Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[slimcity9]

So DR recently came out with a PTO trimmer for less than $1000, and apparently it's very popular, with a five- to six-week wait. I'm interested, but the implement is spec'd for a Cat 1 hitch and mine is Cat 2.

I just got off the phone with a nice lady from DR. But maybe it's a case of men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Or else she doesn't know what she's talking about. She's trying to explain why I can't use this implement on my Cat 2 tractor. She quotes the back, outside wheel width spec as "must be equal to" instead of "maximum" of 80 inches. The latter is on their website. Evidently she thinks every Cat 1 tractor measures exactly 80 inches!??!! She says the little test tractor in their youtube video is 80 inches, which I find dubious, since my 55 HP TYM 550 tractor is only 72 inches. Then she starts telling me that the drive shafts are different, even though she reads from her sheet that it's a 1 3/8 inches, six-splined, quick-release shaft, which sounds pretty standard to me.

I could be the one who's misunderstanding. But it seems to me that the main legitimate reason for rejecting use of a Cat 2 tractor for warranty coverage is the greater horsepower. I suppose if I revved up to max speed before engaging the PTO I could do some damage, though I'd think you could do similar damage with a 45-horsepower tractor. Are there other reasons not to use this implement on a Cat 2 tractor--aside from losing a two year warranty, which I must admit is a pretty big deterrent. I know there are a couple heavier-duty fence line trimmers out there, but last I looked they were maybe three times the cost.

Opinions?

 

[slimcity9]

To my surprise I actually had a supervisor call me back. Being overly suspicious, I wondered if getting my contact information was just so they could void the warranty if I bought one. In any case, this gentleman confirmed my belief that the original "tech" was "often wrong, never in doubt." After checking with his supervisor he said they will honor the warranty with my Cat 2 tractor provided there are no modifications to the implement--bushings to fit the bigger hitch are OK. Maybe I'll write a review eventually. But it's a while to wait before I get my hands on one.

 

[bigtiller]

I gave a hard look at their self powered model a few years ago, but passed it up because I didn't want an extra motor to maintain. I did a search but I couldn't find the video she told you about, I would like to see it in action.

The question I have is how often does it need new string put on --- every 100 feet? 500? 1000? I like their idea but I think I will hold out for one with a metal blade.

 

[phiferpharm]

I have a DR Power grader that is a lovely lawn ornament. That's about as much good as I get out of it...

 

[k0ua]

I have a DR Power grader that is a lovely lawn ornament. That's about as much good as I get out of it...

I wonder what it would cost to ship to Branson, Mo.? I would like to have it.

 

[aczlan]

Assuming that you are talking about this one: DR 3-Point Hitch Trimmer/Mower - PTO Fence & Ditch Line Mower it looks very interesting... Might persuade me to put the 3 point arms back on the BX (took them off when we got it).

Aaron Z

 

[Piston]

... Might persuade me to put the 3 point arms back on the BX (took them off when we got it).

Aaron Z

Why? You must have a backhoe with subframe or something similar?

 

[aczlan]

Why? You must have a backhoe with subframe or something similar?

Haven't needed the 3 point hitch (have them on the B7500 and L3830) and they get in the way when mowing tight spots.
The rear PTO on that tractor has never been used, cover has only been off once or twice to put some grease on the PTO shaft and prevent it from rusting.

Aaron Z

 

[TerryR]

The question I have is how often does it need new string put on --- every 100 feet? 500? 1000? I like their idea but I think I will hold out for one with a metal blade.

I have an ancient DR string trimer on wheels, and use their extra heavy string on it. I'd think the same as one would use on this. I find the string lasts several hours if you avoid getting it too close to something too big to cut. This has the circular guard on it to guide it around fence posts, so I think that would mostly take care of breaking the strings on hard objects, though I suppose one could hit a rock or something close to the ground.

Terry

 

[slimcity9]

I gave a hard look at their self powered model a few years ago, but passed it up because I didn't want an extra motor to maintain. I did a search but I couldn't find the video she told you about, I would like to see it in action.

The question I have is how often does it need new string put on --- every 100 feet? 500? 1000? I like their idea but I think I will hold out for one with a metal blade.

Here's the video: NEW 3 Point Hitch Trimmer Mower - YouTube

It does take .175 line, in addition to the more common .155. I'd hope to get pretty far between string changes with the thicker line.

Be forewarned that "Free Shipping" means to a regional freight terminal. In my case, 100 miles of driving makes it not free at all. So add $60 if you want it at your property.

 

[Piston]

Haven't needed the 3 point hitch (have them on the B7500 and L3830) and they get in the way when mowing tight spots.
The rear PTO on that tractor has never been used, cover has only been off once or twice to put some grease on the PTO shaft and prevent it from rusting.

Aaron Z

I'm just curious, not trying to be a smartass, but what do you use your BX for if you have a B series for all the 3 point work? Do you have a loader on the bx and not on the B? Seems like a waste to only use it as a lawn mower, as their are so many much better lawn mowers out there for so much cheaper, that do a better job.

 

[slimcity9]

Assuming that you are talking about this one: DR 3-Point Hitch Trimmer/Mower - PTO Fence & Ditch Line Mower it looks very interesting...

Yes, that's the one...

 

[aczlan]

I'm just curious, not trying to be a smartass, but what do you use your BX for if you have a B series for all the 3 point work? Do you have a loader on the bx and not on the B? Seems like a waste to only use it as a lawn mower, as their are so many much better lawn mowers out there for so much cheaper, that do a better job.

It is used for lawnmowing, snowplowing and pulling around trailers. My FIL wanted a diesel mowing machine with a steering wheel. At that point, I hadn't heard of the F series Kubotas and the dealer didnt have one or we would have gone that route.

Aaron Z

 

[phiferpharm]

I wonder what it would cost to ship to Branson, Mo.? I would like to have it.

They just aren't heavy enough to get the job done unless the soil/gravel is already loose. I have added lead weights and still have it skipping merrily along. I bought it before I got my tractor and other implements. I guess I should put it on Craigslist or something.

 

[Piston]

Well, when it comes time, I bet you'll get top dollar for resale on your machine. :thumbsup:

 

[TomSeller]

Curious how this DR mower would stand up to use. Looks almost more hobby farmer than for use on mowing miles and miles of fence. Also if it can take down thick grass that you might get to once a year, not the 2 or 3 inches of green grass that is shown in the video. The trimmer head that holds the line looks to be plastic?

I have a DR brush mower and am very happy with it's quality, just curious if this is on the same level.

 

[k0ua]

Curious how this DR mower would stand up to use. Looks almost more hobby farmer than for use on mowing miles and miles of fence. Also if it can take down thick grass that you might get to once a year, not the 2 or 3 inches of green grass that is shown in the video. The trimmer head that holds the line looks to be plastic?

I have a DR brush mower and am very happy with it's quality, just curious if this is on the same level.

I can tell you as a walk behind Dr String trimmer owner, it will take down a heck of a lot more than some grass and the occosionall weed. It will mow brush. You have to be careully with it and not throttle up too much or you will beat the "holy heck" out of walls and fence posts etc. I cannot use the thing much around here in branson, as it is just to much work to haul up and down the hills. (It isn't self propelled) But when I lived on flat ground it was one heck of a mowing/trimming tool. I have no question that the 3pt trimmer with that large line could cut small saplings, and for sure any weed it would come across.

James K0UA

 

[TomSeller]

I can tell you as a walk behind Dr String trimmer owner, it will take down a heck of a lot more than some grass and the occosionall weed. It will mow brush. You have to be careully with it and not throttle up too much or you will beat the "holy heck" out of walls and fence posts etc. I cannot use the thing much around here in branson, as it is just to much work to haul up and down the hills. (It isn't self propelled) But when I lived on flat ground it was one heck of a mowing/trimming tool. I have no question that the 3pt trimmer with that large line could cut small saplings, and for sure any weed it would come across.

James K0UA

Cool. Good to hear. I know my DR brush mower with the big Kawasaki engine is a beast. Sounds like the trimmers are as well.

 

[slimcity9]

Curious how this DR mower would stand up to use. Looks almost more hobby farmer than for use on mowing miles and miles of fence. Also if it can take down thick grass that you might get to once a year, not the 2 or 3 inches of green grass that is shown in the video. The trimmer head that holds the line looks to be plastic?

The only comparison I have is this Kosch unit. At 105 pounds it's less than half the weight of the DR. So relatively speaking I might expect the DR to be heavier duty.

 

[TomSeller]

Anyone know why DR lists a minimum of 25 HP tractor for their 3 pt model when they have the same 22" size cutting head on walk behinds with much smaller engines? Would you really need 25 HP?