Do you need a large area mower, and if so, what type of the wide array of large area mowers do you need?
Let’s look at just some of the considerations you have to look forward to.
Large area mowing efficiently is challenging work. You must make many decisions when bidding and planning your strategies for managing large areas. For example, you need to consider the area’s use, what design concepts affect your management programs for the site, and what types of equipment you’ll need to implement these programs.
Types of area mowers
Determining the appropriate types of equipment for the specific areas of a large site is key to creating a usable grassy area while also ensuring profitable results. Look closely at the different types of terrain with which you’ll be dealing. Does the site vary in grade? Does it have picnic tables and trees? What types of access do you have for getting in and out of the site? Are light standards placed at close intervals? For what purpose is the turf area being used? These are just some of the questions you’ll need to ask yourself in the planning process for acreage lawn mowing.
Choosing the appropriate equipment
Many different tractor mowing equipment options exist that can help you meet the challenges you’ll encounter in maintaining large sites. * Multi-decked rotary or reel gang mowers. For large, open, unobstructed areas consisting of more than two or more acres, using a mower smaller than a 72-inch-wide rotary deck is impractical. You’re best off cutting larger areas, such as fairways and open parks, with multi-decked rotary or reel gang mowers. Choose equipment of this type that mows no less than 3 acres per hour. Gang mowers can offer cutting widths up to 20 feet and are both flexible and forgiving. For example, if the turf area has many undulating hillsides and mounds, you can avoid scalping by using this type of equipment. This is because each gang is separate from the others and actually hugs the terrain.
You may also consider hiring out for brush hogging services since that requires a certain expertise not everyone has.
Reel mowers have a slicing action that often gives a cleaner cut. Unfortunately, these mowers’ overall maintenance is extremely high. Also, you cannot use them on rough, rocky ground, and they have limitations on how high you can cut the turf with them, which prevents many commercial mowers from using them.
Mowing range
Most large mowers in the 72-inch range require a minimum of a 28-hp diesel- or a 45-hp gas-powered engine. Some contractors prefer diesel-power engines for their longer life and the fewer repairs they require. Keep in mind, however, your up-front cost with these units. Typically, mowers with diesel-powered engines run about 25 percent more in purchase price.
Tank size
Another consideration with purchasing these units is looking at their fuel-tank size and fuel consumption. The larger an engine is, the larger its fuel tank should be. Make sure you always carry enough fuel to handle the equipment’s daily needs.
The bottom line on all of this: determine what you need. Speak to professionals about your specific needs. And purchase the mower, or brush hog attachment, which will best suit your needs.
Give us a call if you have any questions . . . Keith’s Tractor Mowing . . . (817) 991-4318.