Are drum mowers good for hay?

Yes, a drum hay mower is a proven choice for grass hay, heavy hay, and even tougher forage. Farmers appreciate that it has fewer moving parts than a disc mower or sickle bar machine, which means low maintenance and fewer breakdowns in the field. A drum mower or similar heavy-duty unit is belt driven, durable, and designed to cut grass cleanly even in rough ground or rocky fields. Users who’ve run them for a couple years often share discussion starter threads on forums noting that these mowers handle heavy hay with less hassle and wear. Unlike a sickle bar that clogs or a junk mower that stalls, a drum mower keeps cutting at maximum speed.

How does a drum mower work?

A drum mower operates by spinning two or more large drums powered by the tractor’s PTO shaft and gearbox. Each drum has multiple knives or blades mounted on a bar that swing out under centrifugal force. As the tractor moves forward, the mower cuts grass or hay and funnels it into a mow position, usually leaving a windrow. Because the drums are belt driven, they can handle hitting rocks or stubble without major damage. The design uses gears and a top link for stability, and the mower’s weight helps it ride the ground smoothly. Farmers often say this style is “fine and simple” compared to the complexity of a new disc mower.

Which is better, a drum or disc mower?

Choosing between a drum mower and a disc mower depends on your goals, tractor size, and budget. A drum mower has fewer moving parts, is heavy duty, and offers low maintenance. It’s ideal for red tractors, Kubota, or Ford machines where durability matters more than cutting width. The drums are built tough, so even if you hit rocks, the knives swing back instead of bending gears. A disc mower or new disc mower gives you wider cutting width and faster mow speed. It’s lighter, offers a quick change blade system, and handles tilt or uneven ground better. However, discs have more moving parts and bearings to maintain, which can cost more over time. In short: if you want durable, fewer moving parts, and low pay for maintenance, choose a drum. If you want maximum cutting width and faster speed, choose a disc.

What is the best way to mow a hay field?

The best way to mow a hay field is to match your mower to your ground and crop. Use a new drum mower or disc mower sized for your tractor’s PTO power and lift kit capacity. Set the mow position with the top link so the blades cut grass at the right stubble height, preventing damage to regrowth. In heavy hay, go a little slower to avoid plugging, especially if using an older sickle bar or belt-driven unit. If using a drum mower, remember it naturally windrows the cut hay; tedding may be needed for faster dry down. Always check knives, gears, and bearings before you mow—replacing worn parts in advance saves downtime. Farmers often share related quotes in threads that “if you figure the speed, price, and maintenance, mowing with a drum is easier on both the tractor and the operator.”

Does a drum mower condition hay?

A drum mower does not condition hay like some disc mowers with rollers or flail conditioners. Instead, it cuts cleanly and lays the hay in a windrow. Because of its design, it’s belt driven and focused on cutting, not crimping. In heavy hay or damp grass, this means you may need a separate piece of equipment like a tedder to spread the crop and speed drying. Some operators adjust tilt or mow position to help hay dry quicker, but if conditioning is essential (like for alfalfa or horses), a disc mower with conditioner might be better. That said, many neighbors and customers report being perfectly satisfied with drum mowers when managed properly—“tired of replacing junk sickle bars, I bought a drum and never looked back.”

The farmry DM53 Drum Mower for Tractor features a 53" cutting width, orange and gray design with protective covering, and mounts to tractors for efficient grass or crop cutting.

The farmry DM53 drum mower for tractor features a 53" cutting width, orange and gray metal frame with fabric cover, labeled "farmry" and "DM53," for efficient agricultural mowing.

The farmry DM53 Drum Mower for Tractor features a 53" cutting width, durable metal frame, protective covering, and orange and gray design—ideal for efficient grass or crop cutting.

The farmry DM53 Drum Mower for Tractor features a 53" cutting width, robust metal frame, and protective guard—ideal for efficiently cutting grass or forage crops as a rotary disc attachment.

A close-up of the farmry DM53 Drum Mower’s mechanical gearbox, mounted on an orange frame. Bolts, shafts, and detailed casing are visible. The attachment features a 53" cutting width for tractors, set against a grey background.

The farmry DM53 Drum Mower for tractor has a 53" cutting width, metal guard, and is designed for efficient grass or hay cutting.

Close-up of the farmry DM53 Drum Mower for Tractor, featuring a metallic gearbox on an orange frame. Bolts and pins secure the 53" cutting width attachment, with a neutral, textured background.

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SKU: 113102B | Model: DM53

53" Cutting Width, Drum Mower for Tractor, DM53

Name: 53" Cutting Width, Drum Mower for Tractor, DM53
Brand: farmry
SKU: 113102B
Price: 2299.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

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Optional Working width: 53 in

53 in

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12-Month warranty included

Product Overview

The Farmry 53 in Cutting Width Drum Mower GD Series is designed for efficiency, featuring a cutting width of 53 in that allows for fast coverage of larger areas, enhancing the hay cutting process. Its twin drum configuration provides improved stability on uneven terrain, enabling precise control over grass length. Equipped with eight sharp cutting blades for a clean finish, this mower is compatible with tractors in the 25-40 HP range and can handle up to 1.35 hectares (approximately 3.34 acres) per hour.

Product Manual

DM Series Drum Mower Product Manual v1.0

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Reviews & Questions

FAQs

What scenarios is this snow plow suitable for?

It is suitable for light personal use, and can clear freshly fallen snow in areas like residential/small-scale parking lots and driveways. It is not suitable for removing compacted frozen snow lumps or ice left by large municipal/commercial snow plows, nor for handling excessive snow, ice, sand, or gravel (as this will damage the equipment/vehicle).

Are there any hardware requirements for the vehicle to install the snow plow?

The vehicle needs to be equipped with a standard 2-inch Class 3 front-mount receiver. And for the front receiver hitch, need to make sure the cross beam is flat which is compatible to Snow Plow.

While below one is unable to compatible to Snow Plow, which has a step on the cross beam.

What are the vehicle weight requirements after installing the snow plow?

It must comply with the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR, found on the driver’s side door):

1) If the front axle is overloaded, add rear ballast (sandbags are recommended; the weight of the securing device is included in the ballast weight) and secure it evenly behind the rear axle;

2) If the front passenger’s weight exceeds 300 lbs, the total weight must still not exceed the limit;

3) The vehicle’s load capacity decreases when carrying cargo; weigh the configured vehicle if in doubt.

Can I drive a vehicle with a mounted snow plow on public roads?

No. This equipment is not designed for public road use. In most regions, vehicles with mounted snow plows require additional lighting kits and safety chains to travel on highways, but this equipment is not recommended for use on public roads.

What is the speed limit for snow plowing and transporting the snow plow?

Do not exceed 15 km/h (10 mph):

1) Overspeeding during snow plowing may overload the equipment or cause vehicle loss of control;

2) Overspeeding during transport may cause engine overheating;

3) Reduce speed if the blade bounces during operation.

Model(MT)	DM53	Height	26 in
Cutting width（in.）	53 in	Weight	407 lb
Cutting height（in.）	1 in	Working capacity	1.35ha/h
Number of drums	2	P.T.O Speed（r/min）	540
Number of cutting blades	8	Gearbox Oil Type	SAE90.EP
Tractor power（HP）	25-40	Working speed（mph）	8-10 km/h
Length	99 in	Package dimension（in.）	57 × 37 × 23 in
width	39 in	Package weight	496 lbs