Disc or Drum?

[jwcinpk]

Don't know much about a disc mower except that everyone here is using them and basics on how they work and nothing about a drum mower. What are the advantages disadvantages of each? I plan to buy one or the other to replace my sickle mower. What particular brands do you recommend? I think Ive set a price limit of about 4k. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[HayDR]

With a MF135 you are limited to only a few disc mowers. The question is does your MF135 have exterior hydraulics? Disc mowers almost all require exterior hydraulics. You can purchase a 5.5' or 6'9" disc mower for the $4000 you mentioned as your limit. On the other hand you can purchase a drum mower for less than half of the $4000 you have mentioned. A 165 drum mower is well suited for a MF135. The drum mower is more durable than any disc mower. They both cut hay in the same way. The 165 drum mower does not require exterior hydraulics. Take a look at one mounted on a Ford tractor close to the same size as your MF135.

 

[Jordanbear]

I'm also looking for a new mower (same situation, upgrading from sickle bar), and was wondering the same things.

So, if they both cut hay the same way, but the drum is half the price and needs less tractor, why would anyone buy a disk mower? There must be some advantage??

 

[HayDR]

The drum mower design is very simple and few moving parts. Drum mowers work best when they have a an even # of cutting drums. To manufacture a drum mower that mows 7' the mower will have to weigh 1500+ LBS and require a 85 HP tractor for HP and safety reasons. The 7' disc mower will weigh 950-1200 LBS. When you need a larger mower than 6', the disc mower has an advantage by weighing less and needing less HP than the same size drum mower. The drum mower fits the marker of 20+ HP compact tractors and 32-55 HP utility tractors and the price and durability of the drum mowers is the best value I know in a hay mower.

 

[RichNJKubota]

I've seen disk mowers. So I know how they work. But I've never seen a drum mower. How does the drum mower work?

 

[jwcinpk]

I am buying all (tractor, mower, and roller) new this year. So if you'll reply to my previous requests for pricing we'll talk. My biggest question I geuss would be speed. Can you mow faster with one than the other? How durable are drum mowers? I've seen alot of these disc mowers take a beating. Are parts more available for either of them? Wish someone had told me about a drum mower last year before I bought a new Superior sickle bar mower the dealer can't get parts for!

 

[sweettractors]

Give us a list of the parts that you need for your Superior mower and we can probably help--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co *Hay harvesting is our Speciality*