DR Mower-First Timer

[Mike058]

I'm calling it Mickey, because it really gives you a work out-and I kind of feel like I've been chasing a chicken around a yard all day. The first hour was spent mowing a level area that's like 150' x 150'. Mostly grass with some blackberrys thrown in here and there. I've decided it would be a good idea to hand a helper some lopping shears and clip any blackberry vines the machine misses in the first round to about 1-2' long. I kept tripping on the dang things until the machine lopped them off at the root. Two people could really utilize this thing to it's best advantage. Trading off, working the mower and clipping blackberries that could clothesline the operator. Next I took on the 6-7' tall scotch broom. More of a challenge. They're pretty densely packed and there were a lot of blackberrys in with them. That made it hard for the mower to push them down enough to cut them off. A lot of times it just ran up the side of the brush. It's bad enough it couldn't cut them down, but when the front goes up, the handlebars go down. Did a lot of bending down (how low can I go?) shifting into reverse and tackling another section. The mower has issues with medium size logs, dips and irregular earth too. Got hung up a couple of times where the wheels just spin, even locking the diff wouldn't help-just something that goes with 2 wheel drive I guess. I'll have to take the brush whacker and chain saw along next time too. When the blackberries are chest high, the mower putters off underneath happy as a lark pulling me into the darn things. I've got to find some kind of breathable, light weight top that can resist berry vines, but isn't too hot. I'm glad I spent the bucks for the hat with the screen and ear muffs. But knowing all these things is really a big help. I just have to plan my attacks in such a way to utilize the machines strengths, and keep it out of situations it (or I) can't handle. I'm really happy with it. It does what it's suppose to do. I had it on a shallow slope and didn't have any serious control issues. It is a work out though. I really feel I've gone the distance tonight. Good aerobic training. Good check on the heart too. I'm still typing, so everything must be ok. The gas tank, at 2.5 gallons, is big enough for me. I ran out of gas before the machine did. Note to the manufacturer: Can you add a LED on the panel that shows when the PTO is engaged? There's a pull-to-engage-the-PTO knob on the dash. When you're operating the machine, with your hearing protection on, you can't really tell if the blades are turning or not. The knob looks the same up or down. It's probably a newbie mistake(that I made about 5 times today) so you just get into the habit of pulling the knob up, but about 50 cents in wire and a LED would help a lot. Thanks.

 

[Big Bri]

My dad has the field and brush mower with i think 12hp electric start and has served him well (over 10 years) We only cut in second gear, i find that it doesn't beat you up as much and you won't get as winded. i've cut tall grass, vines and even up to 2" trees with it. i would get a replacement belt and keep it handy as i have broke a few over the years. Good luck with it.
brian

 

[Mike058]

Thanks, that sounds like good advice. I just had a lot to mow this first time and was trying to get it all done so I was running in 3rd and 4th gear. Having a spare belt makes a lot of sense too.

 

[Doloe]

Ditto what Big Bri said.
I don't know if my 12hp is unique but it's a belt eatter. I'm lucky to get 50 hours on the blade belt.

 

[jinjimbob]

I bought a spare belt when I bought the machine, never had to use it. I've used the machine I'd guess around 150 hours.

 

[Mike058]

Guess I'll hold off ordering a new belt until the old belt starts to look worn out.

 

[jinjimbob]

I bought the spare pulley wheel too, never used that either. That would brake if you hit something really solid, which saves the engine, even though I have hit 2 ft tree stumps in the grass, the belt slips still as designed.

Aslong as you change the oil and filter once a year, keep it lubed up, it should last for a long time.

 

[First one]

Hi there,
I picked up the 17hp DR with the snowblower . I use it alot on my blueberry ground 8+ acres to clean up . The snowerblower really thows the snow 15-20ft if it's not the real heavy stuff, I go though shear pins once in awhile [always have some on hand] I think if you go in 1 for rough going or thick stuff, 2-4 for even ground and so on .The biggest thing is not to fight it ,just kinda hang on and let it do what it wants to . Oh ya use "reverse" !! trying to pull it around will kill ya!!

 

[9973720wb19]

I have a DR brush mower and trimmer - both the commercial biggest ones. I like both a lot - both work as well as DR says they do. The brush mower can wear you out, I stay in 2nd gear mostly and push down on the bars to lift the front when turning. the trimmer i use around my pond so because my z mower can't swim.

 

[AndyMA]

I bought the spare pulley wheel too, never used that either. That would brake if you hit something really solid, which saves the engine, even though I have hit 2 ft tree stumps in the grass, the belt slips still as designed.

Aslong as you change the oil and filter once a year, keep it lubed up, it should last for a long time.

Gee, I must be lucky. When I bought my 17 hp. it came with a second pulley and a sheet of paper saying that the pulley was designed to fail before other things. Never had to use it.

Andy