Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[slimcity9]

Slimcity9;

We are considering it for cutting around stock tanks (ponds). Does it throw cuttings toward tractor or away from tractor? It would not be optimal to throw cuttings into the tank. What is direction of rotation of cutting head when viewed from above?

Thanks

Rick

From the top it is clockwise, so probably more cuttings are thrown away from the tractor than towards.

 

[rautry]

I've found that it uses string really fast. Heavy grass and weeds (3' tall or so) will bog it down, even in L1 creeper gear. I got mine to use not only around our horse pastures fencing (which it does a decent job of), but also around our pond......that's where I'm most disappointed. It's hard to adjust up and down and keep it out of the dirt/mud but cutting the weeds. I'm sure things will get better with more use and the "learning curve", but DR will never get me with their return policy again.......promise!!!

 

[aczlan]

On string, it looks to use a heavy version of regular string which should be available in aftermarket with longer lasting/better cutting string.

Aaron Z

 

[slimcity9]

On string, it looks to use a heavy version of regular string which should be available in aftermarket with longer lasting/better cutting string.

Aaron Z

The .155 line is widely available, but the .175 line is less common. That's why I bought a roll of the latter from DR. I'd be happy to find less expensive or better material if someone knows of a source. I assume the .155 line won't last nearly as long, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[slimcity9]

... Heavy grass and weeds (3' tall or so) will bog it down, even in L1 creeper gear. ...

I'm curious about this, since mine would simply deflect away from the thickest growth before bogging down. This was at one to 1.5 mph. What is the mechanism involved? Does the string get forced into a smaller diameter? I assume the belt isn't slipping...

 

[rautry]

Mine deflects as well, but in the thick stuff I think the string is just wrapping around the weeds and eventually just can't cut them. I guess that I need to cut a smaller width instead of a full swath. The belt doesn't slip, I just stop the tractor, lift the mower and let the string untangle from the weeds and lower it back down. I used it again this past weekend with the smaller diameter string, and I actually think it worked better???

 

[aczlan]

Are you running your TYM at full PTO speed when mowing? Being a line type trimmer, it will be very sensitive to PTO speed...

Aaron Z

 

[Coyote machine]

Here's another similar mower, granted for more money, BUT I think from the looks of it, it would do all the things you are saying the Dr. isn't capable of or built to do. And with the medium lift standard blade it discharges cuttings to the REAR of the mower. And it can have a 'dirt build up' accessory attached to the blade to cut down accumulated dirt mounds from around fence post that have previously been poorly maintained/neglected.

The Fence Mower: Fence Mowing Made Easy!

 

[slimcity9]

Here's another similar mower, granted for more money, BUT I think from the looks of it, it would do all the things you are saying the Dr. isn't capable of or built to do. ...

I've admired that mower in the past, but $3,280 is way more money. That's more than I have in my heavy duty 7-foot King Kutter mower.

 

[Coyote machine]

I've admired that mower in the past, but $3,280 is way more money. That's more than I have in my heavy duty 7-foot King Kutter mower.

Granted, but the smaller model for cat 1 tractors is less, but not by much. Neither Dr. or the 'fence mower' brand would do too much for upsloped roadside mowing.:confused3:
I'd like the kind the county uses; an articulating arm brush cutter deck with huge side hydraulic tank.:thumbsup: Big money too, I'd bet.