What attachment do I need?

[budlite]

I have a couple of acre+ ponds that have fairly steep outside and inside banks. I have tried to keep brush cut with a DR brush cutter but it tends to slide/lose traction and wears me out pretty quickly trying to manhandle. I guess what I need is a boom-mounted cutter of some kind that gives me maneuverability around the larger existing trees I want to keep. Any recommendations on type of cutter, manufacturer or another solution? Need to be able to cut at least 2" diameter trees and shredding of material would be a plus. As ususal, price is an important consideration. Thanks in advance.

 

[BarryinMN]

I drag a Swisher cutter behind a Gator. Bought used off craigslist.

Haven't broke into a sweat in 2 years. Sold the DR last Fall.

 

[MarkV]

Sure do know what you mean about the DR working you good. Are the slopes short enough that a sickle bar mower would reach? The boom mowers are great but you sure need deep pockets and a HEAVY tractor to own one.

MarkV

 

[kthompson]

Check with local farmers and see if you can find one who will cut it for you for moderate price. Many here have the needed cutters for their own ponds and ditches and will take such a cash job. If you think you have two inch to cut hiring that cutting done might allow a much lighter cutter to keep it cut frequently. Problem I ran into with ours was slope was to steep to run a gas engine on it. A 2 cycle engine might have worked but did not find a cutter with a 2 cycle engine. If you are trying to cut between trees you want to save that are near to each other major work.

 

[budlite]

Sure do know what you mean about the DR working you good. Are the slopes short enough that a sickle bar mower would reach? The boom mowers are great but you sure need deep pockets and a HEAVY tractor to own one.

MarkV

The pond side of the slopes probably only need cutting about 6 ft from the top of the bank when we have adequate rainfall. I figured the boom mounted cutters might be pretty spendy. How tough/durable are the sickle bar mowers? If I had to cut the small trees (2 in dia or less) I could do that and then keep it cut with the sickle bar.

 

[MarkV]

I don't own a sickle bar mower,wish I did, so hopefully more experienced members will chime in. It is my understanding that you will not cut sapling of the size you mention. If they were cleared by hand so the slope ended up being grasses and weed a sickle would handle it fine. You are also within the reach of many of them. There is a limit to the angle that these mowers will work so that would also be something to research.

MarkV

 

[Heavyduty]

I would hire someone with a boom mower to come in once a year to cut it. Lot less headaches and problems. Trust me.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

If money is no object....




Bush Hog&reg - Performance You Can Count On



If money IS an object, find a decent sickle bar mower.

 

[workmytractor]

I would hire someone with a boom mower to come in once a year to cut it. Lot less headaches and problems. Trust me.

I second Heavyduty. You could have it mowed several years before you even come close to what you will spend to do it yourself. By that time it should be more manageable with smaller equipment.