Best device for cleaning up fence lines

[foggybok]

@tabula rashah

No not self propelled unfortunately and one hell of a workout- but still less of one than a regular string trimmer. Mine does go forward and back and the head you can adjust to any angle so it fits in all kinds of weird spaces.
Depending on how wet or dry your area is- one thing we do here as an organic method is to go through with a propane dragon and burn (we’re in an area that tends to be really wet in the summer so this isn’t a problem, obviously if you’re somewhere dry or with fire issues, this is not the solution for you lol) and then come back and spray the burnt area with an orange oil solution.

We have a weed burner. Never had great luck . Used it in WA and the horsetail laughed at me… But following up with spray probably helps.

I asked my friend which unit she has and it is one of the DR units. It was super cumbersome. The one hell of a workout isn’t what I was looking for, especially in our summer heat and humidity…

[foggybok]

@Bluey

Here is a video with a review of the DR PTO trimmer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi9i9or8w7g

Thanks

I would like to try it, but out tractor is too big

[foggybok]

@goodhors

Just ordered a 3-PT DR trimmer for the tractor. Has a 2yr warrenty. Hope it is as wonderful as the videos! Spring loaded to give going around trees and posts, with a guard to prevent beating on them with the string. Have to see how it does on our rolling ground. Even having to do a few places by hand will be easier than pushing the trimmer around every pasture and paddock fence!

I have used the push weed trimmers and they do a nice job. A big improvement from a stick trimmer. Just has been SO HOT this year, I did not want to go out and use it. Lots of fence here too and we got behind with the wet spring. We usually spray early, but it rained almost daily, the herbicide would have been wasted by washing off. Now it is big, tough weeds, so spraying won’t keep them off the wire. I had a lovely Craftsman trimmer, did a great job until it just wore out. I bought some used DR trimmers who also did a good job. They also got worn out enough that fixing was more than getting another used one. I am FINALLY done with used, fixing them. I am going to buy a new DR push trimmer, which I expect to last well with better care than those used trimmers had.

DR company is having a sale, ends today, July 30th. They have cut prices, plus free shipping, so a good time to order!

The DR push trimmers are now sold at TSC and have 10% off thru the weekend I believe. Comes out to the same price as buying from DR and waiting for it. Already assembled too, with a warranty.

Get the good string, heavy lasts longer. My favorite is the orange Swisher, cut lengths. That stuff is amazing! I have been advised to soak the string in water before use, puts more flexibility in it, less likely to snap off on a hard stick or stem. I think that tip is on the DR site.

Did you get it yet? How do you like it? I think I can adapt my tractor hitch to take it, but I’m not sure it’s what I need…

[goodhors]

No, the 3pt trimmer has not arrived yet. They did say mid August, so kind of expecting it soon, but will call to check on it.

The smaller push trimmer is terrific! Lots of improvements over their previous models. Lighter weight, at around 55 pounds to lift into the gator. Has a better exhaust chute for cut brush. Starts easily on one or 2 pulls. Much quieter, though I always wear earplugs with machinery. Interesting note in the owners manual package says to soak the string in water for 3 days to keep it more flexible. So I have soaked it and it does seem to prevent breakage, increases wear. Have not replaced any string after a LOT of heavy brush trimming. Pretty surprising to me that such a simple thing works so well!

[Equibrit]

Fence mower ? https://www.fencemower.com/

[goodhors]

@Equibrit

Fence mower ? https://www.fencemower.com/

That is a very nice looking mower! Very interesting design and I like that it has blades to cut with.

However at $3000 plus, it is too rich for my budget. It does cut lower to the ground at a half inch, but needs 7" clearance under the bottom wire or rail to fit. The DR needs only 5 1/2" to fit under the bottom wire or rails.

Thanks for the link.

[511]

Can you rent sheep or goats and corral them with a hot wire while the nibble the weeds down Or post locally on craigslist with your weed problem and see who answers at the price you like and filter through them until you find one who has references to vouch for them

[amandaw]

I’m sure the MasterRaster mower is expensive, but seems worth sharing. Looks interesting, but not too much information out there.Perhaps not successful? I’m not sure

https://www.rastermaster.nl/en/
https://www.colvoy.com/rastermaster/…ster-mower.php

[foggybok]

@amandaw

I’m sure the MasterRaster mower is expensive, but seems worth sharing. Looks interesting, but not too much information out there.Perhaps not successful? I’m not sure

https://www.rastermaster.nl/en/
https://www.colvoy.com/rastermaster/…ster-mower.php

That’s cool! But probably a fortune!

[foggybok]

@5

Can you rent sheep or goats and corral them with a hot wire while the nibble the weeds down Or post locally on craigslist with your weed problem and see who answers at the price you like and filter through them until you find one who has references to vouch for them

Thanks, not just a weed problem, I can mow the pasture for weeds. It’s a fenceline problem and my sheep were never any better than the horses in keeping the fencelines clean…

I might be hiring a local kid who has done work for me before, so there is always that…

[foggybok]

@Equibrit

Fence mower ? https://www.fencemower.com/

I like that one, it can be used with a blade, might be tougher than the line trimmer?

[foggybok]

@goodhors

No, the 3pt trimmer has not arrived yet. They did say mid August, so kind of expecting it soon, but will call to check on it.

The smaller push trimmer is terrific! Lots of improvements over their previous models. Lighter weight, at around 55 pounds to lift into the gator. Has a better exhaust chute for cut brush. Starts easily on one or 2 pulls. Much quieter, though I always wear earplugs with machinery. Interesting note in the owners manual package says to soak the string in water for 3 days to keep it more flexible. So I have soaked it and it does seem to prevent breakage, increases wear. Have not replaced any string after a LOT of heavy brush trimming. Pretty surprising to me that such a simple thing works so well!

That’s good to hear. The older models were too cumbersome!