15 HP DR Field and Brush Mower

YuccaFlatsRanch · #1 08/31/05, 06:19 AM

Just bought one at auction for under $1500.00 (no sales tax Ag-exemption). Cost from DR is aboaut $3000 plus sales tax. Unit has less than 21 hours actual usage.

Can't wait to mow down the brush around here. Its high time I get the pastures back in shape - its too hilly to safely use the tractor and brush hog in some of them. Rolling the tractor would ruin a good day.

**fordson major** · #2 08/31/05, 07:03 AM

thats good luck yucca!! they can roll over too so watch yourself! might mix some twocycle in if the slopes are very steep,keep some lube going while the oils tipped away in the sump. oh and work boots,heavy gloves, face mask and hard hat,they do kick up stuff! working on a simplicity sickle bar to cut the steep slopes here,though they are not as steep as some still hate rolling a tractor (been there done that did not buy the coffin!)_

Old John · #3 08/31/05, 08:30 AM

Hi Yucca, Ford & Y'all,

We've had ours for about 2 years. I only have about 60 hrs. put
on it so far, though. I love it. We have that very same model.

It'll take those Multi-Flora Roses & eat them up. I had them 20 ft. up
in the trees, the M-F roses that is. It goes right through Sumac thickets,
too. I cleaned out one woods & started on another.

Yup, they will turn over.
Only thing I've broken is the right ground-skid. I bent it a couple times,
hooking it on stumps. Last week I backed up, it caught & snapped off.
It's tool steel. The welding shop used a "tig" welder. Good as new, maybe
better.

You surely got a good deal on yours.
Have Fun.

YuccaFlatsRanch · #4 08/31/05, 05:18 PM

Its home and my hands have blisters - I have to learn that a 400 lb machine with 15 HP does pretty much what it wants and even though I am big and strong, I am not that big and not that strong.

As I am learning I am finding how to work WITH the machine vs AGAINST it. It mows pretty much anything I point it at, doesn't even break a sweat (the machine that is), and the sound of the engine never changes. If I were to tape down the dead man lever I suspect it would keep mowing in a straight line until it ran out of gas.

Not often in this day and age do you seem to get more than the company promises.

Mike in Ohio · #5 08/31/05, 07:59 PM

Congratulations,

I have an 8 HP one and love it. Definately wear heavy gloves. Try not to over do it. If I'm doing a lot I like to take a break every hour or so.

Mike

Old John · #6 09/01/05, 08:33 AM

Hi Yucca & Y'all,

Yeah, that 15 Hp DR is way too much machine to "Hoss around".
It ain't a little pushmower.
I'm a big old man too, 6'1" and 250#. But I learned quick.

Wear your leather gloves, safety glasses, a good solid cap &
Be Careful.
They will go up a tree, quicker than you can think to let go.
Do NOT run it when you are tired.

The DR brushmower is a Wonderful tool.
It's a thing of beauty, to be appreciated.
They will do everything the Company says, and more.
Have Fun.