I'm in the same boat and looking for one also. Wouldn't mind finding a decent used one if it was in decent shape.

Sounds like a finish mower is what you're looking for while I need a brush cutter. So far what I've found is Swisher and DR Fields are the more popular ones. Looking forward to hear what other have to say.

 

I have been looking for one as well. There is one on CL right now but its more than I'm wanting to pay. I'm just not too sure how they will handle 2-4' tall grass. My property collects a lot of water over the winter and takes forever to dry out enough to work without causing ruts or getting stuck.

Have you guys thought about going to a full size tractor with a 4 or 5' mower? A used N series (9n,2n,8n) ford or similar will run $1200-1500 and another $300-500 for a used mower. Really considering going this route. Not only could I mow, but add other implements down the road, grader, rototiller, bucket, etc.

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There are a couple on CL. IMO the DR Fields is the best one and they don't make that model anymore but I don't want to pay that much either. No idea how well it works on tall grass. The video's on you-tube show it will mow it...just go slow I guess and keep after it.

I've been looking at small tractors but I'm not sure if that will work for me. I have some steep areas on my property that would be a little sketchy to mow. Having a few implements would be great but I'm a little reluctant to buy a used tractor and I think I'd need a 4x4 to get around some areas. I've been wrestling with this more several months...

 

My perspective is just my opinion, I'm happy to be wrong on this so flame away if you feel the need. I cannot see how you could consistently go slow enough with an atv to make one work very well. I think your thumb on the throttle would get very tired trying to maintain a consistent 3-4 mph.
I would get a small tractor for anything over a half acre and for less than that I would get a walk behind rotary brush cutter like the Goat.
Don't worry about used tractors. Most good compact tractors will last longer than you will. Tractors are rather simple machines, at least the small ones. An engine, a transmission with a pto shaft, and a hydrolic pump. Not much to go wrong and easy to fix. I own tractors with over 8000 hours that are still going strong, if taken care of they last forever and if abused they still go a long time.

 

I have used a 48" Mott Hammerknife mower for several years behind my ATV. It is a flail type mower. I have about 3.5 acres of rough uneven ground, and it works great. Leaves grass about 5" tall. Has an 8HP Honda on it. It will bog down/die if going too fast in the tall stuff. Not letting it get too tall is key, but it will do it if you have to. I also do some mowing with the tractor and brush hog. The nice thing about the ATV is it makes it easy to speed up when possible, especially at turnarounds and corners.

 

Rent a tractor with mower 1 or 2 times a year. Unless you have other needs. They are cheap to rent for a day

 

So, I used a buddies tractor to plant some trees as he had a hole drilling attachment.... On the 2 1/2 acres I used it on it was sketchy at best because of the grade. We don't let the grass get more than 10-12" tall so we have to cut it pretty often. I'm sure I could pay for the equipment in one year of renting. I also like the idea of have the offset option as well. It would work great on our property. I looked at the Swishers, but that is as far as I got. I figured I better ask around first.

Thanks for the replies.

Brandon.

 

Can Man - Thanks for the heads up on the flail. Will add that to my search. A flail mower would be better suited for my needs vs a rotary. Only problem is they cost a lot more.

Renting is not really an option when you need to mow several times a month and it's $200+ a day...

 

So just an update, I believe I'm going to purchase a 60" electric start swisher. I think it will best fit my needs. Once I'm up and running I'll post results. Thanks for the replies.



Brandon

 

Please do! I'm seriously considering a flail mower. There is an outfit in Creswell that sells one.

 

Re: Best pull behind mower for atv UPDATE!!

Update. I purchased the Swisher 60" electric start pull behind and pull it with my Kodak 400. It works GREAT. I'm using less fuel than when I used the riding lawn mower. I was worried about some areas on my property that are a little tight, but backing up the mower is easy. It used to take me roughly 3-31/2 hours to cut everything. With the pull behind I'm at just over an hour. Also as a plus, when I run over a bees nest, the mower is behind me so the bees are not right in my lap instantly. :wink: I was able to order it through cabelas at just over 2k which is a competitive price and used cabelas points... It ships from the factory and I got it in about a week. I hope this review helps anyone looking.

Brandon Carignan