Walk behind brush mowers

[NIXON]

I'm looking for something that I can use to get into areas too tight for a tractor and brush hog . I'd like something that will cut saplings in the range of 1.5 to 2 inches . About the only folks that still make them are DR and Snapper . If any of You have experience with either of these makes ,I'd appreciate your comments on them . And, If anyone is aware of any other maker of this type of machine ,Your input would be most welcomed as well.
Thanks , John

 

[MarlandS]

http://www.roofmowers.com/

 

[1bush2hog]

Northern Tool offers 'Swisher' brand in the type of mower you are referring to.

I have read where some of these mowers can be real beasts to manuver.

There are also some previous posts on this forum - use the search function to locate these.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin John,
My neighbor up the road about a 1/2 mile has a 15hp DR field walk behind. He has had it a few years and seems happy with it. He owns about 150 acres but he has some steep hillside up behind his house and uses it on those steep grades were tractor operation would be impossible. The higher HP units have anoil pump enabling use on steep grades. If you have any more specific questions I would be happy to ask him.

scotty

 

[Geoscouter]

I've had the DR 17HP Brush mower for about 1.5 years. I've been pleased with it so far. Iv'e got about 20 hours on it reclaiming an overgrown field. It's a tank and will chew up anything it can push over. The 2.5" capacity stated by DR is not an exaggeration.

 

[NIXON]

Thanks for the responses. I've contacted the various makers you all have listed . And even used the search feature here /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
(somehow I tend to forget about it,and need a reminder )
So far the 17 hp DR seems to be a good bet as far as power and durability. John

 

[BrianSouthernMD]

NIXON,
I own the DR Field & Brush Mower w/17hp Kawasaki engine and highly recommend it. I have the 30" brush deck, 42" finish mowing deck, and the generator attachment. I believe DR also offers that unit with an 18hp Honda engine for more money and by special order.

There are two good previous threads in this forum in recent months. In them I compared the DR models to the walk-behind brush cutter competition from Simplicity/Snapper/Ferris (same ownership & manufacturing) and from Billy Goat. I concluded that the 17hp+ DRs with a 30" brush cutting width are preferable for heavy-duty use. Good luck in making your selection. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[NIXON]

Brian, Thanks for the input. I read the entire thread You mentioned .
I was at first concerned about the skids on that machine . They do appear to be a bit weak in the pictures ,and look as if they might tend to get snagged up . But, after reading the above mentioned thread , it seems to be a non-issue. John

 

[BrianSouthernMD]

NIXON,
I have broken off one of the skid metal bars ONCE in my several hundred hours of DR brush mower use during the last two and a half years; I was forcing it after a snag. But DR immediately sent out a new replacement brush deck cover with skids without charge, plus later I was able to reweld the broken metal skid onto the old cover for backup!

Even with the potential for very occasional snags and even less frequent breakage, I think their deck cover and skid design is close to optimum.

 

[headachers]

I have Billy Goat model BC 2401H have had for about 2 years ,I purchased it used from a tool rental store does more than i ask it to , just aim it & hang on, it has a 11 hp honda engine. jim