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A hydraulic sickle mower uses a specific type of cutting mechanism to harvest various crops. They are suitable for agricultural and livestock settings to manage grass, reeds, rice, and other plants. The following three types are suitable for different kinds of uses.
Three-point hydraulic sickle mower
This type of mower is generally fixed to a tractor by means of a three-point linkage, which is another way of attaching implements to a tractor. The mower is suspended from the tractor in three points that form a triangle, hence the name. This kind of mounting mechanism provides the mower with a lot of stability when being towed by the tractor. It is mostly used with tractors that do not have a powered hitch. Because of this, the mower can cut a wide swathe and be dragged around with ease, making it a popular tool for farmers who own large tracts of land.
Pull-type hydraulic sickle mower
In contrast to three-point hydraulic mowers, pull-type sickle mowers are attached to farm equipment using a drawbar. A drawbar is a heavy, articulated bar that is used to tow or pull implements in agriculture. Specifically, it is attached to a towing vehicle, which in this case, is a tractor. They are suitable for low-power tractors and can be used in farm equipment where the drawbar is high and the center of mass is low.
Disc Blade Hydraulic sickle mower
This type of blade sickle mower has its own unique feature and function. Using articulated blades to make precise cuts, they achieve a clean-cut finish. Furthermore, disc blade sickle mowers require less maintenance in comparison to their reel-type counterparts. The durability of disc blades also stands out, boasting a longer lifespan. Additionally, their design minimizes clogging, ensuring uninterrupted operation and efficiency. This is especially useful in wet and grassy conditions where other cutting blades tend to get stuck or clogged up.
Specifications of hydraulic sickle mowers may vary depending on the type of hydraulic sickle mower to choose. Here are some of the key hydraulic sickle mower specs to consider when choosing a sickle mower.
Cutting width
The cutting width refers to the maximum swath width the mower can cut in a single pass. It ranges from 1 to 3 meters. A wider cutting width increases productivity by reducing the number of passes required to mow a particular area.
Flow rate
The flow rate of a hydraulic sickle bar mower is the amount of hydraulic fluid that pumps through the system per minute, and it is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM). An optimal mower flow rate ensures efficient operation and performance. It is important to note that the mower's efficiency mainly depends on the tractor's flow rate.
Power Requirement
Power requirement describes the amount of power energy needed to operate the hydraulic mower effectively. Power requirements are measured in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (KW). The hydraulic system of the mower and the mower's cutting mechanism impacts the power requirement of a sickle mower.
Weight
The weight of the hydraulic sickle mower influences the stability and maneuverability of the mower during operation. Also, the mounting type, mowing mechanism, and size affect the weight of the mower.
Cutting height adjustment
Hydraulic sickle mowers have an over, through, and under mounting adjustment mechanism. This allows operators to easily adjust the mowing height before heading out to the field. Operators can adjust the cutting height depending on the terrain and desired vegetation.
Regular maintenance is necessary for sickle mowers to ensure effective operation, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of the mower. Here are some maintenance tips to keep the hydraulic sickle mower in great shape.
Daily Inspection
Operating companies should inspect the mower for damage daily or before using it. They should check for any hydraulic hose and blade damage. Next, they should address any potential issues to prevent costly repairs or accidents.
Hydraulic System Maintenance
The proper functioning of a hydraulic system is very essential for the effective operation of a sickle mower. Mower operators should regularly monitor the hydraulic fluid levels. They should top up the fluid levels in case of low levels to maintain proper functioning. Also, they should inspect the hydraulic hoses and connections for damage such as leaks and cracks. After that, they should clean the filters and replace them as per the manufacturers' guidance. This will ensure the system functions properly.
Blade Maintenance
Users should make a point to check the mower blades regularly for signs of damage or dullness. In case of wear or dullness, users should sharpen the blades to maintain a clean cut. Also, they should ensure all the blade components are tightly fastened to prevent accidents during operation.
Hydraulic sickle mowers are popular in different agricultural and land management scenarios where efficient and precise cutting of grass, weeds, and brush is required. Here are some of the common usage scenarios for hydraulic sickle mowers.
Pasture and Grassland Management
Farmers and livestock producers use hydraulic sickle mowers to manage pasture and grasslands. These mowers maintain optimal grazing heights, promote pasture regrowth, and prevent undesirable plant species from seeding. Also, they are useful in trimming grass around gates and fences in pastures, which may otherwise become overgrown and pose a risk to livestock.
Hay and Forage Production
Those producing hay and forage crops use hydraulic sickle mowers to harvest alfalfa, clover, timothy, and other forage grasses. They also ensure clean and efficient cutting, reducing contamination of undesirable species when used for mowing before harvesting.
Row Crop Management
Hydraulic sickle mowers help in managing cover crops between row crops and after the harvest of row crops. They efficiently cut cover crops to a desirable height without damaging the underlying cash crops, helping to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.
Orchards and Vineyards
Sickle mowers with hydraulics are useful in cutting grassy weeds and cover crops in high-value orchard and vineyard systems. Their hydraulic-powered variants allow adjustments to different crops and can navigate the tree and vine rows with ease.
Other scenarios include:
Right-of-Way and Utility Line Maintenance
Utility companies use hydraulic sickle mowers to maintain rights-of-way and clear vegetation around utility lines. They efficiently remove brush and small trees and improve access for maintenance crews.
Roadside and Highway Maintenance
The hydraulic sickle mower is a preferred tool used by highway departments to maintain roadsides and highway embankments. It ensures proper visibility at intersections and spreads the nutrients back into the soil through the process called valorization.
Land Restoration and Conservation
Land restoration and conservation practitioners use sickle mowers to control invasive plant species and reduce fuel loads in prevent of wildfires. They protect sensitive ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. Sickle mowers are preferred for ecological restoration projects because they help reduce the reliance on herbicides and promote sustainable land management practices.
Land Clearing
Land clearing for agricultural expansion, construction, or development requires sickle mowers. It is because they efficiently clear unwanted vegetation before breaking ground. The mower prepares the land and reduces the need for burning or chemical treatment.
The following tips can help buyers, farmers, and agricultural investors like they are selecting the right hydraulic sickle mower for tractors.
Matching mower size to tractor horsepower
Ensure the tractor can power the mower well before matching its size to the horsepower. Use the general guideline that tractors should produce 5 to 7 horsepower for each mower cutting width measured in feet. For example, a 20-horsepower tractor can effectively power a sickle mower with a 3 to 4-foot cutting width.
Considering mower mount type
Choose a mower mounting type that offers solid support and easy connection to the tractor. An integrated frame mount provides good balance because the mower weight distributes evenly across the tractor. Ground mowers mounted to the rear of a tractor support themselves on the ground and are stable, while semi-mounted mowers lift partly into the air during transport.
Evaluating cutting capacity and quality
Pick a sickle mower that matches the average maintenance tasks and preferred mowing technique. Consider how fast the blades cut grass and other plants. Also, think about the clean-cut quality the mower provides. Select a mower with the cutting ability and quality needed for the primary use.
Examining mower construction and durability
Invest in a hydraulic sickle mower made of long-lasting materials and built to last. Look for corrosion-resistant components that can cope with harsh field conditions and frequent use.
Considering required maintenance
Focus on mowers that need less maintenance and only require simple tasks to keep working great. Choose those with grease fittings at key points, long-lasting belts, and seals that limit mower exposure to dirt and debris.
Q1: What type of hydraulic mower requires tractor hydraulics?
A1: A hydraulic sickle mower requires tractor hydraulics for proper functioning. This hydraulic mower uses hydraulic power generated by the tractor's hydraulic system to operate its cutting mechanism effectively. Before connecting a hydraulic sickle mower, the farmers should ensure that the tractor's hydraulic system is functional.
Q2: What size of hydraulic sickle mower will fit a compact tractor?
A2: Mower sizes vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Most compact tractors will fit a hydraulic sickle mower between 3 to 5 feet in cutting width. However, it's crucial to consider the tractor's horsepower rating and its capability of handling the sickle mower's power requirements.
Q3: How can one tell if a hydraulic sickle mower is in good condition?
A3: Inspect the mower's frame, check for damaged or worn components, and ensure the cutting blades are sharp and well-adjusted. Additionally, one can examine the roller brakes, pitman arms, and gearbox seals. Also, inspecting moving parts for lubrication and listening to unusual sounds when operating can tell if the sickle mower is in good condition.
Q4: Do sickle mowers generally have rust issues?
A4: Yes, sickle mowers can develop rust issues, especially when they are made of steel. The cutting bars and sickle blades are usually vulnerable to rust. Proper maintenance such as cleaning and applying lubricants can help prevent rust.
