Dances with snakes

[lhobson]

Does anyone know of a boom mower suitable for a 30 hp, category 1 hitch tractor (JD 790) ? I'd like to mow the edges of my pond without getting up close and personal with the water moccasins.

 

[PineRidge]

You might consider an old sickle bar mower.

 

[RobJ]

You could probably handle a 7' sickle pretty easy. Even find a used one pretty cheap. They vibrate like a momma though.

 

[sweettractors]

Does anyone know of a boom mower suitable for a 30 hp, category 1 hitch tractor (JD 790) ? I'd like to mow the edges of my pond without getting up close and personal with the water moccasins.

--I would go with a sickle bar mower similar to the one shown in this picture--We also have about 35 additional used sickle mowers that are various brands and prices--Ken Sweet
Email sweet@scrtc.com

http://www.sweettractors.com/newpics/91605/images/21jd97ft795.jpg

 

[lhobson]

I'm getting the feeling that boom mowers for small tractors aren't readily available, or, cost a whole heck of a lot. How much control does one have over the angle of a sickle bar mower ? Can the angle be changed from the seat of the tractor ?

 

[dubba]

My observation of boom mowers has always been that they are rigid mount with carefully engineered counterweights placed in interesting positions. I do not believe (by design) that they lend themselves to being an occasional attachment.

 

[sweettractors]

I'm getting the feeling that boom mowers for small tractors aren't readily available, or, cost a whole heck of a lot. How much control does one have over the angle of a sickle bar mower ? Can the angle be changed from the seat of the tractor ?

The new Superior double action mowers have a optional hydraulic cyl available for holding a fixed position and are more expensive. 99% of the older used sickle mowers just follow the angle of what is being mowed and can be held from 6 inchs to 2-3 ft above water in a field/pond/lake situation--Ken Sweet
Phone 270-528-3323-Mon-Fri-8-5-CST

 

[lhobson]

I actually found a boom mower for a compact tractor (20 - 35hp). It's made by Ferri, an Italian company. It mounts on the three point hitch along with the counter weight. Unfortunately it costs over $8000. I've seen used tractors with attached boom mowers that sell for less than that.

 

[sweettractors]

I actually found a boom mower for a compact tractor (20 - 35hp). It's made by Ferri, an Italian company. It mounts on the three point hitch along with the counter weight. Unfortunately it costs over $8000. I've seen used tractors with attached boom mowers that sell for less than that.

We have a good used 5ft boom mower that requires 6 hydraulic line to run on a 50-60hp tractor for $1995--Ken Sweet

 

[lhobson]

My tractor is a 30 hp JD 790, so it probably doesn't have the power or the weight to drive your used boom mower. What kind of prices am I looking at for used sickle mowers ?