Tractor Sizing size of sicklebar mower?

larch · Feb 27, 2006

First, Thanks to all on this forum for helping me to decide which tractor to buy. Been lurking for about two years now.
I know you folks have an answer to this.
Which size sickle bar mower would you recommend for my 1601D? I've got a loader on the front and can add wheel weights if needed.
Thanks in advance.

normde2001 · Feb 28, 2006

You need as small as you can find, probably 7', 6' if available.

larch · Feb 28, 2006

Thanks for the reply. A local tractor place said it would never handle a 7 foot. Too light?
I guess I'll start looking for a 6 footer.
Any thoughts where to start looking?

Mickey_Fx · Mar 2, 2006

Mind me asking what you will be using the sicklebar for? Suitable for haying but would think a mower better suited for just cutting. Very high grass might be the exception.

normde2001 · Mar 2, 2006

These folks make one, although much too pricey for me.
They used to carry one for about $1100, but I don't see it on their website anymore. Maybe you should call them.

Cord · Mar 3, 2006

Before Ford's patent on the 3pt hitch ran out, there were pull behind sicklebar mowers. I've seen usable units sell for only a couple of hundred because they are outdated equipment. It might be an option.

larch · Mar 6, 2006

Thanks for all the replies fellas. I have a steep drive with uphill slopes on both sides. The growth is getting to be too thick and sticking out into the drive. Need to cut it down some.

Normmm · Mar 6, 2006

I think a 5 ft. would be hard to handle with a 1610. Unlike other mowers a sickle mower can be cut to any length. Well it must be cut to the correct run out on the sickle. Be aware that the bar can hang and even at 5 ft. to the right side of the tractor it can really jerk the tractor around. Be sure that a break away release id part of the bar assembly. They are very handy for mowing where you cannot drive the tractor. Around a pond over the edge of a bank. Also be aware that it is more fragile than a rotary cotter. I have broken dozens of teeth and bent guides otherwise destroyed part of the bar assembly trying to cut rocks and bushes to large for the mower.

larch · Mar 11, 2006

Thanks Normmm and all others for all the good advice. I didn't know that one couldbe cut to length. Makes my choice a lot easier. Mostly weeds and a few small saplings less than 1/2 inch. Should handle it just fine.
Thanks again.
Dennis