Regarding the pull behind sickle mowers, I grew up with them. In Nebraska and the western states, where there is a bit more room, in the 60's we would hook two, one on a two wheel chassis and use both. In '62, what we could mow around with 2 doubles(2 sets with 2-9' bars) in 2 hours we could put up the next day. The biggest problem was finding dump rake teeth stuck in the ground in the grass from the previous year as they would knock out at least 1 ledger plate(bottom shear plate) in the guard(sickle bar holder) and two sickle sections(sharp teeth on sickle bar). The mower operators would carry at least 4 extra sickle bars for a half-day(6 hours-preOSHA!).
They do a great job, smooth and even as the tractor always runs on the ground that has already been mown. They do only mow grass, not shrubbery, not heavy weeds, shucks, even sweet clover can bind them up. The Pitmanless mowers will mow any you can lay them.
BUT they are Dangerous! Never get off with them running-Never get in front of the mower if the tractor brakes are not set. When horse drawn mowers were used, every summer someone would be crippled or killed when his horses would pull the mower over him. (Not a good way to go!)
They take a little maintenace, but, boy, they mow fast on clean! Good Luck. Russ
