Using DR PTO trimmer on Cat 2 Tractor?

[TomSeller]

:
I'd like the kind the county uses; an articulating arm brush cutter deck with huge side hydraulic tank.:thumbsup: Big money too, I'd bet.

I have one of those and it isn't all that you might think. Mine has a flail head and does not cut as well as I would like and you certainly can't cut under a fence with it. Mine is 3pt mounted and that makes for more flexing of the mounting and arm than I would expect. Mine was used when I got it so I don't have that much into it, but it would not be of use around a fence. Even if you set the flail head perpendicular to the fence you would not want to risk catching the barb wire with it. The big County machines are mid mounted to the frame of the tractor allowing a much heavier set up.

 

[Coyote machine]

I have one of those and it isn't all that you might think. Mine has a flail head and does not cut as well as I would like and you certainly can't cut under a fence with it. Mine is 3pt mounted and that makes for more flexing of the mounting and arm than I would expect. Mine was used when I got it so I don't have that much into it, but it would not be of use around a fence. Even if you set the flail head perpendicular to the fence you would not want to risk catching the barb wire with it. The big County machines are mid mounted to the frame of the tractor allowing a much heavier set up.

Could you show your setup in some pics?:thumbsup:
I'd like to see what one looks like on a regular sized tractor.

 

[TomSeller]

Could you show your setup in some pics?:thumbsup:
I'd like to see what one looks like on a regular sized tractor.

Here you are

 

[Coyote machine]

Here you are

Thanks! So what is that unit called exactly? Model 90? What's something like it cost on average? Model of your tractor? HP?
Thanks again- I want one!

 

[TomSeller]

Thanks! So what is that unit called exactly? Model 90? What's something like it cost on average? Model of your tractor? HP?
Thanks again- I want one!

JD had the unit made for them and don't sell it any longer. I forget who made it. Here are a couple of boom flail mowers, they are not cheap. I got mine used via a school district surplus sale. They also have rotary brush hog types.

http://www.alamo-group.com/Company/Products/Categories/Boom_MowersPower_Arms.html
http://www.servis-rhino.com/products/boom-mowers/hydraulic-boom-flails/

I run it on either a 45 or a 60 HP machine. It takes a 540 PTO, has it's own pump and tank.

 

[TomSeller]

Had a moment to snap a shot of one of my fence lines. Would the DR handle this grass? Yes, there is a fence under there.

 

[Coyote machine]

Had a moment to snap a shot of one of my fence lines. Would the DR handle this grass? Yes, there is a fence under there.

You looking to find the fence or cut the grass around it?
It might - I'd read the fine print about free trial or return shipping costs, and or see if you can buy a reconditioned machine, which is often a brand new machine with low hours returned by a buyer who decided not to keep it for whatever reason.
I've been to their factory store many many times and have bought new, and traded up, and various other deals.

 

[TomSeller]

You looking to find the fence or cut the grass around it?
It might - I'd read the fine print about free trial or return shipping costs, and or see if you can buy a reconditioned machine, which is often a brand new machine with low hours returned by a buyer who decided not to keep it for whatever reason.
I've been to their factory store many many times and have bought new, and traded up, and various other deals.

My fields that get grazed aren't really an issue but those that get hayed only end up looking like that. With miles and miles of fence I need some thing to keep them clear.

 

[k0ua]

I looked one of the Dr. units over yesterday at the Farm Show.. It looked well built and well thought out.

 

[slimcity9]

Had a moment to snap a shot of one of my fence lines. Would the DR handle this grass? Yes, there is a fence under there.

Based on my experience so far I'd say yes. Ideally you'd give it a couple passes on each side of the fence.

Not surprisingly I have done better with mine in subsequent mowings as I fine tune the adjustments and techniques. In particular the last time out I didn't have any line break at the head, which I'd attribute to more consistent rpm, not to mention having taken out the worst of the woody brush previously. This time there was a gradual shortening of all the line ends. I noticed my cutting width was down to under 15 inches and that's when I stopped to replace the line. I also didn't have trouble with the PTO shaft detaching during use. After it detached the first time out it was kind of sticky going back in, which may have helped it stay put. I also used an L wrench as planned to get a little more torque on the set screw.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Based on my experience so far I'd say yes. Ideally you'd give it a couple passes on each side of the fence. Not surprisingly I have done better with mine in subsequent mowings as I fine tune the adjustments and techniques. In particular the last time out I didn't have any line break at the head, which I'd attribute to more consistent rpm, not to mention having taken out the worst of the woody brush previously. This time there was a gradual shortening of all the line ends. I noticed my cutting width was down to under 15 inches and that's when I stopped to replace the line. I also didn't have trouble with the PTO shaft detaching during use. After it detached the first time out it was kind of sticky going back in, which may have helped it stay put. I also used an L wrench as planned to get a little more torque on the set screw.

Slimcity;

Set screw on PTO?

 

[slimcity9]

Slimcity;

Set screw on PTO?

Yes, see my comments back at #37. The rotational load is actually carried by an 8 mm key, but the set screw keeps the PTO shaft U-joint from sliding off the gearbox shaft. I don't like this design, but if it doesn't cause any more problems then it'll do.

 

[TomSeller]

Based on my experience so far I'd say yes. Ideally you'd give it a couple passes on each side of the fence.

Not surprisingly I have done better with mine in subsequent mowings as I fine tune the adjustments and techniques. In particular the last time out I didn't have any line break at the head, which I'd attribute to more consistent rpm, not to mention having taken out the worst of the woody brush previously. This time there was a gradual shortening of all the line ends. I noticed my cutting width was down to under 15 inches and that's when I stopped to replace the line. I also didn't have trouble with the PTO shaft detaching during use. After it detached the first time out it was kind of sticky going back in, which may have helped it stay put. I also used an L wrench as planned to get a little more torque on the set screw.

That would be excellent news if it could cut that grass. There was one of these mowers on craigslist, they guy called me back once but haven't heard from him since.

 

[TomSeller]

I got a call back from the guy selling one on CL. I may have one in a few days if things work out.

 

[slimcity9]

I got a call back from the guy selling one on CL. I may have one in a few days if things work out.

Keep us posted. It would be interesting to see an "after" photo to go with your "before" shot of the overgrown fence line.

On a used machine be sure to look closely at the PTO shaft. An issue with setting up this trimmer, particularly on a larger tractor, is that the triangular 3-point bracket is relatively small. This makes it harder to adjust the hitch so that there can be no contact with the PTO shaft regardless of how high you raise the implement. The manual warns about this, but it's worth emphasizing. I have made contact with the shaft guard when the trimmer crept a little higher after I stopped looking. Fortunately there was no damage to the shaft.

 

[TomSeller]

Keep us posted. It would be interesting to see an "after" photo to go with your "before" shot of the overgrown fence line.

On a used machine be sure to look closely at the PTO shaft. An issue with setting up this trimmer, particularly on a larger tractor, is that the triangular 3-point bracket is relatively small. This makes it harder to adjust the hitch so that there can be no contact with the PTO shaft regardless of how high you raise the implement. The manual warns about this, but it's worth emphasizing. I have made contact with the shaft guard when the trimmer crept a little higher after I stopped looking. Fortunately there was no damage to the shaft.

Thanks for the heads up. I have a similar problem with a boom mower. On that I have to keep the top link real short. I am guessing on the DR that the geometry of where the tractor PTO is elevation wise is going to be important.

 

[TomSeller]

Okay, well I own one now. Mint condition off of CL. It will be a few weeks until I can give it a try.

 

[slimcity9]

Okay, well I own one now. Mint condition off of CL. It will be a few weeks until I can give it a try.

I hope it works out for you. I'll be looking for your report.

 

[TomSeller]

I hope it works out for you. I'll be looking for your report.

By the way, the guy I bought it from mentioned the PTO rubbing on the triangle 3 point frame if raised too high. Exact same thing you mentioned. He showed me a slight scuff on the plastic cover over the shaft.

 

[Coyote machine]

I stopped at the VT Dr. store on my way home from Burlington today to look at the mower in person. They had none in stock and I was told they were back-ordered and to get one I would need to be on the 'list'. I asked why and was told that ALL the mowers were called back to the factory to replace some welds with brackets. This was a precaution the company took to make the units stronger in the area in question- and this had delayed production, hence the shortage.
I was also informed there is ongoing talk about bringing out a somewhat larger machine, but no specific date or schedule as to when this might happen. I would suggest you make sure your Cl machine has been brought up to date with the brackets. If you want I can get you the direct contact info to the store.
BTW, I posed your hidden fence situation and was told it would cut it but if you have any woody stalks in the grasses it might take a few passes to get it down to where you want it.