good trail mower?

[Crow Hunter]

I will need to buy a trail mower to pull behind my atv this summer. I had some logging done on my land recently and my trails will grow up quickly with the added sunlight. I need a trail mower, not a finish mower, it needs to be able to handle small saplings up to finger size. I would appreciate any advice on a model to buy, so I can start watching the prices. My budget will probably be up to 2K or so. If you have experience with a trail mower, I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks!

[Crow Hunter]

If possible, could a moderator move this topic to teh lawn and garden forum? Perhaps I would have better luck there. Thanks, CH

[lovebigbluegills]

CH,

I've used a Swisher for a few years, and it has done everything I've asked of it, and done a good job of it. After a few years of new mowings, it's gotten a bit beat up, but still works just fine.

This past fall, I picked up a DR brush mower. The reason I got a new one is I've done all the new mowing I need to do, and the only mowing from here on out is just maintaining what I already have mowed. This mower is just as beefy as the Swisher, but the hitch/tongue on the Swisher leave a bit to be desired.

I was going to pm you about this, but I have no idea how to do that.

[mixxedbagg]

A college-age kid and one of these:

[fishwater]

Do they make tow behind flail mowers? I've been grooming trails with a Berti 3pt flail mower, way better than a rotary mower IMO.

[Pinusbanksiana]

Hire a local guy with a small cat and 6 way dozer blade to rough your trails in this winter or early spring at the latest. Then lay down a soil stabilizing seed mix around memorial weekend. Let that mix grow all summer and mow it in the fall the first year. Use hand tools to clear any encroaching saplings and you will be set. If you get a jump on it earlier, it will make the work easier down the road.

[Crow Hunter]

lovebigbluegills, has your swisher mower had a problem with belts? I have read some reviews and a number of people mentioned that they went through a lot of belts.

[lovebigbluegills]

CW

I'm on my second belt in about 4 years of mowing with it.