haying drum mower

FAQs

1. What is a drum mower?

A drum mower is a rugged hay-cutting machine that attaches to a tractor 3-point connection and runs at a standard 540 rpm. Unlike older designs, a drum mower uses two or more rotating drums that carry multiple knives per drum, slicing through thick grass and forage with precision. Farmers and landowners value these mowers because they feature fewer moving parts, which means low maintenance, less downtime, and greater reliability. Whether you’re managing a few acres or a large field, this equipment is designed for action in tough ground conditions. Many customers even find affordable used equipment in this category, making drum mowers a perfect product for those seeking durability without overspending.

2. What is the difference between a drum mower and a disc mower?

The key difference lies in design and performance:

• A drum mower uses large vertical drums with swinging knives, while a disc mower relies on a series of rotating discs across the cutting width.
• Drum mowers excel on thick, uneven land, offering simple belt-driven machines with fewer parts to replace.
• Disc mowers, however, are often wider in ft cutting width, making them popular for large acreage and high-speed operations.

When you read a review or browse farming forums, many operators agree that drum mowers are more reliable in rocky or wet ground, while disc mowers are chosen for sheer speed and number of acres cut per hour. Both have their place, but the customer’s land and tractor size determine the better fit.

3. Is a drum mower better than a sickle bar?

For most modern customers, the answer is yes. A sickle bar mower can still handle lighter hay, but it has many delicate parts that demand constant time and maintenance. In contrast, a drum mower is more reliable, can handle thick forage, and is designed with simple belts and knives that are easy to replace or change in minutes.

Sickle bars are slower and less forgiving when encountering rocks or uneven ground. Drum mowers, on the other hand, keep moving through challenging land conditions, making them a superior machine for today’s small farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders who want consistent results without constant tinkering.

4. What are the advantages of a drum mower?

Drum mowers bring a long list of advantages for customers looking for a perfect balance of action, design, and reliability:

• Low maintenance: Thanks to fewer moving parts, operators spend less time fixing and more time cutting.
• Durable knives: With several knives per drum, the mower delivers a clean cut, and blades are quick to replace.
• Versatile cutting width: Available in multiple ft sizes, they adapt to different tractors and acreages.
• Strong construction: Built for thick ground forage, they are engineered to stay reliable season after season.
• Easy transportation: Compact design folds or tilts for safe transportation behind the tractor.
• Affordable options: Both new and used equipment are widely shipped across the U.S., giving buyers multiple ways to own one.

In short, a drum mower is a perfect product for those who want a simple, reliable machine that delivers results in real-world conditions. If you’re considering your next mower, this category deserves serious attention.