Hay cutting options - No cab

[Honey Dealer]

I am considering upgrading from a John Deere 2520 to a 4520 so that I can renovate small pastures, cut hay and make square bales.
Am I limited to Sickle bar and Drum mowers in this hp class without a cab? Open to suggestions.

 

[rankrank1]

I have never used a drum mower or a disc mower, but if I had to use either one on a tractor that did not have a cab then I would fabricate some type of plexi-glass (or Lexan) protective shield for both the back of the tractor and the side that the mower sticks out from the tractor (usually the right side).
I would think simple shields could be fabricated out of electrical EMT conduit and plexi-glass rather cheaply. Zip-tie or worm gear hose clamp to ROPS, fenders, or whatever as needed for quick and easy removal and no modifications to tractor required. Operator proection - priceless.

 

[FLHayman]

I use a similar sized tractor with a 6 disc mower, and it doesn't seem to strain it at all. Wet bermuda might be a different story, but pasture grass that's ready to be cut seems to be effortless. I would use my 7 disc on any tractor that could lift it, the weight seems to be a bigger issue with a small tractor. The fact that they slice and move on, without having to mulch, is the secret there.

I prefer not using a caddy for ease of tight turning. If you have adjustable lift arm ends, it's pretty easy to hook up as a 3pt. device. Because of the load bearing spring, all disc mowers can sit unevenly when set down, but just start with the lowest pin, ease it up, then get the other on, then the top link. The drum mowers seem to cut smaller width, and it can be a long day in the sun when you're cutting less than 8' at a time.....actually it can be a long day no matter how wide, but I've never wished for less cutting width while out in the field.

 

[MotorSeven]

I have a Hay Magnum T-165 Drum mower. My tractor is a 40 horse HST and I can cut in high gear providing I am on a smooth section of pasture. Both my neighbor and I run it in open cab tractors. It can pick up a chunk of wood and sling it into the operators area, but that is rare. There are not any rocks in our fields. Most folks around my area run open cabs with disc mowers or sickles. I do always wear safety glasses but I don't think I will put any screens up since it will limit entry and exit to only the left side. I do think a drop down shield is not a bad idea.