DR Brush Mower...Redundant w/tractor??

[TMR]

Good Morning...while I plan on "eventually" buying a tractor w/brush hog...I am wondering if I first buy a walk behind DR brush mower...if I would find it redundant if/when I buy a tractor with a brush hog?

I have 120 acres of woods/fields/trails that are to be my retirement project. Making more trails, planting trees, tending to "forest", working on existing trails...just a lot of northern Minnesota pine forest "work"

A friend with similar property and "tasks" has a DR and loves it...he had an old 8N w/loader and said it was not much good back in the woods...not maneuverable enough...and got stuck often. I know a newer 30-40 HP cut w/4wd would likely be a bit more "useable".

My question is this...do any of you own both a walk behind DR AND a CUT with a brush hog?

Do you still find many uses for your DR once you have a tractor with a brush hog?

My plan is to buy a DR this spring and a tractor at a later date...nots that I also have a Polaris Ranger...that is quite useful in my woodland ventures.

Thanks...TMR

 

[thatguy]

I dont think it would be redundant.. I have a 4' rough cut mower, but at times I wish I has a DR type because of the terrain is too rough, too steep, or to narrow to use the tractor..

Brian

 

[MoKelly]

If you can afford both then that is what I would do in your case.

I got a brush mower initially and then got a cutter for my tractor. I have to admit my use of the mower declined substantially after I got the cutter ... but, there are still times the mower is more convenient or fits the task better.

MoKelly

 

[DAY]

Before you buy a DR- or Troybilt- 2 wheel "walking tractor", check out Earth Tools - Walk-Behind Tractors - (502) 484-3988
These machines are used by full time farmers all over the world. Not only can you "brush hog" with them, but there are many attachments for other tasks as well. Not cheap, compared to DR, but quality doesn't cost- it pays. . .

 

[smstonypoint]

TMR,

I'll throw out another idea for your consideration. My current retirement project is similar to yours. I have a tractor & bush hog, but I have areas that I can not access with that combination.

I have been attacking brambles, small brush, saplings, etc. with a Husqvarna 235 FR brush cutter.

Brushcutter | Husqvarna | Landowner

Although I have a wood-cutting blade, I use a grass blade for diameters up to 1" or so. The grass blade also does a reasonable job of mulching.

Popular Landowner Accessories for Husqvarna Brushcutters

An advantage of a brushcutter for me is that I can haul it in the back of my utility vehicle (Kubota RTV 900). I can also access areas (e.g., creek banks, etc) that I could not reach with a walk-behind brush mower.

I don't claim that Husqvarna makes the "best" brushcutters, my neighbor has a Stihl that serves him well. I got a good deal on my purchase and I have been pleased with its performance to date.

Good luck in your retirement.

Steve

 

[TMR]

Thanks Steve...I have a Stihl brush cutter that I do find a lot of uses for...I do seem to "dull" the blades pretty quickly as I get too close to the bottom of the multi stemmed brush...and hit the dirt. Guess that is not the equipment's fault . Also, with this type of brush "saw" you are left with all the branches to clean up. DR should chop them up pretty well.

TMR

TMR,

I'll throw out another idea for your consideration. My current retirement project is similar to yours. I have a tractor & bush hog, but I have areas that I can not access with that combination.

I have been attacking brambles, small brush, saplings, etc. with a Husqvarna 235 FR brush cutter.

Brushcutter | Husqvarna | Landowner

Although I have a wood-cutting blade, I use a grass blade for diameters up to 1" or so. The grass blade also does a reasonable job of mulching.

Popular Landowner Accessories for Husqvarna Brushcutters

An advantage of a brushcutter for me is that I can haul it in the back of my utility vehicle (Kubota RTV 900). I can also access areas (e.g., creek banks, etc) that I could not reach with a walk-behind brush mower.

I don't claim that Husqvarna makes the "best" brushcutters, my neighbor has a Stihl that serves him well. I got a good deal on my purchase and I have been pleased with its performance to date.

Good luck in your retirement.

Steve