wich tractor-mower to use for trimming around trees or fences

roger4400 · May 13, 2017

Hi.
I'M looking to buy a good tractor mower but it would be use mostly to trim around trees, sidewalks.....I have a 6 ft mower on my tractor PTO but it is a lot to large for trimming. What would you use ? I've looked at some Cub Cadet mowers but three are so many with is good, any other brand could do, gasser or diesel ???
Also I don't want to pay $5000 for such a mower. So that mower has to be versatile and friendly to the user and trim easy like and ordinary mower. Thank you for your experience and advise. Roger

RoyJackson · May 13, 2017

This one is on my wish list:
TS62 Hydraulic Offset Flail Mower by Del Morino Demonstration Video - YouTube

Spindifferent · May 13, 2017

Suggest that you look at the 4-wheel steer Deere mowers:

Riding Mowers | 4-Wheel Steering Tractors | John Deere US

BrokeFarmerJohn · May 13, 2017

How much trimming? Acre wise?

If a lawn tractor is what your after, I would stay far away from any MTD made product like the cub cadet, go with either Deere or Husqvarna.

Husqvarna will be the best bang for your buck, you can get a 54in GT w/ deff lock for a tad over 3k, it sports a 24hp Kawasaki engine also. be sure to order one from a dealer and not a big box store, dealers models are heavier built.

I use a 54in GT for my mowing needs, it's a early 2000s and was bought from lowes, I bought it used off CL for $800.

Husqvarna makes mowers for lots of companies also like Ariens sold at Home Depot, they used to make the craftsman mowers and still might.

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Another new GT48DXLS owner - Thanks to TBN

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377863

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John Deere X380 vs Husqvarna GT52XLS

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369701

TractorGuy · May 13, 2017

Telling us how much trimming you are talking about would be very helpful for suggestions. I have a push string trimmer with a 5 hp briggs that works wonders around trees, fences, and bushes. It will mow down some very thick weeds and vines as well as grass. They are all about the same except price. I bought mine at Sears for $250 many many years ago like the first year I ever saw one and it's still running fine.

Gator6x4 · May 13, 2017

Get one of these: 3-Point Hitch Trimmer Mower: String Trimmer and Fence Mower | DR Power Equipment. Use Round Up to create a two-three inch wide round circle around each fence post and around trees and you are ready to go.

boggen · May 13, 2017

if your only mowing. then a "zero turn mower" they are designed for quick sharp cornering. and with deck out in front, able to see were you are at with the deck better. vs being at the belly (mid mount mower), or on the rear (3pt hitch)

there is also "self propelled mowers", i am not talking little standard push mowers. but larger width mowers, that give an option to walk behind, possibly stand on the back, or a little "dolly" that attaches to the back like a mini trailer that you stand on, and the mower pulls you around.

the primary thing about above mowers, is the drive wheels (2 of them) are independent, allowing you to turn on a dime.

your smaller non commercial versions. may have issues with dealing with taller grass. as in the decks do not lift up high enough.

another issue, is overall controls, some are steering wheels, others are levers (one per each hand), while others a joystick, and then others more like handle bars of a bike/motor cycle.

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for fence lines, that are wire, were the bottom of fence is at ground level or a couple inches above. you are more looking at a trimmer that you either hold. and a push mower (but front of deck is cut off, and instead of a blade you have string),

if the fence lines are lumber, were you have say 1 foot or more between ground and bottom board. you can get 3pt hitch fence line mowers, that slide out to the side, and with guides directly go around posts with out you driving like a madman back and forth.

if you are doing tall weeds fence lines, and walking it, self propelled brush mowers. think generic push mower, but on steroids. with a better blade to deal with weeds.

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the acreage you mowing, going to be the major issues.

hills may predict a bigger unit.

more of what you will be mowing / particular needs are. may predict a specific type of mower.

some pictures of what you are dealing with, would most likely help folks here advise you better.