Another Mower Question

[Iplayfarmer]

This time I want input on Rotary cutters vs. Sickle bar mowers.

I've got the old dearborn sicklebar mower that is seized up, but I'm also looking to buy a new rotary cutter. (Uncle Sam came through on Friday and I've got my tax return.)

I'm pretty sure that I could have the sicklebar rebuilt and modified to fit my tractor for less than what I would spend on a new mower, but I am thinking that the 4 foot rotary cutter will be a much better match for my needs. I need some advice.

What are the advantages of sicklebars vs. rotary cutters and vice versa?

 

[Birdman]

I have lots of rocks on my place so I like the sickle mower because it does not send them flying around. The rocks are too big to get caught between the sections. Also I can mow up under the overhang of trees with the sickle. More maintenance with the sickle, rivets, rock guards, sections, pitman wood. That is about all I can offer without knowing more about your intended use. One more thing, you might be shocked to see the prices of parts for the sickle mower, might be cheaper to get the new rotary cutter.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Like Birdman said, sickle bar mowers have a boatload of moving parts. Some of the newer ones come without the pitman arm, and instead use a "wobble drive" powered by a belt. They're a lot smoother operating.

One disadvantage to mowing weeds with a sickle is you don't shred the clippings. They can lay around until the next cutting, which tends to make cutting #2 a nightmare.

Big ADVANTAGE to a sickle bar is it requires less power to run, hence less fuel used. In the last couple years, I've gone back to clipping pastures with a sickle bar for that reason.

Another advantage for sickle bars is their ability to reach under stuff. (over-hanging trees, fences, ect)

Look to spend $50 to $100 to re-section a cutter bar when it gets dull. (Some can be replaced cheaper than re-sectioning)

Every so often, a sickle bar needs a complete "rebuilding". New gaurds (or just the ledger plates if they're replacable), wear plates, "hold-down clips", plus the sections. You're looking at approx. $300 to do so. The time between rebuilds is determined by the amount of dirt you try to "cut". (Sorta like a chainsaw blade)