Rough Cut ATV Mower

[mtholton]

Hi All,

This is my first fall with my property and it's clear some of the best terrain isn't easily accessible. Last weekend I thought for a minute I'd be sleeping in the woods it was so thick I could hardly get out of the area I was in. Just covered in thorny blackberry bushes and other dense cover. Great hunting in there, just not easy to access both from a physical perspective as well as from noise. I'm in need of some trail work in the off season. I have a ATV and am looking to get a pull behind mower. I'm estimating I'll have about a mile of trail tops that I'll want to maintain just good enough for walking access to hunting areas. Assuming a few cuts a year would suffice? Does anyone have any recommendations on pull behind units to buy or avoid?

 

[Big Snow Man]

If you want the best Kunz is the name built like a tank.

 

[Mahindra3016]

If you want the best Kunz is the name built like a tank.

I looked at one of those at a local ag show, definitely built tuff. I had a swisher for about 8 years and while it did the job, it was a belt burner, and they weren't to fun to change.

 

[Islandguy]

If you want the best Kunz is the name built like a tank.

I'll second that. I have the 57" model i pull behind my RTV.

 

[Tree Spud]

I looked at one of those at a local ag show, definitely built tuff. I had a swisher for about 8 years and while it did the job, it was a belt burner, and they weren't to fun to change.

In addition to the belt issue, kept having hitch & tow bar issues and the would bend or break. It would cut, and the mower started everytime, too many other issues.

 

[Bill]

In addition to the belt issue, kept having hitch & tow bar issues and the would bend or break. It would cut, and the mower started everytime, too many other issues.

Yep my swisher likes to eat belts. Doesn't like thick high grass. But like you say, the thing starts every time.


Just know any walking trail you cut will become a deer trail in that environment so cut them so you benifit from it.

 

[Big Snow Man]

I have a Cycle Country for about 20 years never a have changed the belt. She old and needs to be retired.

 

[mtholton]

Anyone have any experience with Acreage? This model? https://www.mowersdirect.com/Acreage-RC4422/p68361.html?utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=paid+portals

 

[Bill]

Anyone have any experience with Acreage? This model? https://www.mowersdirect.com/Acreage-RC4422/p68361.html?utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=paid+portals

No but when I read the reviews it sounds like it has all the same problems as my swisher which was $500 cheaper. And I can't really complain about the swisher because I ask it to do things it shouldn't.

Side note: don't buy belts from the factory for $50. Pick them up on Amazon for 1/3 the price.

 

[hilltopper]

On my property I have tons of Ilex, or winterberry. Grows as tall as alders but much thicker, and when there's snow on the ground it's clear the deer pretty much stay out of it as well. I hired a guy with a timber ax- a brush eating machine that mounts on a skid steer. It was about $100/hour- the best money I've ever spent. I created miles of trails in two days that are great for hiking, cross country skiing, and gaining access to blinds etc. Funny how my cross country ski trails double as shooting lanes. Now I can maintain those trails with a pull behind mower- I have an old swisher, but recently borrowed a friend's DR and it was really good, though the Kunz are the best. I plan to bring in a timber ax again when it gets dry enough. This time I'll create random clearings for natural vegetation or even some food plots, etc.

 

[StickTime]

I have a Cycle Country for about 20 years never a have changed the belt. She old and needs to be retired.

if you want to part it out let me know! I have the 48 rough country, shes ugly and beat up but it runs like a top but , just inn need of some backup parts!

 

[Someday isle]

This is not what you asked for but it’s the best equipment purchase I’ve made. The DR walk behind is a great tool for me. I use it for clearing and mowing. It does a great job on the kind of stuff you describe. My neighbor has a swisher and he loves it but complains about it’s lack of maneuverability in the woods and on narrow trails. The DR is great for me for those reasons.

 

[Big Snow Man]

if you want to part it out let me know! I have the 48 rough country, shes ugly and beat up but it runs like a top but , just inn need of some backup parts!

Check the for sale section