Sickle Bar Rossi Sickle Bar Mower

[Darren]

Not to argue, but I have a BF-210 and it most certainly is double action. If you check the website http://www.enorossi.it/english/s0/d2fz.htm they don't mention different variations of the model. FWIW, I've cut stuff at least an 1" in diameter by easing into it. Anything larger and pressure overrides a spiral spring that allows the bar to swing backwards. I've never bent a guard.

 

[gabby]

I have a Ford 515 sickle bar mower that I bought a few years ago for $200 and had to spend $200 more for new belt, pulley, guards, etc. It must be 30 years old at least. It's 7 feet, belt driven, and it cuts fine around my ponds. I didn't even know about double action sickle mowers. For trimming ponds and ditch banks I wouldn't spend the extra money.
Gabby

 

[Bob_Young]

Hi Darren,
Got to see a Rossi BF180 today that was being assembled for delivery. That thing was certainly double-action. The knife bar bore little resemblance to the old JD & NH stuff I remember.

The salesman is attending a show at the area distributor for Rossi equipment tomorrow. I armed him with some questions about suitability for mowing around trees.

While at the dealership the salesman showed me a 7' NH451 that had just come in on trade. It looks a bit rough and I thought I spotted a weld at the joint where the bar meets the frame. They quoted a used price only $100 less than a new 7' Rossi. Don't think I'll be jumping at that.

That used Ford 515 gabby has was the buy. I've done without a sickle bar mower for quite awhile. Maybe I'll look around a bit more before committing.