Skid steer mower opinions

[odleefs]

Wanted to get thoughts on websites for skid steer attachments... I specifically need a mower for both pasture and lawn but can't afford specific implements for both so I am considering a flail cutter. Any thoghts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Toolcat Steve
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[Tigerotor77W]

I would think that a flair cutter would be a bit rough on finished/well-manicured lawns. You may be able to get by with a Bobcat mower attachment: http://www.bobcat.com/products/att/mower.html

but I'm not sure how think or deep the grass in your pasture can become.

 

[odleefs]

Thanks for your input...I am demo'ing the 72" Bobcat Mower later today and I have some tall grass waiting to test it! I'll let you know which wins out. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[BrianSouthernMD]

Flail cutters come in light, medium and heavy duty models to cover cutting grass, brush and woody tree material. The new 79" Bobcat Flail Cutter is medium/heavy duty but still cuts grass. Different hammers used do affect cut fineness.

Note the Bobcat 72" and 90" 3-spindle mowers and the 79" flail cutter all use flotation linkages to float over the ground contours and work close to surface.

Since the all-wheel steer Toolcat's axles and wheels oscillate on uneven ground and there is full suspension (keeping machine and operator level on moderate slopes), I don't know how well standard skid steer rotary mowers (without flotation linkage?) will work on uneven ground.

I'm testing a Toolcat this coming week. Tell me more about your recent purchase, Toolcat Steve!

 

[hhw]

I have not had any experience mowing with my skid-steers. I was wondering; on a "lawn" do you do much damage when you make a turn? Also, given the mass in a small package is soil compaction a problem?

I haven't priced any type of mower yet, but I did get "sticker-shock" when I priced a 6' power box rake at nearly $7000.00!!!

I am interested to hear your opinion on how the "flail" mower worked for you.

 

[CRJCaptain]

I use the 72" Bobcat mower on my Toolcat...works great on pasture grass as well as the planted fescue "lawn" type areas on our property, and the quality of the cut is good. It's a fairly easy process to raise and lower the deck as needed by removing the four cotter pins. Raise the deck and use it as a brush cutter, lower it and you get a fine cut.

The support from my local Bobcat dealer has been great as well. They've called and came out twice to make modifications due to two separate issues. (Fixing a problem before it even occurs...)

 

[MarkStewart]

Man, Your mowing in style there. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Nice machine.

 

[odleefs]

Brian,
Thanks for your information. I didn't consider the importance of the axle oscillation and floating linkages but it is a point well taken. The 72" mower that I demoed was nice...it provided a good cut on my lawn and ate up the multiflora and high weeds in my horse pastures, but was inadequate in open fields. Had I slowed down, I presume it would have done a better job mulching, but who wants to go slow /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I would really like to demo the flail mower.
This past weekend it was hot & humid again and the A/C was a Godsend. I would get out of the cab to move benches in my lawn and be amazed at the temp differential.
Let me know how you like your demo...I was pleased!
Steve

 

[odleefs]

hhw,
The 4 wheel steer of the Toolcat is remarkably easy on lawns, as is the deceleration provided by backing off of the accelerator pedal. It has been quite dry here so I havent tested the footprint left on saturated ground while mowing...we'll see. As far as soil compaction, an aerator can help if needed but we have so many rocks that frost heave out of the ground every year that I am not too concerned.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[odleefs]

CRJCap,
Nice set up! I agree that the 72" provides a good overall cut...the fields that I refer to in another post that was too much for the mower is an orchard grass mix and has not been cut yet this year, so it was a tough customer. Typically these fields get cut twice a year, and I would imagine that the mower would handle this task fine, but I would need to sharpen the blades often so my lawn looks cut and not hacked!
Steve