Rear mount boom mower on mid-utility tractor

[RMRDallas]

I have 46 acres with 3 ponds, one about 5 acres that has some challenging mowing areas. I've been doing research on using a rear mount boom mower attached to a mid-weight utility tractor like a Deere 5115m to help with my challenging mowing chores. Alamo (RM165) and Bush Hog have models that seem would work perfectly on this size tractor. I need this tractor to work with a 12 ft brush hog (100hp limitation) and do occasional dirt work so it needs to be able to do a lot more than just working the boom mower. My question is if all the above is feasible or am I trying to force something to work. It seems like all the Deere and Kubota dealerships, at least in the north Texas area, have very little experience with boom mowers other than the dedicated mid-mount boom mower tractors the county guys use for road maintenance. I am okay with adding whatever additional weights need to be added but only want to do it once and not change out weights based upon what implement I happen to be using. Please let me know what you think as anything is better than using my DR trimmer on weekends in 100 degree heat to mow the pond banks.

 

[ovrszd]

I've never saw a boom mower used without counterweights.

I can't think of a method to easily attach-detach a counterweight.

Curious to hear possible solutions.

 

[RMRDallas]

Alamo and Bush Hog have the following models that look like they should work for even smaller tractors than what I am considering:

Alamo Industrial: Products - Boom Mowers > Rear Mount > RM165 & RM180

Bush Hog(R) RMB Series Boom Mower

 

[BAP]

How far out do you need to reach?

 

[RMRDallas]

16 feet would address my needs. That is from the top of my dam (slopes down on both sides) to the pond bank.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I've never saw a boom mower used without counterweights.

I can't think of a method to easily attach-detach a counterweight.

Curious to hear possible solutions.

Even the photos in the Alamo procure shows counter balance wheel weights, something not real easy to remove.

 

[RMRDallas]

I may be overly optimistic but I was hoping that if I got the lightest boom mower (RM165) that only requires a 6,600 pound tractor that I might be okay without counterweights if I got a 10,000 pound tractor. They also advertise that the base of the boom that attaches to the 3 point also acts as a counterweight since it is more on the opposite side of the tractor from the boom. At the end of the day, I want to be safe about this if I am going to do it at all.

 

[BAP]

16’ out and down is a sure way to become a member of the “Bottom Side up Club” if you don’t have the right setup. Like others have pointed out you need plenty or counter balance weight. A 3 point hitch mounted side mower is going to move up and down some because the arms aren’t fixed making the situation worse.

 

[RMRDallas]

I hear ya. I guess leaving counter weights on after removing the boom mower is also bad even if just for brush hogging?

 

[ericm979]

You'll have more weight on one side than the other but I'm not sure that's all that bad.

I'd talk to the manufacturers and find out what they think is safe.