Fence row woes

MrMagoo · Sep 19, 2004

Hi all,

I have about half a mile of fences that I keep well groomed. They need attention about 4 or 5 times a year it seems. I have been trimming them with a heavy duty string trimmer. Packing that thing around is getting old (especially after about 2 to 3 hours).

How do yall keep your fence rows looking pretty? I am able to cut within about 8 to 10 inches of the fence with my tractor but what to do with the rest? Should I try a trimmer on wheels?

Thanks

AndyM · Sep 19, 2004

I've never seen once used before, but I've always thought this was a pretty nifty contraption that tows behind your atv or tractor...

They are available in the Northern Tool catalog, item number 250038.

Bird · Sep 19, 2004

( Should I try a trimmer on wheels? )

That's what I did; used the biggest DR trimmer/mower with electric start. Sure made for an easier job.

MrMagoo · Sep 19, 2004

AndyM,

Funny you should link that picture. I have the Northern Catalog sitting right by my computer open to that exact page. This would work great if my ground was level on both sides of the fence but on side is a shallow drainage ditch that runs the length of my drive way. I think it would do the trick on the pasture side of the fence though. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird would you recommend the DR brand? I have no experience with it.

Bird · Sep 19, 2004

( Bird would you recommend the DR brand? )

I don't think you can beat the DR from Country Home Products for the quality, design, and customer support, but they're expensive; you can definitely find cheaper ones.

WVBill · Sep 21, 2004

I drive my tractor along the fence row with my spot sprayer in the FEL and spray RoundUp along the bottom of the fence.

Rollinns · Sep 21, 2004

The round up idea seemed to be pretty popular here:

Controlling fence line

The link is to a 5-page discussion about controlling weeds along a fence line.

RCannon · Sep 21, 2004

I agree with Bird. CHP has quality products and great customer support, and you can get similar products cheaper. But cheaper does not make better.
I recommend the DR trimmer based on my own experience.

LBrown59 · Dec 12, 2004

( I've never seen once used before, but I've always thought this was a pretty nifty contraption that tows behind your atv or tractor...

They are available in the Northern Tool catalog, item number 250038. )

-----------------
Has anybody tried to build something like this yourself?
I had thought of using a string trimmer or a rotary push mower to build something like it.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=757532&R=757532

Swisher ATV Postmaster Trimmer — 6.75 HP
Designed to pull behind ATV or lawn tractor and trim around the peskiest obstacles. 6.75 HP Briggs and Stratton™ engine powers 22in. double line cut. Heavy–duty line is .155 in. thick. 5 position offset hitch is adjustable for trimming on either side. Adjustable height and floating head. Folds for convenient transport and cutting line is easily replaced. (debris shielded) Truck ship. U.S.A.

Ships From Mfg

DmansPadge · Dec 12, 2004

I am not a fan of using Roundup. I only use it when grass or weeds grow where they shouldn't be, such as, in my driveway. However I have heard of people using a very weak mixture not to kill but simply stop the grass from growing. That may be an option after you cut it. I don't know how long it would last? If it didn't double your time between cutting it... it probably wouldn't be worth it.

Just a thought.