DR Field and Brush mower

WanabeeFarmer · May 26, 2017

I've been considering the DR Field and Brush mower (16.5 HP) to mow about 4 acres of field that sits on varying terrain. One field is relatively flat, slight slope but is rough. The other field (1 acre?) sits on a 5-10 degree hill. I only want to cut this twice a year so the grass and weeds will get (has already gotten) 2-3 feet tall.

I have a couple of concerns:

1) I'm a healthy 58 year old male, but still worry that this "beast" of a machine will wear me out cutting that much property. Just how much work is it to follow this mower around on this sort of property? I don't plan on cutting down saplings or blackberry patches with it.

2) Also, does it do as good of a job of mowing as they advertise or is it just for knocking down thick stuff that needs to be mowed again?

I have an old MF 250 with an old bush hog that I have been nervous about using (you can tell I'm new at this tractor stuff). I'm not comfortable running the tractor up and down the hill yet. I did bush hog the more level field but getting around and under trees was a problem and the turn radius and rough terrain prevent me from getting a lot of it.

I have wondered about the OREC Rover bush mower but can find very little information on it. They don't seem to be for sale anywhere in Georgia and I suspect it would be pretty expensive.

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated. It's been a lot of years since I've done this kind of work but am looking forward to getting back at it.

WanabeeFarmer · May 28, 2017

Well, I hired someone to cut the entire property. Needed to get it done before I could decide what was needed. He used a 60HP Ford with a 6' rotary cutter. I believe it would have taken me the entire summer walking behind any field and brush mower, he did it in 6 hours. Watching him work these hills was very educational. I'd eventually like to be able to do this myself but don't mind paying a few hundred dollars once or twice a year. In the mean time I've also been pondering my plans for this property. My intention has been to thin the pines and grow hardwood. I want to mill some of the timber as well. This means which means carrying logs across the property. Also, there are some old buildings I want to take down and salvage their beams.

In order to fulfill these dreams I'm going to need a new tractor, so my research begins. I don't think I can add an FEL to my FM 230 can I? Even if I could it might not be worth the investment. My initial thoughts are 30-40 HP, 2000-3000 pound tractors. Reading on this site it seems like Mahindra, Kioti, and Kubota will be the best value.

Thoughts anyone?

madpuma13 · May 28, 2017

The number one thing I've read here on TBN is to judge the dealer more than the tractor. Make sure the dealer has been around. Are they friendly? They keep stock of parts or can get them pretty quick?

I just recently purchased my tractor and from my shopping Kubota was not a good value at all. Kubota is a **** fine tractor but they seem to be too proud of their name.

Make sure to shop around! Good luck and have fun!

Coyote machine · May 29, 2017

I was going to tell you it's possible to do the work with a DR Field and Brush mower, BUT it would take a LOT of time.
Look for a new tractor, and seek out a Kioti, if they're anywhere near you at around 40 HP. The other brands are fine too, but I believe you will find most features and best price point with Kioti. Mine NEVER sees the dealer's lot, and between the two Kiotis I've owned since 2009, I have over 1200 hours of all kinds of hard work between the two. I traded the first one up to the DK-40 I have now; needed more loader capacity, and at the time was new to tractors mostly, and learned by usage what I really needed. See my implements list, I've covered all the bases of hard work for woods and field use.

yanmars · Jun 13, 2017

Recently the Kiotis were on sale for the 50 HP, as reasonable as some lower horsepower. One often wishes he had the additonal power. I have a DR mower also, it certainly has its place but it takes more time and effort. If you could get it mowed for that price that is a way to go before you purchase something, gives you time to look around.

ArlyA · Jun 13, 2017

Ops! I thought you were asking about a tow behind model!!

We have a 8yo version of that very same DR mower. How can I say this nicely........ it might make a good boat anchor, but as a mower, its not up to the task.

It averages around 4 hour of repairs per every 8 hours of use. Maybe its not designed for actual use and we cherish the day when we get rid of it.

Sheldon Hamblin · Jun 13, 2017

I have owned a dr mower for a little over ten years now.
Use it spring summer and fall. Uneven ground, steep hills, no problem. Turning in tight spaces you do have to bull it around, but other an that, not much physical work. I've had 4 back surgeries and it is no problem handling it. Love it.
Tall grass or saplings no problem, it's not a finish mower but it's not sold as one.
Over the winter I don't start it at all, fires right up in the spring.
I replaced the blade once, but always keep it in good shape. Does not require much sharpening.
PM every couple of years.
Personally, I do recommend it.

Code54 · Jun 13, 2017

Tractor is the way to go! 10 degree slope will not be a problem once you get use to the machine. A little time one it will get you used to to the feel of the machine and make you get more comfortable. I would suggest a hydrostatic drive, much simpler to use and great for on hills. We brush hog several hills that you back up until you spin (in 4x4) then come back down, move over a bit and do it again. Don't know the angle but very hard to walk up.

Msamt · Jun 13, 2017

Coyote machine said:
Look for a new tractor, and seek out a Kioti, if they're anywhere near you at around 40 HP. The other brands are fine too, but I believe you will find most features and best price point with Kioti. Mine NEVER sees the dealer's lot, and between the two Kiotis I've owned since 2009, I have over 1200 hours of all kinds of hard work between the two.

This...
My DK is a beast and gets the snot beaten out of it frequently, but
Just. Keeps. Working.
Its was my first tractor and so far has not gotten to a task it couldn't perform well.
340 hours in 3 years and still a joy to use whenever I Can!

John Fitzgerald · Jun 13, 2017

I have a well preserved 1998 DR 10.5 hp 26" cut field and brush mower and a LS XJ2025H tractor with 5 foot rotary cutter. If you get the DR, make sure you get the add on heavy duty double sided blade with it; I feel it's necessary. I got the rotary cutter for the tractor to do away with using the DR so much, but it has so far this year been so wet that the tractor sinks, but the DR floats right over the soggy soil. I have been mowing about an acre about three times a summer with it in scattered places around the edges of my property, usually in two hour sessions a couple of days apart. I am a healthy nearly 65 yrs. If it ever dries up, the DR will only get use on steep banks and for trimming around trees, on a total of maybe 1/4 acre. The DR will give you a beating if you try to go all day with it, if the ground has much roughness. I haven't had much trouble with the DR other than one belt, and a loose engine head, and this is the third season with it. I would not recommend it for four acres unless it is super steep or has a lot of trees or other obstructions. The DR is a beast for its size, and will surprise you at the size of the weeds, tall grass, and brambles it will cut with the heavy duty blade.