Sickle Bar General questions about Sickle Bars

[/pine]

...And it really doesn't do a very good job in my hayfield ...

if I was a hay farmer (and depended on it for livestock or income) I would not be such a foolish (no offense intended) investor to spend time and money on inadequate equipment...

 

[Argosy]

I've got a B1700 and don't think you will be happy with that big a mower. I really don't think you will have much luck trying to trim trees with that long a bar and only 14 hp. When you work equipment right at the limit it's hard on the equipment and it doesn't do a very good job.

I mow along the road with a flail mower. You run into a lot of 'stuff' from branches to crap people throw out the window.They're more expensive initially but made for that type of work. I would pass on a sickle mower that big for that small a tractor, it's not going to do what you want to do.

 

[/pine]

I've got a B1700 and don't think you will be happy with that big a mower. I really don't think you will have much luck trying to trim trees with that long a bar and only 14 hp. When you work equipment right at the limit it's hard on the equipment and it doesn't do a very good job.

I mow along the road with a flail mower. You run into a lot of 'stuff' from branches to crap people throw out the window.They're more expensive initially but made for that type of work. I would pass on a sickle mower that big for that small a tractor, it's not going to do what you want to do.

This is a private road...I've dug all the ditches myself...there are no rocks etc. that could be hit and nobody throws trash...I don't intend to be trimming any "trees"...just tall weeds like Joe Pye and black berry bushes...any mower than is not offset would be useless for my application...everything I intend to use a sickle bar on I previously have used a string trimmer...but anymore my shoulders (arthritic) just can't do it...a sickle bar seems to be my only option...

 

[sweettractors]

This is a private road...I've dug all the ditches myself...there are no rocks etc. that could be hit and nobody throws trash...I don't intend to be trimming any "trees"...just tall weeds like Joe Pye and black berry bushes...any mower than is not offset would be useless for my application...everything I intend to use a sickle bar on I previously have used a string trimmer...but anymore my shoulders (arthritic) just can't do it...a sickle bar seems to be my only option...

If the 7 ft is too much, The bar can easily be shortened to 5 or 6 ft. Ken Sweet

 

[/pine]

If the 7 ft is too much, The bar can easily be shortened to 5 or 6 ft. Ken Sweet

that's some very interesting and valuable information...thanks...

 

[tommu56]

If you are looking for another option

Cutthat.com | Sabre Samurai

tom

 

[/pine]

If you are looking for another option

I'm not looking for anything over $500...

 

[sweettractors]

If you are looking for another option

Cutthat.com | Sabre Samurai

tom

I have been doing those type chores with a beltdrive mower on the 3 point for 30 + years. Just finished mowing under 300 acres of fences. Ken Sweet

 

[/pine]

Here are some pics of the road sides and ditches I am looking to use a sickle bar on...the ditches are mostly hidden by the weeds etc...

 

[o2batsea]

Have you considered just hiring this job out?

 

[Gordon Gould]

I guess that if all that were mine and I really wanted to keep it mowed (which I would), I would either hire it out or be willing to invest in my own equipment. Just a heavy duty gas powered hedge trimmer or decient chain saw costs $500. You might have to pay more for a sicklebar especially if it has hydraulic lift/angle control which you need.

 

[MikeD74T]

/pine, Have you considered a "weed wiper" to selectively apply a herbicide instead of mowing? Available from hand held wand to sizes for ATV mounting to bigger ag units up to 40' width. Especially usefull for things like berry bushes that spread despite cutting. There are kits to build your own as well. Also called wick applicators.

http://www.bowmanmanufacturing.com/cgi-bin/inventoryB/inventory.pl?action=viewprod&num=42&listcat=Ropewick&start=&prodname=ATV%20Ropewick%20Applicator

http://www.agrisupply.com/category.asp?c=4200053&bhcd2=1287328411

 

[/pine]

to selectively apply a herbicide instead of mowing

out of the question to use chemicals...we do not even allow the power company to use herbicides on the ROW's...

this road follows a the river which is just below the road...

 

[MikeD74T]

out of the question to use chemicals...we do not even allow the power company to use herbicides on the ROW's...

this road follows a the river which is just below the road...

Weed wiping is different than spraying but I understand your concern. MikeD74T

 

[/pine]

Something that I should mention is...trimming along this road only required after all the blackberries are done...and it only needs to be trimmed not "cut back"...there are about 8 residences along this road that is entirely private...landowners actually own the road and pay taxes on it...the only ROW is granted for telephone and power...

The only mowing required is to keep the ditches visable to prevent visitors/guests from thinking there is a shoulder (it is one track and there are a couple of wide outs when an incoming meets an outgoing vehicle...someone has to back up)...and the side banks only need an occasional trimming to prevent scratching of vehicles...none of the residents want it to look "groomed"...we like the natural look...

You might have to pay more for a sicklebar especially if it has hydraulic lift/angle control which you need

I already have a third rear remote to accommodate just such a cylinder...and would love the opportunity to make those modifications myself...

 

[beenthere]

I already have a prospect that was cutting hay 3 weeks ago (so I doubt that it's a pile of rubbish) that is $300...
........

Are you going to get this one?

 

[/pine]

Are you going to get this one?

I have not had the time to go check it out yet...

The owner said that he thinks that is a MF and that it is belt driven...but he also said that he was not sure if it would cut in the vertical position (which is imperative for my application)...hope to get over there and check it out sometime this week...

Hopefully if I can find a model # etc. I can post it here and get more information on it and it's capabilities and what modifications I can possibly make...

 

[sweettractors]

I have not had the time to go check it out yet...

The owner said that he thinks that is a MF and that it is belt driven...but he also said that he was not sure if it would cut in the vertical position (which is imperative for my application)...hope to get over there and check it out sometime this week...

Hopefully if I can find a model # etc. I can post it here and get more information on it and it's capabilities and what modifications I can possibly make...

To be beltdrive MF, it needs to be a #31 (old style) or #41 new version) There was a ID tag from the factory, If it has been torn off, the 31 has a cast head and the 41 has a welded up head. Ken Sweet

 

[/pine]

To be beltdrive MF, it needs to be a #31 (old style) or #41 new version) There was a ID tag from the factory, If it has been torn off, the 31 has a cast head and the 41 has a welded up head. Ken Sweet

thanks...previously I think you stated that (at least some) belt drives will cut in the vertical position...do all "belt drive MF bars cut in the vertical position?...its possible this owner may not be aware ??

thanks again...

 

[relaqbr]

out of the question to use chemicals...we do not even allow the power company to use herbicides on the ROW's...

this road follows a the river which is just below the road...

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Bob