Hey all, We got a new rider last year, but the wife hates it and just won't use it. Our property is pretty rough, certainly no flat golf course, and she hates the ride of the mower. So, we're looking at getting a rough-cut mower to pull behind the Kingquad (her "chariot"). I've been eyeing up this rough cut mower. Swisher RC14544BS 44-Inch 14.5HP Rough Cut Tow-Behind Trail Cutter w/ Electric Start But I have no experience with tow behind mowers in the rough-cut, or finish-cut variety. We're not looking to "hay" a field, but also don't want it to look like a field after being mowed. There are overgrown areas with a lot of multi-flora rose, which just infests everywhere. We'd like to "reclaim" those areas, the mower I'm looking at can be offset, and supposedly will handle nearly everything up to 3" in diameter. This is the primary reason I'm looking at rough vs finish cut mowers. I've also read that if the blades are kept sharp, then a rough-cut mower can do just as good of a job as a finish mower. We've had the money in her savings for over a year, and I still cannot make up my mind if it's a worthwhile investment. I do know that there aren't enough (disposable?) hours available if I have to be the one to do all the CSS on the wood, and mow, and weedwack, and etc.. We mow approx 3 acres of our property, and truth be told, I'd rather plant trees and let it go back to woodlot, but she likes things as they are now, which means continued upkeep. Anyone use a tow-behind rough-cut or finish mower? Oh, the one I've been looking at is elec start as she can't pull start any longer. Thx, Chaz
I always used the 48 inch finish mower so it would look better, as long as their are no stumps logs to hit. If you keep mowing it with a finish mower it will eventually look good and if you are cutting it with a ride on now a finish should work fine. As far as upkeep I had a 2 acre area which was natural woods and the wife would rake all the leaves every year.............happy wife happy life.
This particular model gets great reviews. I've had a swisher front bucket for our sportsman, and it seems to be made pretty well, although the bucket itself isn't that useful. If you can make your wife happy, and less work for you, that's a win win.
I knew a guy that had a swisher mower and he said it was junk. I did not ask why and he did not elaborate. One big disadvantage I can see to pulling a trailer mower with an ATV is the turning radius. I'd stay away from the swisher since it has a Briggs engine. Does it have a stump jumper? I know it cost more than a trail mower but have you thought about a tractor? You can get a nice older tractor for $3,000 or maybe less. Then get a used 5' or 6' rotary cutter for $500-600 and you will have something that will way outlast the trail mower.
I have a brush hog I'm looking to sell, cheap atv ready, but it's pull start unfortunately. I'm looking to upgrade to a 3pt sometime.
There's nothing wrong with Briggs engines. They are sometimes a little louder than others, but overall they are very good.
Right on.... that Horkn fella could attest to whether the provisions are there for a conversion.....probably.....
I guess it's one of those things where timing is everything. Had I updated this thread on Friday, you'd know that the mower has been ordered and should be here this coming week. I appreciate the CL link, and would have definitely looked to talk to you Well Seasoned I ended up dumping out 1/2 of my IRA with penalties to get the $$ to order the mower and a portable O2 system for her. I'm also hoping to get a metal carport in place this year, and should hopefully have a few $$ left to look at some other expenditures that are necessary this year. Thanks guys
BTW.. still snap a pic or 2 Well Seasoned I may still be interested. The mower has 30 day return I believe, so all is not lost.. yet.
Took the day off of work, as I am to receive a delivery today. Won't be arriving in a brown truck of course, but eh. Still looking forward to seeing the new mower.
