence. Also if it can take down thick grass that you might get to once a year, not the 2 or 3 inches of green grass that is shown in the video. The trimmer head that holds the line looks to be plastic?

It looks like the same head they use with their walk-behind string mowers. The ball lasts for years with heavy use, even though it is some sort of plastic. With the heavy cord they cut small saplings, as long as you get them the first year and don't let them get woody. Woody stems over about a quarter inch in diameter generally break the strings unless you ease into them very gently, and even then quickly shred the strings.

The walk-behind units cut three-foot grass and weeds with no problem. But on this one I wonder how the round shield that steers it around the fence posts works with tall stuff, since the string is actually under the shield. I'd think it would bend over taller weeds and make them harder to cut.

Terry

 

[Dingeryote]

OK, I now officially hate you guys.

I have been eyballing and lusting after a weed badger for years now.
This thing is even better, because it is much more simple, and dosn't rely on hydraulics and discs.

IF it can be adjusted, so the head tension is light enough, it could be used in Vinyards and blueberry fields, to clean out the tough to kill crap growing between bushes.

The BIG question is, will it put up with bieng used, for more than just spiffing up a 1/2 A fenceline twice a year.

Will it cut blackberry canes and young sumac?
I hope so.

The thing would save me a couple K in herbicides, and another couple K in labor annually, if it can.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I find DR equipment all or nothing. I returned the two wheel line trimmer with off set head feature. While it worked a heavy hand held line trimmer worked better for me. Now our DR Brush and Field mower stays in the shed more than not but has gotten a work out this year. Just this evening we got it out and mowed a neighbors yard with the 30" bush hog head. It was as wide of a mower that would have worked well and it was way too thick/talk for any lawn mower even the 30" Snapper that we used in some of the yard because it had not been mowed this year and he had a stoke and hopes to get out of the hospital next week.We have a 42" mower deck that fits it too. New it is nearly $4500 bit we got ours from a guy in stone mountain GA for $1400. Most see little use and are seldom worn out even if 20 years old.

 

[JoeL4330]

what I'd like is a trimmer like that which can mount on my RD mower ...a dedicated belt, maybe, with an electric clutch engagement so that when I'm mowing, I can engage and trim ...without have to return to base and switch implements...

 

[slimcity9]

Anyone know why DR lists a minimum of 25 HP tractor for their 3 pt model when they have the same 22" size cutting head on walk behinds with much smaller engines? Would you really need 25 HP?

It does seem a bit high, though of course you need some of that horsepower to move the tractor. One of the phone reps did describe the company as being "very conservative" with their published requirements.

 

[slimcity9]

This thing is even better, because it is much more simple, and dosn't rely on hydraulics and discs.
...
The BIG question is, will it put up with being used, for more than just spiffing up a 1/2 A fenceline twice a year.

It'll be more than a month before I can provide any firsthand information on this. But like you I appreciate the simplicity of the design. It seems as though that should contribute to reliability. The belt can easily be replaced. And aside from the trimmer head you wouldn't think anything else is particularly prone to failure.

The original print ad I saw for this trimmer referred to a 6-month trial. I found the fine print here. It's for non-commercial use, otherwise only 30 days. The freight charge for returning 220 pounds will set you back some, however.

 

[TomSeller]

It'll be more than a month before I can provide any firsthand information on this. But like you I appreciate the simplicity of the design. It seems as though that should contribute to reliability. The belt can easily be replaced. And aside from the trimmer head you wouldn't think anything else is particularly prone to failure.

The original print ad I saw for this trimmer referred to a 6-month trial. I found the fine print here. It's for non-commercial use, otherwise only 30 days. The freight charge for returning 220 pounds will set you back some, however.

How is it working out?

 

[slimcity9]

How is it working out?

Just received the shipping notice today. It says two to seven business days...

 

[TomSeller]

Just received the shipping notice today. It says two to seven business days...

Thank you, I am looking forward to hearing how it works in the real world with grass that can be as tall as the fence and thick. Right now I have it on my "wish list subject to more information"

 

[aczlan]

Thank you, I am looking forward to hearing how it works in the real world with grass that can be as tall as the fence and thick. Right now I have it on my "wish list subject to more information"

Same here. Would fit nicely on the BX2660 or the B7500 if it can handle heavy grass. I have used the Swisher self powered version before and it did well.

Aaron Z