Davco vs Bradco Brush Cutter

[GreatWhitehunter]

I know you've got the asv but unless your going to be mowing brush alot it's going to be a huge waste of money. I don't know if you've ever mowed anything but after you mow good once it really takes a long time to grow back. I've got brush mowing accounts that I mowed in the early spring.
There only now needing another mowing. And they hadn't been mowed in 25yrs before this year. It was all pasture so not too much brush but enough.
Unless I was going to mow commercially I wouldn't waste my time buying a mower. For what you going to spend I'm sure having it done will be much cheaper. (Ted and I have no affiliation). Believe me I'm the king on buying it myself instead of paying someone but your case just seems like a waste.

Matt

 

[parisq]

Points well taken, gentlemen, and my wife will probably agree to have a pro do it, as much as she wants me out of the house. However, as a semi-retiree new to this property (and large acreage maintenance, in general), it's important to me to do as much as is reasonable and prudent. This is why I moved to the country... to learn and have fun doing it. And the best way to learn is to do. Of course mistakes will be made. Which is why I'm on this forum getting tips from pros like you guys.

Your comments re Bradco being sufficient has potentially already saved me money, money that will be needed elsewhere. Besides the current project of the over-grown pasture, I've additional 140+ acres of pastures and virgin woodland that will need attention over the next year or so. Neither a Bradco or Davco will do much with some of the trees I will face in the woods to cut riding trails and a fence right-of-way. Much of this will probably require a mulching head and be something I will job out.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

It sounds to me like you need both a rotary type mower and a mulcher. All the more reason to hire it out. I would still pick up a rotary mower to maintain the large acreage. I think you'll find that after the intial mowing/mulching/clearing it really won't need too much maintanence. This is an area where mulchers shine. Here in rocky NE when you clear traditionally you end up dealing with rocks and stumps. Mulchers get the same results without the stump/rock issues so it's really a win win. I've got a client that owns about 100 acres, I've mowed about 10 so far and he wants another 5 or so mowed next week. He asked that I mow it short(these are pasture) and he actually keeps it mowed with a ride on mower. And while I'd love to mow it monthly for him the truth is it really wouldn't make too much sense. We had a real wet summer this year and he still was able to keep it under control. If you end up getting a rotary mower I'd recommend getting a quality unit. Slightly used will be fine. There are alot of lightly used pieces of equipment for sale dirt cheap due to the economic situation. Look around your area for used equipment auctions. If you decide to go new let the dealers bring out demo units for you to run.

Matt

 

[QwikDraw]

How many acres of pasture do you have?

You might need one of these...

 

[parisq]

What rotary cutters would you guys recommend? I notice (Matt) lists the Woods Brushbull on his equipment list. Would it qualify? Also, how many hours (or seasons) qualifies as "slightly used"?

QuickDraw,
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know exactly how much pasture acreage we have. I would estimate at between 8 and 12 (some with a few weird angles making my geometry a joke). That's some impressive rig in your photo. Yours and what?

 

[Heavyduty]

How many acres of pasture do you have?

You might need one of these...

Nice set up. How do you transport the tractor with that long pull behind batwing?

 

[QwikDraw]

Yep, she's mine...

I still don't have a big enough trailer so I have make two trips or have a buddy pull one for me.

I have 300+ acres (2 jobs) to do before mid December. I hope the snow holds off long enough

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I've used a few and really like the WOODS. They sell an even heavier duty model so no worries on reliabilty. Ted looks to have a Bush Hog brand I've heard good things about them also. Landpride is another good one. There are a few other good ones but not as well know as the three I listed here. I believe Kodiak is pretty good but I'm unaware of local dealers. Remember pto's are more effecient than hydralic motors so make sure you compare apple to apples when you shop. I've mowed 4" trees no problem with mine and the cutter doesn't even seem to notice. The blades on mine al almost 1" thick and show almost no wear.

Matt

 

[parisq]

Thanks. Big help. Woods and Landpride are looking to top the short list. Curious, how, with a tractor and PTO mower, does one tackle, say, something like a 7' tall, 15' diameter woody "pricker bush" (Japanese barberry, I think). Do you plunge right in, face first, with the tractor and bull over it, back into it?

 

[WestshoreConstruction]

Thanks. Big help. Woods and Landpride are looking to top the short list. Curious, how, with a tractor and PTO mower, does one tackle, say, something like a 7' tall, 15' diameter woody "pricker bush" (Japanese barberry, I think). Do you plunge right in, face first, with the tractor and bull over it, back into it?

I don't think you do..... dangerous. I have not had any experience with the Bradco but I do have a Davco and I can tell you they are the next best thing to a mulcher. Yes they are more expensive the material is a little "Chunky" but I have one with over 2500 hrs and all I have done other than greasing it daily is changing the odd blade and sharpening them. Oh yeah I belw a hose once again not the cutters fault tho.