If you maintain a property, small or large, you’re likely in the market for some mowing equipment. Thankfully, with mowing attachments, you can attach a mower to your tractor using a 3-point hitch. 

Wondering which type of mower is right for you? In this edition of the Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf blog, we’ll be taking a look at three of our most popular types of mowing attachments, weighing the pros and cons of each.

#1 Rotary Cutter

Rotary cutters, which are often referred to as bush hogs or brush hogs, are one of the most popular types of mowers we carry. The rotary cutter features a large enclosed deck and a disc with hinges. When in operation, the hinges create a disc mowing action like an upside down helicopter. 

Unlike a traditional lawn mower, the rotary cutter can strike obstacles and objects on the ground (like rocks, for example) and protect the blades, spindle, and machinery more than a traditional mower, absorbing some of the impact. This helps to preserve the life and longevity of your mower.

The bush hog is a great, versatile option that is both lightweight and on the more affordable end of the spectrum. It’s great for mowing grass and light brush and can actually cut up to a 1” limb. You can adjust the mower to go really low or really high, adding to its versatility depending on the type of terrain you’re working through.

One drawback of the bush hog is that it doesn’t handle blackberries or overgrown invasive plants very well. While it is built to help mow these types of invasive species, you may have to go over blackberry bushes several times, and may find it’s not very effective when the bushes are tall and spindly. Depending on the type of terrain you’re working on, you may want to look beyond the rotary cutter. You may also find that the rotary cutter is not designed to make well-groomed, super clean cuts, though is still a powerful and versatile mower. Despite these drawbacks, the rotary cutter does still live up to its reputation as being one of the most reliable, versatile, and affordable of our mowers.

Note that in addition to the standard rotary cutters, you may also want to consider a John Deere MX Series rotary cutter, which is essentially a heavier-duty version of the standard bush hog. It can cut thicker limbs, accepting up to 2” saplings. Given its larger size, it can be put on the back of a larger tractor. So, if you’re mowing a lot, you may find that this more robust option is for you. They’re great for commercial farms, maintaining roads and pathways, and are just generally exceptional mowers if you think you’ll be mowing a lot and need a mower to withstand a greater deal of wear and tear.

Overall, a rotary cutter is your jack of all trades, but you may find limitations when it comes to mowing more invasive vegetation or if you’re looking for a really clean cut.

#2 Grooming Mower

A grooming mower is a great option if you’re looking for a cleaner cut. As compared to the rotary cutter, this grooming mower has much smaller blades. That helps you get a more precise, accurate cut. However, note that the belt is not necessarily very robust, so it may wear out if you’re using it regularly.

Overall, though, if grooming and maintenance is your top priority, the grooming mower is an excellent choice. Lightweight, versatile, and built for maneuverability, the grooming mower will give you the clean, manicured cut you’re looking for.

#3 Flail Mower

The flail mower is the mothership of the mowers. The true jack of all trades, this robust option is exceptional if you’re working in varied terrain and are dealing with a lot of overgrowth. Unlike the grooming mower or the bush hog, the flail mower is built to navigate through spindly, tall blackberry brush and heavier grass. 

The flail mower is adjustable and can be used on all kinds of terrain, from rocks to blackberries to sandy, uneven ground. Whether you’re working in tall grass or low grass, the adjustability of the flail mower ensures you can tackle mowing tasks high and low. It is built to navigate through my heavier grasses and shrubs than standard mowing equipment.

The flail mower is definitely the catch-all of our mower types, but one drawback is the price point, as it’s considerably more expensive than other mowers. Additionally, many flail mowers may also not fit on smaller tractors, though manufacturers have been responding to this recently, and there are now some flail mowers that are compatible with even our 1 Series compact utility tractors.

If you’re working with a lot of woody brush and overgrowth, and are looking to use your mower on a more regular basis for heavy-duty tasks, a flail mower may be worth the extra cost.

We’re Here to Help

Here at Papé Machinery Agriculture & Turf, we believe in customizing your equipment to best fit your project needs. We want to help pair you with the best mower attachment for your tractor possible, all while working within your budget. Reach out to us today so our experts can help pair you with the best package of tools, equipment, and implements for your property needs. We can’t wait to serve you!