rough cut mowers

We have decided that we need some sort of machinery to keep 2 paddocks under control. A tractor is not an option as we have nowhere to store it.
A scythe would be ideal but OH is away a lot and I am not physically able to use one for long spells.
Our livestock isn't keeping the grass down but we don't want to increase numbers. Also the grazing is quite rough so wouldn't do for good quality hay.
We also have areas of brush/scrub to clear in the future.
We were looking at the Grillo range (Honda engines), but the choice is confusing eg what is the difference between a grasscutter, a mower and a flail?? We were initially looking at the GF2 but also the climber 700.
Any advice would be great, thanks.

tahir

Our experience is that a machine with the mower out front rather than mid mounted is easier to mow with and maintain.

There are basically 3 cutting methods:

Flail
A flail is great at dealing with rough stuff, most will easily deal with brambles and small diameter trees (saplings). There aren't many small flail mowers about though.

Rotary
A rotary is OK for thistles, and maybe a touch of brambles but definitely NOT saplings.

Cylinder
Good if you've got nice grass that you want to keep pristine. Useless for you.

We started off with a Husqvarna 2654 (22 hp petrol mid mount rotary) which got nicked, it was a pain as it used to slip and get grounded. We've now got a Ransomes Bobcat (front mounted rotary), an ancient (and well worn) machine with a Kubota diesel engine, deals with pretty much anything we throw at it but it's taken ages to get it to a reliable condition. We now also have a small Ferrari tractor with a 1.5 flail on it.

If you've got the money go for a small tractor plus flail, it'll be MUCH more powerful, and have flexibility for other jobs later on:

http://www.alpinetractors.com/secondhand.htm

I reckon the Rondo will deal with rough grass but it won't like brambles etc, the AGTs with a small flail will be useful and not much bigger than a lawn tractor. I reckon it'll (just about) cope with a 1.5 mtr flail, but more happily with the same size topper (a rotary mower).

You could get one of these which you can tow behind a quad or 4x4:

http://www.pasqualitractors.co.uk/quad%20mower.html

This machine in Edinburgh looks quite good:

http://tinyurl.com/mmw3xa

Our Ransomes is like this but without the side mowers:

http://tinyurl.com/ncyku3

Whatever you do go for the most robust thing you can afford.

ninat

Thanks, Tahir.
This is the thing we were looking at which is a front mounted rotary with 11hp engine
http://www.grilloagrigarden.co.uk/special.php?prod=33
this model below has various attachments: flail, mower etc but only 5hp engine for the same price.
http://www.grilloagrigarden.co.uk/classic.php?prod=18
so we're inclined to think the more powerful is better.

Rob R

I've not got anything to add over Mr Mower's excellent reply Smile

but I'm just curious; what are you maintaining/clearing the land for, if not livestock?

ninat

The area we live in reverts to scrub and silver birch very quickly. Whilst we're not in a position to increase livestock at the present time, it is something we want to do in the future.
We need to take care of the land in the meantime so we don't have a major task on our hands digging out tree roots, whin bushes etc. a stitch in time and all that.

tahir

ninat wrote:

I thought you meant a rideon. These things are EXTREMELY heavy work. We used to have a Pasquali 2 wheel tractor with a 1.0 mtr topper on it (also got nicked). Are you looking at buying a new one? They're a lot of money, and even if you're up to it they're still a lot slower than any ride on. I don't think 5hp will do much for you.

tahir

These are much lighter to work with, and will cut through brambles and saplings:

http://www.justlawnmowers.co.uk/pages/Wheelstrim.htm

Just spoke to the wife about the rotary type ones, she says she'd never buy one again (she's executive director in charge of mowing)

Rob R

tahir wrote:

(she's executive director in charge of mowing)

ninat: Thanks for the answer.

ninat

Thanks Rob.
I think we're at that time of year where everything is romping away and we start to feel a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Our growing season is so short up here that everything does what it has to in the space of about 3 months before the frosts come back.
Ah well- will soon be winter... Shocked

gil

Could you concentrate your scything efforts on the scrub and saplings rather than the grass ? Using a ditch blade, which would be the most suitable for your needs.

I so know what you mean about the short growing season Rolling Eyes

There could be frost here before the end of August Mad

bodger

I'm in the process of purchasing a second hand Hayter. Its a brute of machine that will tackle anything. Its going to be used to cure the encroaching bracken and brambles around the margins of our fields.
It has a reverse gear to go with the forward one and has two horizontal discs with four wicked blades each. I'm paying £300 for it and I'll post pictures when its delivered. The friend that I'm purchasing it from has used it in veritable jungle conditions.

yummersetter

Mrs Tahir could mow by moonlight with one of these

http://tinyurl.com/moonlightmower

tahir

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