Jon
03-17-2003 12:21:24
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Re: Sickle Bar Mowers in reply to Dan, 03-16-2003 19:09:39
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I have run all three types as well, sickle bar, mower conditioner, and brush hog (rotary mower). Never run a disc mower, but Paul is right, they can mow much quicker and in wet conditions, but aren't worth the cost unless you are cutting for hay. I have an 801 that I run a 6' brush hog behind and at one time I was mowing about 45 acres with it. The 6' made the 801 a little light on the front end, but not bad. Your 960 could handle one without a problem. The advantages of a sickle mower is that it does leave the grass lay long, so it is good for hay, but if you aren't picking it up, it can lay on top of the good grass. Another advantage that has not been listed is that a sickle bar can be used to mow roadbank and pond banks at an angle and get into places that you can't get to with another mower because it sticks out from the tractor, like under low hanging trees and branches. I would not use a sickle in heavily brushed areas with anything thicker than your thumb. That work should be left to a brush hog. A brush hog can handle smalls trees up to about the size of your wrist. If used in a field, a brush hog will "mulch" the grass better so the good grass can come up through. If you want a yard like look, I would look at a finish mower. I have not had many problems with the pitman arm. Yes, I have broken a few, but normally it is my own fault, trying to run the bar at too steep of an angle. You won't break any in an open field. So, I would recommend a brush hog or finish mower, unless you have a lot of banks to mow. If you are in open field, you will also save time with a brush hog or finish mower. Mowing with a sickle bar takes some getting used to.Hope this helps. Jon
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