Best mower for orchard.

[benedmonds]

I help maintain a community orchard, it covers about 1.5 acres, we have just been donate a chunk of cash from our village show and have got about £1,300 to buy a mower.

We did do it one year with a 53cm walk behind but it is a pretty big space and we want a wild flower meadow.. We have been getting a local farmer to mow for us, but this means it is dependant on their timings, this has limited our ability to cut at suitable times for the wild flowers and the grass it not collected... 

 

What do folk think would be most suitable. My avant is too small to run a flail but could probably tow a powered one and we might be able to borrow the cricket clubs tractor (they use a tow behind gang mower) and that is currently the way I am thinking.. We would have to rake up the cuttings? 

 

I know hand scythes would be cheapest but we are all volunteers and time limited..  and have been given cash for mower... 

Are the sickle bar/scythe mowers any good?

[se7enthdevil]

can it not be grazed by a local goat or sheep???

[The avantgardener]

The rough cut mowers made by Scag are excellent, they will deal with any terrain, quite pricey but come in several sizes to suit. You might find a second hand one that’s been traded in for an upgraded machine if you look around.

[benedmonds]

31 minutes ago, se7enthdevil said:

can it not be grazed by a local goat or sheep???

No

[Khriss]

I have a nice Saxon flail mower - 30" cut, does a good job on brambles too . K

[frogworlduk]

Just hire an etesia  attilla or grillo ride.on brush cutter. Great for wild flower meadows or one cut a year. 

[huskykev]

If you want a wildflower meadow just hire in someone with a flail and collector twice a year. 1300 is a lot of hours hire....

[huskykev]

[David R Barras]

4 hours ago, benedmonds said:

I help maintain a community orchard, it covers about 1.5 acres, we have just been donate a chunk of cash from our village show and have got about £1,300 to buy a mower.

We did do it one year with a 53cm walk behind but it is a pretty big space and we want a wild flower meadow.. We have been getting a local farmer to mow for us, but this means it is dependant on their timings, this has limited our ability to cut at suitable times for the wild flowers and the grass it not collected... 

 

What do folk think would be most suitable. My avant is too small to run a flail but could probably tow a powered one and we might be able to borrow the cricket clubs tractor (they use a tow behind gang mower) and that is currently the way I am thinking.. We would have to rake up the cuttings? 

 

I know hand scythes would be cheapest but we are all volunteers and time limited..  and have been given cash for mower... 

Are the sickle bar/scythe mowers any good?

The best solution appears to be an allen scythe and mini baler for your needs. Just be warned that a mini baler requires a fairly powerful two wheel tractor to run off. Also check the bolts on an allen scythe on the regular especially around the cutter bar, as based on previous experience those coming loose is a common fault on the BCS ones

[doobin]

You’re not going to get anything that will cut and collect properly for that budget. 
 

Best bet would be an old ride on mower. 

Edited January 24, 2020 by doobin