I don't understand from botany/biology (grass, etc) - but I think sickle bar mower must be better, less harmfull from biology point of view as it shouldn't give as much damage to the grass as the high speed rotational mowers such as finish, drum, etc. are giving. I think these rotary mowers with high speeds applying a vertical pressure to the grass must be giving some damage to the grass (burning the grass at the top) and resulting in shortening the life of grass. On the other hand, sickle bar cutter applying a pressure/force on the grass stem only horizontally probably gives the grass much less damage. I have not experienced this as I don't have the both, but this can be tested simply in the field. Operate a drum mower on the grass or clover several times and observe this grass area/clover for some months and operate sickle bar mower too in an area a few feets away from this area where you operated drum mower and observe there sickled area too for some months. I guess the grass/clover area you cut by drum mower will stay much shorter because the grass/clover will not renew itself as it was burned at its top by the rotary mower. Maybe, you have already observed this. or am I wrong?
