Compatible sickle bar mower for old IH 240?

Hi all.
Self proclaimed newbie here with some questions, if you please.

I have an old International 240 utility tractor (new it was between 28-32HP).
It has three point with the old IH quick hitch lower arms and the top link.
Standard three point equipment works fine.

Contrary to the focus of this site, I'm looking to cut weeds and saplings along the edge of our lake and a sickle mower seems perfect for that job as it hangs out past the side of the tractor.

With no previous knowledge of sickle mowers and VERY little knowledge of my (or any) tractor, I come to you all here to guide and maybe offer some insight.

1) Would a sickle bar do what I'm asking?
2) I assume I should be looking for a specific type of mower for a three point, correct?
3) Can you offer suggestions on makes and models that I might find on Craigslist that would work well with my tractor?

My budget is meager (at best) for this project.
I found an old Ford 501 ($200) but it sounds like it was a special type of attachment that isn't compatible with standard 3 point configurations.
I'm in Western KY.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to learning what I can.

jwicker

Almost any 3 pt mower will work. the only hangup I can see is the variability of the width of some 3pt equipment is a bit of an issue fitting the somewhat limited adjustability of
the adapters on the 240. Limitations of your intentions include the thickness and population density of small trees. 1/2" willow growth with 1 foot spacing will probably cut if
the knives are sharp and new. Bigger, more dense stand, or hardwood/shrub will just tear up your mower. A real bush hog would have no issue, but to avoid getting stuck you would
need to back into the growth. An over running PTO clutch would limit the tendency to keep going into the water, but it would still be trouble because the mower would spin to a
stop while you stop to go back up the bank. A DR Field and Brush Mower (look it up) might be a better value. Jim

I want to add a note. Sickle bar mowers are NOT brush hogs. A sapling
the size of your pinkey here and there but no more. Nothing like
busted knives, snapped pitmans, etc. They also must be correctly
adjusted. If you have them set right you can take a slip of paper and
it will cut just like a pair of sharp scissors. They are absolutely
the most power efficient grass cutter youu can have. BUT they are a
precision machine.

1) yes
2) yes - those called wobble box mowers - not one with a pitman (lets you mow at an angle up or down). I would suggest a 7' bar, not a 9'.
3) go to the Implement forum and search "wobble box".
a "really good" one will go for a thou - a workable one maybe for $500

stay off places which make you light in the seat!!!!
You can be careful several times a day, but you can only get killed once!

Thanks to you both.
Sounds like the sickle bar might not be the right tool for this job.
There is a lot of tall weeds growing around the perimeter, but a fair number of saplings tat would likely cause issues with the sickle bar.

I have a brush hog and an overrun coupler, but, as mentioned, the rotary cutter comes to a stop with clutch depressed and stopped at the waters edge.

Sounds like I'll be using my Stihl Clearing Saw (hyperactive weed wacker with a ninja throwing star blade). I've been avoiding that approach as it strains my back reaching out that far from solid dry land. I had even considered using my gas hedge trimmers in the john boat.

Any other tractor implements (aside from brush hog) to do what I'm asking?

thanks
jwicker

The focus of this site is old tractors and everything relating to them, be it planting corn and doing hay or mowing weeds along a ditch or pond
edge. You have a 240 which more than qualifies your question as legitimate. If you have any queries or need help with your tractor, just head to
the Farmall forum and ask away, unbelievable amount of information can be learned from those guys.

Thanks, jCarroll !

I might have to use your quote:
"You can be careful several times a day, but you can only get killed once!"
I like that !!

I'll check out the wobble box options as well.

jwicker

Thanks Steve. I've fumbled my way through a handful of projects and repairs on that 240 since we've had it (4 years maybe).
It drags around the brush hog and finish mower fine (albeit not particularly fast).
I have accumulated several old implements (that my wife would love to see disappear) that I'm learning to use.

Thanks again
jwicker