Ditch bank mower information?

[lennyzx11]

I searched through past posts but would like to ask the group what recommendations may be out there for a ditch bank/ offset flail / boom mower I could use.

1. Tractor is a Kubota L3301 with loader and 4 rear remotes. Weighted tires and 3” spacers on each side with wheels in max outer settings.

2. I have about 1 mile of ditch to mow around property along roadway. One side is too steep to drive on sideways.

3. I have equipment and could fabricate something even like a Laneshark or a redneck “push mower hanging of a couple of pieces of tubing”

4. Let’s keep this thing under 3000 delivered to Vermont.

5. If it will do flat duty, I may sell my old Mott Six foot flail.

6. Also have a 6 ft Landpride cutter and a LP 5 ft finishing mower.

Using the Stihl weedeater/brush cutter is starting to suck!

 

[s219]

Sickle mowers are great for this, but you'll pay. However, I feel like they are the best and most versatile. That is what I would get if I really had to do a lot of this work.

DR makes a 3-pt mounted super weed whacker that sits off to the side of the tractor and would work for limited reach. Early models had issues but they seem to have sorted them out. I don't think it has a lot of side reach but might be enough for many banks/ditches.

I have considered rigging up something with an old mower motor I have, to hang off the side of the 3-pt or loader. I did a couple prototypes with lumber and rope and it worked well enough to make me thing it's doable as a welding project.

 

[Leejohn]

I'm right in the middle of making one ,how strange for this post popped up at this time. I don't want to post pictures just yet. Been thinking about it for 4 or5 years so just jumped in and doing it.

 

[aczlan]

Sent you a PM with one I ran across on Craigslist last night.

Aaron Z

 

[i7win7]

TrailBlazer TB-One Front Mount Rotary Mower (starting at $3895) - YouTube

Exceeds your budget, I like the power pack idea - ballast - doesn't overheat tractor hydraulics
Laneshark oil return needs to dump into tank, not return thru valve assembly - hydraulic motor needs to spin down

 

[lennyzx11]

Sent you a PM with one I ran across on Craigslist last night.

Aaron Z

Thanks. I replied to your message.
Lenny

 

[lennyzx11]

Sickle mowers are great for this, but you'll pay. However, I feel like they are the best and most versatile. That is what I would get if I really had to do a lot of this work.

DR makes a 3-pt mounted super weed whacker that sits off to the side of the tractor and would work for limited reach. Early models had issues but they seem to have sorted them out. I don't think it has a lot of side reach but might be enough for many banks/ditches.

I have considered rigging up something with an old mower motor I have, to hang off the side of the 3-pt or loader. I did a couple prototypes with lumber and rope and it worked well enough to make me thing it's doable as a welding project.

I have no experience with sickle mowers and had considered them.
Can they handle the occasional rock or small tree?
Worried about breaking one easily.

 

[lennyzx11]

I'm right in the middle of making one ,how strange for this post popped up at this time. I don't want to post pictures just yet. Been thinking about it for 4 or5 years so just jumped in and doing it.

Great! I too am interested and “could” make one probably.

But dear wife is telling me to quit spending twice as much to build something I can buy for half!

 

[lennyzx11]

Sickle mowers are great for this, but you'll pay. However, I feel like they are the best and most versatile. That is what I would get if I really had to do a lot of this work.

DR makes a 3-pt mounted super weed whacker that sits off to the side of the tractor and would work for limited reach. Early models had issues but they seem to have sorted them out. I don't think it has a lot of side reach but might be enough for many banks/ditches.

I have considered rigging up something with an old mower motor I have, to hang off the side of the 3-pt or loader. I did a couple prototypes with lumber and rope and it worked well enough to make me thing it's doable as a welding project.

That was my thoughts also.

 

[metalbender]

The ditch mower I bought is Chinese. Brand name Mateng. Does everything I ask, have a half mile drive with steep sides. When conditions are dry, I can get into the bottom of the ditch and cut up to match the down cut from the road. Tucks in behind the tractor for normal work. Not a lawn mower, does great on small bushes. Sure you can build something to do the job, but sometimes it's just better to purchase. Would not sell the Bush Hog though.

 

[beckmurph]

NEVER BEFORE SEEN!! Offset Flail on Sub Compact Tractor - YouTube

I like this setup.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I bought a Samarie (sp?) hydraulic sickle mower and found out in the first fifteen minutes that you need to make a choice. Cut grass or cut branches. It won't do both. EXPENSIVE LESSON!

 

[poncho62]

Not much shoulder on that road. I take it you mow from the property side. I built this thing for the hill in front of my house. It connects to the front of my garden tractor and I push it up the hill.

 

[BrokenTrack]

Great! I too am interested and ç”°ould make one probably.

But dear wife is telling me to quit spending twice as much to build something I can buy for half!

I had about 1000 people coming to a concert on our farm last year, so to make the place look good, I cobbled together a ditch-bank mower. I used a fan, a 2x4 and a generator. Total cost was $0.

It was crude, but worked.

 

[kthompson]

NEVER BEFORE SEEN!! Offset Flail on Sub Compact Tractor - YouTube

I like this setup.

I recently (this spring) bought a L6060 Kubota and a mower of this design. NOT THIS BRAND. My grandson has run it probably about 30 hours cutting some heavy grass, brush and trees maybe as large as 3 inches once in a while but 1 and 2 inches often. Have been pleased with it's ability. It does not have as much reach to the side as I thought it would have but have been able to cut larger road ditch and pond banks except one bank that is more vertical. May still be able to but that one need a spotter for so you don't get tires over the edge. Believe correct it was $6,700 picked up at their warehouse. No idea on any shipping charge but they are rather large due to the frame. You must have two remote circuits for it. If you have fel you should be able to use those.

 

[Underdog57]

I had about 1000 people coming to a concert on our farm last year, so to make the place look good, I cobbled together a ditch-bank mower. I used a fan, a 2x4 and a generator. Total cost was $0.

It was crude, but worked.

View attachment 657259

I love it!!!!! That's what you call maximizing available resources!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup::laughing:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Look for a used one of these. None better. A lot out there. Hydraulic Mowers | Hardee by EVH Manufacturing Company | United States

 

[lennyzx11]

I love it!!!!! That's what you call maximizing available resources!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup::laughing:

Though I don’t see duct tape or bailing wire anywhere on this, I must give bonus points for the C clamp generator hold down bracket.
Well done, Sir !!!

 

[lennyzx11]

Look for a used one of these. None better. A lot out there. Hydraulic Mowers | Hardee by EVH Manufacturing Company | United States

Thanks for the tip Mark. Searching for one now.

 

[BrokenTrack]

Though I don稚 see duct tape or bailing wire anywhere on this, I must give bonus points for the C clamp generator hold down bracket.
Well done, Sir !!!

Like you, I realized I could probably make my own mower, but kind of wanted to test the waters first. This just really proved something very simple would work.