Looking for Lane Shark feedback from end users

DVR · May 12, 2019

I'm considering the purchase of a Lane Shark. 3ft model is the one that matches my tractor(s) 3rd function flow rate.
Would like to hear feedback from people who have purchased and run one.
Please post up your experiences and degree of satisfaction with the device.
They told me almost $3900 when I inquired. Searching old posts (didn't find the info i was looking for) saw late 2017 posts mentioning over $1000 less.
Have they actually gone up $1000 in under 2 years? Any improvements with the price jump?
Thanks in advance

Any other similar attachment experiences are welcome.

monkeyduster · May 12, 2019

I have a LaneShark cutter I purchased maybe 2 years ago.It was one of the earlier models, and I believe that I paid about $3200 for it. I bought mine directly from LaneShark, as there where very few dealers around. I really like it, and will say that it does a great job. I use it in the front position to cut brush around a pond, and it does great. I also have a long driveway with trees up both sides. I use it to keep the branches cut back. You do have to be careful not to bump in into a tree or the ground as it can get racked or bent. This is a minor tradeoff due to keeping the weight down. I have learned to slow down and take it easy.
I would be sure that your third function is ok for continuous flow, as some are not. I have a LS XR 4046 and have 1/2" hoses with one hooked to rear valve, and the return line to the rear port to to the sump. They were real helpful when I called with questions.

DVR · May 12, 2019

thank you. When I called I explained I had a 3rd function. They seemed to understand that and didn't mention a problem.
I'll sure look into that and thank you for mentioning.
Limbing up the roads is my main use. I have several miles.
The ranger with loppers and the pole cutter is getting old, so am I.

JWR · Jun 29, 2019

I have a Lane Shark that I bought in May 2018. First one sold in WV I believe. I had it installed on my MF 2660 by the Shark dealer (who happens to be primarily a Kubota dealer.) And thankfully so ! Glad I did not attempt the plumbing myself though I thought I had it down pat. I had a completely separate set of larger diameter lines run alongside my age-old third function lines that I normally use for a pinch bucket up there. USE 1/2" LINES not any less.

Lane Shark has the bugs out of this product and the user friendly aspects of such devices figured out very, very well. I previously tried a much larger heavier hydraulic motor driven front cutter which worked but NOT very well. Problems included lack of adequate pump flow, no provision for freewheeling when you shut off the drive and failure to understand the need to return flow to the sump rather than via the remotes. All these matter. The Lane Shark people are absolutely super in terms of customer support, talking through your issues and getting things working right.

The Shark is designed for a mid-sized farm tractor to readily drive it as opposed to a skid steer with a big hydraulic pump putting out upwards of 20 gpm. Mine runs with a motor said to need 10 gpm and that is ideal. Even if your machine says it puts out 14 to 17 gpm (which mine did) that is not what really happens at the business end due to hose diameters, fitting losses, valve losses, etc.

You may want to talk to the Lane Shark people because (as I read Tractor Data) your Kubotas put out less than 10 gpm specified and that means less yet at the business end of the hoses. Lane Shark has used and tested their Shark on some models of Kubota, I just do not know which ones, and I would trust their word on what does and does not drive it well. You don't want to just turn the blades, you want to be robust in ability to cut with it.

Lane Shark has come out with much better heavier blade carriers and blades with a better attachment for the blades than my early copy. They sent the new hardware to me free of charge and I have not gotten it installed yet, but it is obviously better in terms of heavier cutting capacity and mainly in the blade attachment bolt area. I threw some blades in early usage and the new blade attachment bolt configuration certainly should cure that disease (which was the only complaint I had.)

I like the unit so well that I am about to put a large rear mounted boom cutter up for sale and use the Lane Shark from now on. About 1/3 the cost of the big boom cutter and while not as big or as much reach, it will do what I need to do most.

Sad note: Titan now sells what they call a "Trailblazer TB-One" which is obviously a knockoff copy of the Lane Shark. I was told that Titan bought one of the Lane Sharks and not long after began marketing and selling what I'll call a "Chinese Copy" which to me is unethical or worse. I stumbled across the Titan literature at a tractor dealer and said Hey ! That's my Lane Shark !

Travow22s · Jun 29, 2019

DVR said:
I'm considering the purchase of a Lane Shark. 3ft model is the one that matches my tractor(s) 3rd function flow rate.
Would like to hear feedback from people who have purchased and run one.
Please post up your experiences and degree of satisfaction with the device.
They told me almost $3900 when I inquired. Searching old posts (didn't find the info i was looking for) saw late 2017 posts mentioning over $1000 less.
Have they actually gone up $1000 in under 2 years? Any improvements with the price jump?
Thanks in advance

Any other similar attachment experiences are welcome.

Hey, the Lane Shark has two models. That may be what you are reading about pricing. Depending on the tractor, varies which model would be best. They just launched a smaller model that could be more of your price range. I recommend giving them a call. Have heard nothing but good about the product and gets the job done.

DVR · Jul 17, 2020

Was never able to see the lane shark in person. Nobody I knew had any acquaintance that had one...
In a strange twist of fate- today I purchased a tract of land that included a kubota MX5400 (27hrs) with a lane shark. Ran it for a few hours today. Didn't take long to get the hang of it. It's a great tool and all my roads have overhanging branches.
will follow up after a few more hours of use

JWR · Jul 18, 2020

DVR said:
Was never able to see the lane shark in person. Nobody I knew had any acquaintance that had one...
In a strange twist of fate- today I purchased a tract of land that included a kubota MX5400 (27hrs) with a lane shark. Ran it for a few hours today. Didn't take long to get the hang of it. It's a great tool and all my roads have overhanging branches.
will follow up after a few more hours of use

Considering how you acquired your Lane Shark you need to be cautious as follows: The early Lane Sharks had a blade attachment design that was unreliable -- just a bolt and locknut for each blade with no crown nut or any way to really keep it together. And not a ridged bolt -- so you could not really tighten down the blades (!) About a year ago or more they changed over to a much more reliable system with a heavier central blade holder, heavier bolts for attaching the blades and solid cotter key and crown nut keepers. With the old hardware you had to stop work and go re tighten or at least check the blades after an hour or two of use -- otherwise you would lose a blade thrown off the thing.

If you have the older unreliable system call the company and they will send you the new version. It is a not a terrifically simple conversion -- uses a new housing below the motor, fresh bearings, and takes some time to do the swap. Let me know if you have trouble doing it.

DVR · Jul 19, 2020

Thanks,
I have the new style. However, I was able to break it anyway.
Sheared the shaft at the blade holder. As a former forestry cutter owner/operator, I think I was a little over-optimistic. As side note, I got the tractor with 27hrs and cutter had about 4hrs. It could have been compromised before my ownership. I am in no way suggesting it was a defect.
Hope to be back up and running asap.

Also, I really like it. It does a great job if you use it as intended.

JWR · Jul 19, 2020

DVR, I agree. I also have an Orsi articulated arm cutter that mounts on the back of the tractyor and has two of it's own hydraulic pumps. And a larger rotary cutter on it than the Lane Shark. However, it is a tough job for an old man like me to get it on and off the tractor and it challenges even a fairly large tractor to use it on a hillside without getting tipsy. Result is I'm keeping the Lane Shark and selling the Orsi.

DVR · Jul 22, 2020

JWR said:
Considering how you acquired your Lane Shark you need to be cautious as follows: The early Lane Sharks had a blade attachment design that was unreliable -- just a bolt and locknut for each blade with no crown nut or any way to really keep it together. And not a ridged bolt -- so you could not really tighten down the blades (!) About a year ago or more they changed over to a much more reliable system with a heavier central blade holder, heavier bolts for attaching the blades and solid cotter key and crown nut keepers. With the old hardware you had to stop work and go re tighten or at least check the blades after an hour or two of use -- otherwise you would lose a blade thrown off the thing.

If you have the older unreliable system call the company and they will send you the new version. It is a not a terrifically simple conversion -- uses a new housing below the motor, fresh bearings, and takes some time to do the swap. Let me know if you have trouble doing it.

Looks like I do have the older system. It was purchased within the last few months though.
Lane shark is sending me the upgraded replacement parts "under warranty" for which I am thankful. I'll keep this updated once fixed.

DVR · Jul 25, 2020

Got the parts Friday, repaired it today, cut for a couple of hours and all is well.
Awesome tool if your expectations are realistic.

kbeall · Nov 15, 2021

monkeyduster said:
I have a LaneShark cutter I purchased maybe 2 years ago.It was one of the earlier models, and I believe that I paid about $3200 for it. I bought mine directly from LaneShark, as there where very few dealers around. I really like it, and will say that it does a great job. I use it in the front position to cut brush around a pond, and it does great. I also have a long driveway with trees up both sides. I use it to keep the branches cut back. You do have to be careful not to bump in into a tree or the ground as it can get racked or bent. This is a minor tradeoff due to keeping the weight down. I have learned to slow down and take it easy.
I would be sure that your third function is ok for continuous flow, as some are not. I have a LS XR 4046 and have 1/2" hoses with one hooked to rear valve, and the return line to the rear port to to the sump. They were real helpful when I called with questions.View attachment 604360 View attachment 604361

Would you mind sending a photo of how you plumbed the laneshark. I have a ls xr4046 and am looking at getting the 36 inch laneshark.
Thank you
Kenny

monkeyduster · Nov 15, 2021

I took the plug out of the axle housing and went to a hydraulic shop for the hose and fittings. The photo with the circle shows the 2 ends. There was room in the bracket to add the quick connect. This way I can use my grapple as you see the hoses connected now. When I use the Lane Shark, I move the hose with the red tape, up to the fitting circle in red. This is the return line back to the sump. The hoses run under the floor board on the left side, and up to the loader. I added quick connects to remove the loader, but it's not necessary. On the front you can see the quick connects on the cross bar. All of the hoses are 1/2", and it works great with the Lane Shark. Hope this helps.View attachment 721056 View attachment 721057 View attachment 721054 View attachment 721055 View attachment 721058

JWR · Nov 16, 2021

Your photos all say they are missing or I do not have authorization to view them...

monkeyduster · Nov 16, 2021

Trying again...sorry

AustinL911 · Jul 15, 2025

Reviving an old thread.

Backstory: Recently bought 160ac of forestland. It has an overgrown established trail system that I've been chipping away at with chainsaws and a clearing saw/brush cutter. But, it's slow going and this is going to be a lifelong chore. I need hydraulics.

I've been eyeballing TYM tractors and like what I see. I figure I don't need green or orange paint for what I'm doing. I went to a dealer today to chat with him and told him my intentions. I've been looking at a 5520ch from TYM. I like the old simple Branson design and the auxiliary hydraulic flow is listed at 11.4gpm. Among all the implements I'd like to acquire (grapple, flail mower, chipper, rake, forestry winch/grapple), a Lane Shark is high on my list. Even if I do manage to clear these trails once, this is going to require a lifetime of maintenance. I mentioned this to him and he said that although Lane Shark says a tractor can handle it, the hydros aren't really designed for continuous high flow duty that a LS would require and could be a problem down the road. I honestly hadn't given that much thought before talking to him. The thought of a hydraulic pump coming apart and pumping metal bits all throughout the tractors hydraulic system doesn't sound like a fun repair. He instead suggested a PTO power pack because you could get higher flow and you're on a dedicated circuit incase something does come apart. Makes sense, but obviously it's added cost and the thought of running lines from the rear to the front doesn't sound that interesting to me.

How are you guys' tractors holding up to these Lane Sharks? Any problems? Is my local dealer just trying to sell me a power pack or is this a legitimate concern?

JCoastie · Jul 15, 2025

Have probably 15 hours on mine over a year and a half. I have 8 gallons of flow for attachments, no issues so far. I did add the return to sump line. I have the smaller LS3 which only requires 5-8pgm.

JWR · Jul 16, 2025

AustinL911 said:
Reviving an old thread.

Backstory: Recently bought 160ac of forestland. It has an overgrown established trail system that I've been chipping away at with chainsaws and a clearing saw/brush cutter. But, it's slow going and this is going to be a lifelong chore. I need hydraulics.

I've been eyeballing TYM tractors and like what I see. I figure I don't need green or orange paint for what I'm doing. I went to a dealer today to chat with him and told him my intentions. I've been looking at a 5520ch from TYM. I like the old simple Branson design and the auxiliary hydraulic flow is listed at 11.4gpm. Among all the implements I'd like to acquire (grapple, flail mower, chipper, rake, forestry winch/grapple), a Lane Shark is high on my list. Even if I do manage to clear these trails once, this is going to require a lifetime of maintenance. I mentioned this to him and he said that although Lane Shark says a tractor can handle it, the hydros aren't really designed for continuous high flow duty that a LS would require and could be a problem down the road. I honestly hadn't given that much thought before talking to him. The thought of a hydraulic pump coming apart and pumping metal bits all throughout the tractors hydraulic system doesn't sound like a fun repair. He instead suggested a PTO power pack because you could get higher flow and you're on a dedicated circuit incase something does come apart. Makes sense, but obviously it's added cost and the thought of running lines from the rear to the front doesn't sound that interesting to me.

How are you guys' tractors holding up to these Lane Sharks? Any problems? Is my local dealer just trying to sell me a power pack or is this a legitimate concern?

Your description of 160 ac, overgrown trails, forestland might imply a need for ...who knows what! So many unknowns. Is much of it some thing you can bushhog? What makes you think you need a FEL mounted cutter? Do you need a dozer to get things to where a utility tractor stands a chance of maintaining it? We have no way of knowing or how to advise you on what is best.

I bought the first Lane Shark sold in WVa. Run it on an 81 HP MF 2660. I am NOT a heavy user but find the Lane Shark to be a good tool for trimming overhanging branches primarily and secondarily giving me some reach over gullies and sink holes full of briars and thorn bushes. Do not expect it to be your primary cutting tool for large areas or for heavy wood the thickness of your wrist. It is a super tool, well made and somewhat of an ingenious addition to cutting trimming options around a farms fence rows, etc. Never had any problem with hydraulics driving it (I have 12 or 14 gpm available and it does not need that much.) All that said I think you should view a Lane Shark as a supplemental tool for clearing overhanging branches, giving you some extra reach into obscure places etc. but not the primary tool for maintaining trails through wooded areas. Dozer for tough places, heavy bush hog for the tough long hours stuff and Lane Shark to supplement. But again we cannot tell what you are facing or really need. Not enough info.