Boom Mower Update

I was asked to give an update on my quest for a boom mower when I posted that I was interested in buying one several months ago. I have since purchased a Bush Hog model RMB 1865, that is 3 point hitch and has a 5 ft rotary head. The manufacturer recommends a minimum tractor weight of 7750 lbs and 65 minimum PTO horsepower. The unit is powered by a 540 rpm pto and thus provides it's own hydraulic system, which has a reservoir mounted on the "high" side of the unit. That is only counter balance provided to compensate for the weight of the extended boom on the "low" side. I have it mounted on a New Holland TL100A with fluid filled rear tires that are 7 ft 6 inches (roughly) at the widest point. This unit is designed to reach a maximum of 18 ft to the right (low) side and with the 5 ft head out there it feels a bit "spooky" when on a slight slope and when it is not touching the ground. I entertained adding a dual tire to the high side, but don't want the width increase as it is a loader tractor with a 7 ft bucket and the dual would exceed the width of the bucket. I use the bucket a lot to keep a creek crossing open and don't want to have to remove the dual for that task. Thus, I have ordered two 300 lb weights for the "high" side of my tractor and don't have them on site yet, but after using the unit for @ 7 hours of mowing, I feel confident it will be the counter balance I need. I have saved the sloped areas till I get the weights mounted. I live in the rural of area of Alton, Il, so most of my bottom ground is anything but level. I also have 1/2 mile of creek running through it and have found that I can keep the tractro 5 to 8 feet from the edge of the creek and still be mowing at the edge and slightly over. I also have field roads etc that have banks 45 degrees to say 60 degrees, with a slope length of @ 12 to 15 ft. This unit allows me to drive on the flat surface of the road and reach out to a fenceline etc and does a great job of mowing that area. It also works great to trim the small limbs of trees that are reaching out into hay fields. So far I am quite pleased with it

local dept of highways came thru with a similar one clearing along our roads. commented to the operator that those blades look too short for the project - he replied they were very thick, and had plenty of power. very versatile and seems to do a good job. Has no conscience, though, as it clipped a metal culvert and kept on going

Are you constantly looking over your shoulder to operate the mower, or does it pivot forward enough that you can look out the side of the tractor?

You can watch out 90 degrees to the side of the tractor. It also has an "auto" function where it moves back to where it was before moving. In other words, it moves when it hits a clump of heavy grass or brush, while moving forward, then comes back to it's previous setting. It specifically states not to move backwards with the mower in a "brush" climate as there is not a safety feature while in reverse. I usually raise it a bit when I hear the sound, (while in forward motion) but it comes back anyway. For tall stuff, say 10 to 12 feet tall, you can back up to it, then use the side sweep motion to cut it in two, then raise the mower above the stub, tilt the mower slightly away from you, the just bring it straight down and it just chomps it up.

Thank you. I was looking at one of them last year, then my pickup died. Now I'm looking again. I was somewhat put off by the exotic stabilizer hook up. I want something quick and easy to hook/unhook. I've found the Rhino is just a regular three point hook up, as long as you have a quick hitch. I'm definitely leaning in that direction. The Rhino is not totally self contained like the Bush Hog. The controls use the tractor hydraulics. So it should be much cheaper, but I don't think it is!