Since I retired I’ve been getting all of the toys I never had when I was working (except chainsaws, I already have lots of them). Took delivery on a used DR mower yesterday evening and after a quick trip to the woodlot, I thought I’d give first impressions. I wanted to see what the mower deck would do since it was already on it when I got it. Did some cutting on some uneven ground and the deck does a good job and doesn’t tear up the ground as much as the tractor and brush hog. I’m 6’4” and I wish the handles were higher. They now make a model with adjustable handles but I don’t know how high they will go. The model with the steering brakes might be nice. On the side hill, the upper wheel would spin. Differential lock took care of that. With the differential lock on, it seems like it will go just about anywhere. Not easy to turn around with the differential lock on but small turns wasn’t too bad. Again, higher handles would be nice as I have to bend some to get the front end off the ground. The Kawasaki motor seems to have plenty of power and runs well. No bogging when moving or mowing normally high grass. Gear selector moved smoothly. but small distance between gears makes it a bit difficult to always get the gear I want without hunting for it. The newer models have in line gear selection and may make this easier. I haven’t tried the brush cutter yet, but 1st gear is like a granny gear. 2nd is about right for mowing rough ground with the mower deck. I think on a flat piece of ground, 3rd might be the way to go. 4th will definitely move it a long at a brisk walking pace for my long legs. I read where the speed can be controlled with the throttle in 4th, burn didn’t try it. On hills, it immediately goes into free wheel when the clutch handle is realrased, so one has to be ready for that. I’ve got enough body mass, (fat), where I can handle it, but a small operator might have issues. It was definitely a work out for an old guy, but I think after a learning curve it will get easier as I figure out what the machine can do and overcome the urge to muscle it around. Implement change over looks like it is pretty straight forward. I want to put the brush cutter on this afternoon so we will see. I also found a wood chipper for it, I am going to pick up later in the week. I’m thinking this thing will get some use as it will go places the tractor won’t. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I could find a lot of uses for that machine. Looking at your brush mower thread it looks like it works well for that too. Next we need a chipper report. How many hp is that Kawi on that mower?
15 HP. Electric start. Seems to be plenty. Just came off the hill where I had a chance to mow down some 1 inch alders and thick busy devils club. Doesn’t even slow at all chopping through that stuff. Found another issue on the brush cutter. When cutting along really thick stuff it’s best to go with the material on the left side because going the other way hangs up the discharge chute Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Good review. I think I may need to rent a brush cutter with all the vines here taking over. Nothing huge, but they are dense.
I've been considering one of these. I had no idea they had a mower deck! Now, that makes it much more appealing to me. I am considering one because I have to clear and maintain trails on my acreage. I have done it by hand so far but a machine sure would help. The idea is that I could use the brushcutter for helping clear trails of vines and saplings that aren't too big. Then I would use it to maintain the trail once cleared. BUT... wow... a mower deck option... hmmm... that makes it much more appealing because I was thinking it could get tiring having to hold that brushcutter deck in the proper attitude when "mowing" or "bush hogging" the trails once they're cleared. Your mower deck has wheels on front, so, to me, that would be easier to walk behind. I have a lot of bumps and roots and stumps on my trails, so, it's kind of bumpy. Now, I gotta go peruse their website again. I have a friend who owns one, might sell it. Need to see it again but I'm guessing it's one of the smaller models.
