Are DR Brush Mowers Worth What You Pay?
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- DR Equipment is familiar to many readers of homeowners and rural living publications and websites. They have been around a long time, and offer a wide array of power equipment, pull-behind, and tractor attachments.
The DR Pro 26” Field and Brush mower is outfitted with a 14.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek engine, electric starter, electric PTO, and 3 speeds forward and a “granny” gear reverse. At the time of filming (Summer 2019), the machine was purchased for $2400.
We got FREE SHIPPING by having the mower shipped to a truck terminal near us. Sad to say, the process was not smooth, communication was sparse, and there was no notification of when the equipment was arriving. We found it best to check with the truck terminal, not DR. DR wasn’t easy to get through to, and there was some inaccurate information on what trucking terminal/company had our shipment. We are pleased to report that this worked out, and we were glad to have saved additional shipping costs - but we paid for it with effort and uncertainty on our end. Our suggestion is that DR improves both their communication protocol to the purchaser, as well as make themselves more accessible by providing a special number or priority email for those that have ordered and have a delivery issue or question. Purchasing a higher grade machine means a significant investment, the customer service level should match.
After getting the equipment, the inconvenience was well worth it. The equipment was crated well and arrived in pristine condition. Assembly was straight forward, and the instructions covered the correct uncrating process, putting the mostly assembled machine together, and getting it serviced and ready to go. TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE MANUAL! This is a professional machine, very well constructed and is a significant investment. Protect your investment by thoroughly understanding the machine and how to care for it.
Three forward gears allow you to customize your experience, as well as be precise where needed, and to maintain control on uneven surfaces. All of the components to service the machine are very well-placed and intuitive. Oil is easy to check and drain when it’s time to service. The gas tank is away from the engine and up with clear space around it so it’s easy to get your fueling container where it should be. The air filter cover and filter itself is one of the best we’ve seen. The battery is sheltered, but readily assessable and easy to charge or to remove and replace. The mower blade drive-belt cover can be removed and reinstalled almost effortlessly. It has heavy-duty knobby tires that come with “anti-flat” compound already installed. The muffler is well-protected to greatly reduce the chance of a contact burn.
The keyed ignition switch, PTO pull up button, choke/throttle and gear selector are all intuitively and conveniently placed up top between the operator handles. We think the gear selector could be improved a bit by having position detents, but in use, you’ll acquire “muscle memory” and sense where you need to be for each gear.
Steering is accomplished in one of three ways: 1.) You can push down on the handles while you are underway, raising the front, and allowing you to pivot in the direction you want to go. 2.) Each of the operator handles has a brake lever that will stop the wheel on that side. The transaxle (which looks like another well-made component) transfers the power to the other wheel, so the machine will steer around the side you braked. 3.) A combination of both. The trick is to allow the machine to do the bulk of the work, you just guide it.
Finally, the deck itself, along with the blade, spindle, pulley, and belt are all very nice and look like they will last a LONG time. Because the deck is open only on the front, weeds, tall grass and moderate saplings (up to 2.5”) will all be mulched in place with no resulting windrows. We REALLY like that.
This machine deserves respect in the area of safety as well. Wear work gloves, safety glasses/sunglasses, earplugs, long pants, and fully enclosed work shoes. Wearing sandals or “flip flops” is just plain silly and below the importance of the task and equipment.
If you’re interested in DR Equipment, you can visit them at www.drpower.com.
If you are interested in their line of Field and Brush Mowers, including the Pro 26 14.5 model, you can visit them at www.drpower.co....
Insights? Comments? Experience with this or similar equipment? Let us hear from you in the comment section below!
IMPORTANT NOTE: DirtFarmerJay was in no way compensated for this purchase or review. When we acquire equipment for use around here, if it’s a good value, we pass it on to our viewer family.
After considering our needs, we bought the 30 inch 500 cc pro model. The thing is a beast -- period. My wife and I both use it. Summer time is mow time. The chore is on going. Typically we take turns cutting about an hour a day, several times weekly. Slow going when the lawn gets over 4 feet. Grass growth happens. As for me, I have no intention of spending multiple hours per day cutting grass -- as a result, some areas get over grown. Don't matter how much rain or how thick the briars get, when I feel like cutting, Dr Power is ready to go - like taking a happy dog for a walk. Keeping at it an hour at a time keeps the property groomed. Probably a smaller machine would have sufficed, but happy with the bigger model and glad we bought the one we did. 🙂🙂🙂
Great to hear of your positive experience and your reasonable approach to grounds maintenance! Thanks for watching our episode and writing. Best, DFJ
I bought the 22hp 30inblade version and it destroys everything in front of it.....Mesquite trees are nothing to this beast...I almost wish I had more acres to mow!
These machines are exceptional. We live on 5 acres of heavy brush in Kitsap County WA. Our DR Brush Mower was purchased brand new in 2002. It was the biggest model they made at the time with a 17HP Kawasaki Motor that has been flawless through all those years. Other than batteries and air filters/oil changes this thing has been flawless. It still starts immediately with a simple turn of the key. It is a beast and takes down small trees in stride. Truly the best purchase (along with a great Kubota 3240LST tractor) we have ever made for our property. It makes short work of any underbrush you come across. I saw an earlier comment asking about blackberries, well they are everywhere on my property and it chews them up with ease. We have loved this thing and just wish I would have bought the chipper attachment sooner as it is also a great unit. I am at the point of considering selling this unit and buying a new one as the new ones have the hand brakes to help you turn, that seems like a really nice feature although these things are super easy to turn as they pull you along. Ours has 18 years of hard work between our property and an inlaws property in Battleground WA, we have put it to the test and it still runs like a champ! It has my rare but highest endorsement as a great product.
F15DOC, thanks for taking time to write and give some detail of your experience. This machine is a hard worker - in fact I'm using it to mow the orchard floor in the next few days. It's very well made, with all of the things you need to service readily accessible. I appreciate your long-term perspective of having this equipment for many years. Great to hear from you and to learn of your experience. Best Regards, DFJ
F15DOC,,, how much for your 2002 machine? The bad thing is that I live in México, north gulf of México. But it would be nice to have one of this. Maybe we can find a way in order to this work out.
Great review, very informative. Many UA-cam presentations are so poorly done, video'd and narrated that I can't stand to watch them. You Sir....have done an EXCELLENT job.
Flintknapper - thanks for watching our video and your kind comments. Best, DFJ
I have the same brush mower. It’s a great machine I’ve been able to finally clear thick brush off my property into a now useable wooded landscape. The machine does everything DR claims with thickness of brush and height, if not more...I did lock down the pivot of the deck and added the heavy duty blade for best results in thick brush. I agree they could have made the shifter more easier to find the gear and also in vines and thick brush you have to be careful with the cables and oil hose pulling off. I added some additional ties to hold the cables more secure to side to reduce catching on brush. I definitely agree with proper protection this thing is no joke...first time using it I ran over a wasp nest in the ground, that was not a fun experience! I now wear a bee suit (look like a space man lol but works), gloves, and snake boots.
V
Thank you for letting us know that you can lock the pivot of the deck. This isn't mentioned very many places.@@Cesar-bv9gv
We bought a DR Pro 26 model with the 10 h.p. B&S engine. It does a good job and has made it much easier to open the wooded areas up around our yard and make trails on our wooded 12 acres. It’s not perfect but it is pretty hard to beat for what you get.
Hey guys if you're having trouble starting your Dr brush mower on the first start. Look at the middle of the bottom of the fuel tank. There will be a red switch/tab, this is the fuel shut off switch. If it is flush with the fuel tank the switch is closed, turn it so that the switch/tab is perpendicular to the tank and ground. This will allow fuel to flow to the engine and should start on the first turn of the key.
Great top Kaleb Wilson! Thanks for sharing. DFJ
Wow, I wish every product description videos were like this. Great job man. You got a new subscriber. Greetings from México.
Thanks Alberto Vela vela. And thanks for the sub!! One of the most exciting parts of being on UA-cam is meeting people from other countries. Both DFJ and I grew up in Southern Arizona near the border. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie
I have one of these - it's about a decade old now and has the 15hp kawasaki engine. Super reliable and I also have the string trimmer attachment when going into rocky areas with brush. I think it's a great value and have cut down 2+ inch poplar trees that overgrow every year with the solid blade. Goes through 3-4' brush also without problems, if it hits a rock it will usually break the cobble in half and throw it out. I am amazed with it and wish it had more attachments like a tiller, trencher, etc. With this HP range it should be possible. Dr R&D need to get more attachments for it, including a 230v generator.
I bought the 30" cut Kawasaki in like 2004. I used it extensively just a few days ago. There's always something to mow on the farm. I spent one day where I ran 10 gallons of fuel through it bushhogging. Needless to say I slept well that night.
My 30" does have side discharge and that is a problem as you said.
I purchased the DR Pro 26 about a year ago to trim brush and grass on our acreage that had not been mowed for over 10 years. The Pro 26 is an absolute beast, I have found nothing that you can push over that it can't cut through. I can't say enough good things about the Pro 26. It is easy to handle and truly does a great job cutting anything in it's way.
does it cut the sapling stumps close to the ground?
How is the steering using the brakes? One of the reviews online wasn't too positive. I rented a unit without steering and it wore me out.
@@leenicholson6919I don’t have the steering brakes on mine. I’m an old guy and it doesn’t wear me out anymore than mowing grass. Once you get you brush area tamed down a bit, it is much easier to keep up with it.
Great video. I rent one once a year. It works well on dry grass but struggles in wet brambles and over Soft Rushes. Nice place you've got there Jay. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Vladimir! Best to you.
Smart to rent one because the batteries from DR fail within a year and the Briggs and Stratton motor leaks oil
I gotta get one of these...your video is very informative...thanks for taking your time producing it!
Glad it was helpful! The DR Mower is a work-horse for sure! Best, DFJ
I have had my DR for about fifteen years now. I did need to replace the transmission and have had a number of the guide around the drive belt that have broken. I have just under five acres with blackberries and gorst to mow. They are higher than my head in places and grow back fast. It handles them well.
This is very helpful. Thanks for sharing! Best, DFJ
I just got the pro 26. It works great but it should have a locking differential control for when your on uneven wet ground with hidden holes. I got mine stuck a few times with one wheel spinning. I had to put in neutral and pull back hard. Not recommended to use reverse to unstuck because if you slip suddenly it can run you over if you forget to let go of the drive lever.
Thanks for that. That's a good insight. Best, DFJ
Great video Jay. I have one of these machines,mine is just a bit bigger at 16 HP, and I agree with you about the detents on the shifter. I rarely use the third forward gear and when you were saying “if you want a work-out”, boy when you shift into that third gear (maybe not realizing that you’ve gone beyond second) you’d better be ready to run…third gear is considerably faster than second and faster than a comfortable walking speed, at least initially, for me anyway. If in a tight spot using first gear (guaranteeing that you’re not in 2nd or 3rd) is advised. So you won’t mow off a prized rose bush or launch the machine off of an elevation, or something, safety first. Another tip..if you’re mowing around a bigger tree (trying to eliminate trimming) and you get too close because the mower deck is slightly narrower than the wheel spread width, if/when that tire contacts the tree, it will try to climb that tree quicker than juice through a goose, just be AWARE, it’s a powerful machine things happen quickly and being as heavy as it is, can get itself and you into uncomfortable situations quickly.
You’ve got a very nice tone and cadence to your speaking voice that makes it a pleasure to follow along. What I found the most pleasurable about your dialog was…very rarely an “uhm”, “ah?”, “you know?” or “like” that infest some people’s speech and can get quite annoying.. By not doing that it adds a level of confidence and just a much nicer continuity to the information being delivered. Very nicely done. Thank You
I have an older DR that I have used to maintain my property for several years. I have considered a newer model, but the lack of gear selection detentes is almost a non-starter. I do a lot of trim mowing around orchard trees and that means a lot of forward-reverse action hundreds of times. I don't think muscle memory would be nearly as thoughtless as just popping the lever back and forth between stops, as mine does. I think that I have fixed just about every part of this machine other than the transmission. Customer service has generally been pretty good, although time to get a part is sometimes multiple weeks. I would advise that the 14/15 horse 26 inch model is the largest machine that most people should get unless they have a large amount of flattish terrain. Handling in sloping situations and tougher terrains will tire you out when you are muscling one of their larger machines. Trim mowing (such as trees/orchard mowing) also becomes more of a chore with the larger decks.
These are some great insights! The machine does have "soft" detents, meaning you can feel a slight difference when the handle is placed in the gear or direction you want. However, I think a solid detent would have been better, to your point. Good insight on what size machine to get for what type of work you are doing. Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts with other viewers. Best Regards, DFJ
A great amount of time and energy needed to "break-in" PTO clutch and steering brakes. Should be done before delivery......
Thanks for the info, I learned what i needed to know from this. I ordered the exact same one and I'm picking it up tomorrow morning. I bought to clear out sticker bushes at my cabin property. Looking forward to finally destroying thoes stickers and getting the place opened up and looking nice again.
Excellent review. I have about 200 trees on my property and I struggle getting around them with my tractor. I've been looking at exactly the machine you reviewed and will go with that model. Thanks for posting!
Glad to help. I'm getting ready to put the machine to work in our orchard this next week. Thanks for taking time to write! Best, DFJ
Same here, I have 25 acres and wonder it it would be too hard to do.
@@stylishranchgirl I bought their standard model right after I commented. It's a beast, chops down anything you aim it at. Love it.
I have a pro x 30 22hp on the way, can't wait to get it 😊
I love the mower. Their customer service is a challenge. Nice people, but my orders get screwed up, hence I've been unable to mow my lawn for the last 6 weeks. On the bright side, the mower is strong enough to handle it when I finally get all the parts I need.
I don't think i have ever heard one single review of any product from a UA-camr that was negative.
Take a look at our review of the Carlton firewood splitter. That was a no-go for us!
You must have been a teacher in another live, the best delivered , and informative video in UA-cam. I have a DR powerwagon which is excellent. DR equipment is expensive but very good.
Well thanks Raul R. Rubiera. Yes, I did spend the majority of my adult life speaking and teaching. Dirt Farmer Maggie is happy that I have a whole UA-cam audience to talk to so she gets a break!! Best to you and keep watching! Viewers like you are what makes us keep on going! Best, DFJ
I bought an earlier DR Brush Mower version of this 16 years ago and it is holding up fine. It has some deficiencies, but so do the latest models. Purchase price hasn't changed much, but replacement parts used to be very reasonable but are now getting expensive. Every so often something breaks but I know immediately what the problem is and can generally fix it with my stash of parts. If I replaced the mower with a newer model, I'd have to build up another inventory of spares, which would double the cost of the purchase. Mowing down here along the gulf coast is a constant battle and everyone uses heavy duty professional equipment, these homeowner mowers cannot get the job done.
R Arbuckle, thanks for jumping in and sharing your experience! Good insights. Best Regards, DFJ
I'm dropping reviews everywhere people might see them as a buyer beware - I wish I could tell any of you how well the mower works - but we received it in August, unboxed and assembled, followed all pre-use instructions, and the drive belt shredded after only several hundred feet of use. Mower won't drive forward without it, so we had to tow it back to the house. Called and spoke with the company, they agreed that there must have been an issue with the belt, but we don't have a nearby DR dealer shop or a winch to load a very heavy machine that won't drive itself forward/up a ramp, so they recommend replacing the belt ourselves. The trouble is, this mower is not user-service friendly. So, after paying 3K$, here we are on the floor of our garage with a brand-new machine, inching our way through each overly complicated step to replace this drive belt, and consequently we don't have a single kind thing to say about this machine. Since we live in WA, we may not get to even try this thing out again until next May we the rains stop. I regret buying this machine.
Thanks for letting us know. I'm sorry to hear of your poor experience. The machine is still running strong for us, I use it about 2x a year to keep larger areas groomed.
Going out to pick this model up tomorrow and found this video priceless for my understanding of its safe operation, FYI we are located on the Island of Hawaii so we wlill be purchasing it fully assembled and ready to work. Of course that will come with a cost, but that is what we affectionately refer to as the Paradise tax.
Glad I could help, Eric. Let me know how you like the machine. Best Regards, DFJ
What a GREAT description, Jay! When I get ready to get a pickup, I'm going to pick you up and take you with me!
I recently purchased the same machine and it is a beast. I did upgrade the blade to the “heavy duty” version. This was not necessary but a nice addition. Great video.
Joseph, thanks for sharing your experience and taking time to watch our video. We are really pleased with the machine. Best, DFJ
Excellent job. Refreshing to see a professional presentation with a neighborly feel. I ordered the identical machine. I considered getting the entry level 26in machine. This video made my decision to upgrade a wise one
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts and outcomes. I'm getting ready to gas mine up for the season and mow down the weeds and grass in our orchard! Best to you, DFJ
I decided I at least wanted the key start. I hate pull starts. The turning brakes will be a plus.
thank you farmer Jay...we love your review and has helped us decide on this workhorse...lol
I think I need to get one of these machines for my brush clean up. Very helpful walk-thru!
Got Premier 26 a couple of days ago and without starting it I can tell you it is awesome. Got mine for $1899 with free shipping.
Love it!
great review, very thorough. I'm in the process of buying a 2 acre property with some overgrowth. Realistically I could probably just rent a machine but I'm considering buying one as I also do lawn care on the side and it could come in handy for overgrown lawns. Looking at the pro 26 with the 15.5 hp motor. Might just sell my mower and get the 42" mower attachment as well.
I think you'll be happy with the machine. Keep it maintained, and it will serve you well. It's well made and we've been happy long term with the equipment. We have learned to do needed adjustments and such as we've gone along. Let me know how this turns out for you. Best, DFJ
I have pretty much this model but from 2002. I love it. What a monster.
Monster is right Jeff Palmeri! I get my exercise just pushing this beast around! Best to you, DFJ
This quality machine has made my job easier with our 5 acres of land. Good review👍 always wear boots long sleeves & jeans. Also safety glasses ear protection & face cover.
Is 25 acres too much. With all the mesquites, I don't see how something bigger can get around. I have tons of weeks, cactus and mesquite trees sprouting up.
Thank you DirtfarmerJay for this excellent review!
I have the older version , I have never had any problems with .it will plough through anything. I have never seen anything that will compare to it. It has many hours on it, still runs good as new. It's been taking care of aprox. 6 acres, hilly terrain. Mine has the older drive train which has a lockout lever which enables you to lock bolth wheels together. This is very important on hill sides and rough ground. Also it has a 4 speed Trans. With detents, which is important in my opinion. I don't know if the newer machine has provision for locking the wheels together. The steering brakes are a good idea!!!
Thanks for commenting Jim Nunes! Keep watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
Enjoyed the walk through, brought mine last week and really like it. They called it the “jungle buster” in the shop here in the UK. Any tips on servicing would be great, the manual talks about an initial 5 hour oil change and bedding in the brakes by holding them both on at the same time whilst running the engine. Any comments on those. You service in the Autumn not spring? Thanks for a great video.
Cynical Viking (what a name!) - thanks for watching our video and writing. Glad it was helpful to you. Best, DFJ
This video may well mean that weeds in our entire valley may be put on the endangered list. Thanks Jay.
We can only hope! Man, does this thing do the job! Thanks, Corey!
@@DirtFarmerJay there like kubota smart engineering and easy to maintain
Good video. Presented really well. Helps make an informed decision.
Glad it was helpful! Best DFJ
Excellent review. Thanks
I purchased a similar machine in 2016. If I had to do it again, I would not buy one. Spindles on the Brush deck and finish mower deck break and wear out too frequently (and I don't mow over rocks). DR company itself always did right by me for warranty issues. Unfortunately too many issues. The repair shop I go to says DR is a good machine...when it works.
Thank you for your honest feedback. We love to hear from people who actually have had a good or bad experience with something we have reviewed so we can be gain more knowledge from other's experiences and not just our own. Best to you bnltalbott. DFJ
I wish this Machine was available in India. By da way thank you for the review. It was very informative.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching and commenting rijit nunisa.
Leaf blower works awesome for blowing debris out from under that cover if it gets built up in the field.
That's a great idea! Best, DFJ
I wish Dr still made them with the option of Kawasaki engines.
Exactly
Good point..The one I bought in 2016 had a bad Briggs and Stratton engine that blew up within a few hours of operation...and yes I did use correct oil ammont and type.
Briggs Stratton rep insisted was may fault.
DR sold me a replacement engine at cost.So the DR company did right by me as much as they could.
I have one and it is fabulous. I wish it had a plce for a hitch for a trair you couls stand on.
Thanks for letting us know.
I am looking at two machines to buy and can't decide do you know anything about
BILLY GOAT
BC2601HEBH - Outback Brush Mower
Billy Goat BC2601HEBH 26 inch Outback Brush Mower (Electric Start).
VS
DR POWER
Pro Max-34
DR Power PRO MAX-34 20 HP Electric Start Field and Brush Mower
Great video... Thankyou...I have 5aces of land weed& grass. couple areas of brush do you think. It be ok or under power? How many aces and hour could it cut
Daniel - thanks for the kind words. I think the machine will serve you well on a 5 acres spread. Once you get the hang of it, you can really move. In more open spaces, I use speed number 3.
I found this on one of the DR forums about mowing speed. You can do the math for your area to get approximately long it would take to mow all the areas on your property that need this kind of care.
FORUM NOTE: "First gear is 1.15 mph, second gear is 2.2 mph and third gear is 3.26 mph."
Best Wishes, DFJ
Excellent clear instruction.
Glad it was helpful! Best, DFJ
Thanks for the great video. I am seriously considering purchasing the lower end pro model so that i can add the finish mower and snowthrower attachments. It would be nice to have the electric start and brakes but the price goes up quickly. Have you tried using it on corn stalks?
I have the Pro 30 and I don't think corn stalks would even slow it down. It chews up just about anything up to 2 inches.
Curious what you thought of the additional attachments, if you got the chance to try any. I've noticed that DR offers essentially the same attachments as a Gravely Pro-QXT. The only one that Gravely doesn't offer is the chipper. I see that as a huge selling point for me because we clean up a lot of leaves in the fall.
Robert, we don't have any of the attachments, but we would anticipate that they would be well made and highly functional based on the engineering and construction we've seen on main brush mower unit. Gravely also enjoys a great reputation. I wish would could be of more help. Thanks for watching our video and taking time to write. Best Regards, DFJ
Ive had DR Pro 26 model with 10 hp. From the dealer would not go in second gear skips 1 to 3 no 2nd gear(the one used most) The pull crank assembly has plastic wings to spin the crank shaft which break off very easy( people use to complain about pot metal parts but plastic- will not work) . Very difficult to crank after not running for few months even running non ethynal and adding fuel stabilizer, needs a primer of some sorts or a good choke. Have to use starter fluid to crank. Call DR support phone # on machine they tell you youll get call back within 24 hrs they dont call. If you buy one your on your own. Blade belt will jump off before entering brush. Bought because American made DR done right dont think so ill by from china next time hate to say that. I service &run lots of equipment
Scott, I'm sorry to hear of your poor experience with this tool. We are doing well with ours, with a couple of exceptions. It seems to go through a batteries pretty quickly, and I've had to adjust the drive tension more than once to give it the self-propelling motion it requires. I'm out of adjustment threads. Other than that, it's been good. I don't think they have the best customer service support either based on initial experience when we were first buying and setting up the machine. But, it's served us well, and we don't have the plastic parts you've mentioned, and ours is an electric start model. Best, DFJ
Thanks for a great video, just ordered one of these and have been watching videos, yours has been very informative, after I cut grass with my rider I always take my leaf blower all around the mower and get all the grass and debris off ,if not to much build up it might be easier than washing it down .
Glad I could help, I'm confident that you'll really enjoy having this machine on call for care of your grounds. Best to you and yours, DFJ
Way too expensive to be sitting in the shed 6 months of the year, as my old one does. If they would have attachments for plowing, snow blowing, pushing dirt, hauling, etc. then this would be a fantastic buy. They make a fantastic multi use ones in many eastern countries & I'm waiting for a few to head to the USA.
They have attachments for these look on there web site.
@@thomasa8503Good, finally! Mine is well over 2 decades old, has served us well, but it won't work with the accessories.
I have the Pro 30 and It's worth every cent paid. You will get a workout in heavy brush.
Hi Jay great description. I just bought the 17.5 hp 26” would you know what the small pto looking device on the bottom left side of the machine it does not spin when the pto is engaged. Also it’ very hard to get into reverse
I have a PRO XL30 DR and I find that in tall hayfields the deck will plug up without the side discharge. I ended up cutting the deck to form a side discharge which solved to problem completely.
Love mine. But mine does do major clumps of grass after cutting. It will actually run up and over the clumps. What really got my goat was the tires. One lug nut not anywhere to be found when received, one valve stem cap gone. Got a flat tire 4th time out called the company because I was under the impression that it was supposed to have sealant in the tire there wasn’t. Called company they said not all tires come with sealant. Owners manual says different. I’ve got the newer model with the 15.5 hp motor. DR said drill 4 holes around where the leak was and use foam tire sealant. So I went and bought some Tire Slime the old tried and true. Sealed the leak.
Wow, I'm sorry to hear this. I'm glad you got the problems addressed, but that level of problems shouldn't have existed in the first place. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay it’s ok I’ve beat the shit outta this thing got the heavier blade for it and that thing goes through brush wow. It was multiflora rose that punctured the tire.
Currently straddling the fence between one of these or a BCS 853.
michigandon - both are hard workers from the reviews we seen. Sorry we can't offer any firsthand advice on the BCS! Best, DFJ
Thanks that was very helpful. I have other DR equipment and am sold on their quality. My only debate now is whether to buy a 26" bed or should I move up to a 30"?
How thick can it go through and how high
@@markseligman5706 I ended up getting the 26". It is heavy but with proper use of the controls I can maneuver it pretty well. I think the 30" might have been a bit too big and heavy and perhaps awkward. I have taken it through some thick brush with zero problems. I haven't tested it for max performance but it has no problem with brush a couple of feet high and branches ~1" in diameter. It will likely handle more but I use my tow-behind mower for the "jungle" parts of my property since it is much quicker and easier to use since I'm towing it with my ATV.
We live in Western Washington State on 20 acres. My major nemesis is blackberries. The can grow upwards of twenty feet, totally swallowing up fir and pine trees. Their stalks can get as large as 3 inches. Has anyone used any of these machines on vegitation like this? How did it do? I am looking to purchase the same unit as in the video. Thanks
Rick, I wish I had direct experience with your setting so I could more authoritatively advise you. However, let me share with you what I do know and perhaps that will be of help to you in making your decision. 1.) the machine is very well made, and has a durable single bar blade with lots of mass that really helps it move through dense material. 2. All material will cut better when it has moisture in it. That is in contrast to having wet down material (like after a heavy rain). So, green blackberry stalks in large diameters will be cut. 3. The blade is well protected under a deck with the front being the only open area. This means it could be difficult to get it to cut the canes/stalks up close to a tree as you need to get at least the first 8 to 12 inches of the deck/unit to roll over the material you are cutting. 4. The machine is highly maneuverable, but it will take some work the first time you get an area in shape. The maintenance cuts will be easier after that.
I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any further questions. Best, DFJ
Rick, we live in SW Washington and I am also considering purchasing a DR for the blackberries that we get on our property each year. A month ago, to see how well a similar brushcutter would work, I rented a 26" "Little Wonder" brushcutter from our local hardware store. From what I can see, the DR machines look like a better machine in many respects (not to mention their versatility). So, the rented Little Wonder actually did an excellent job plowing through the tangles and masses of blackberry bushes that are on one of the most picturesque sections of our five acres. That machine was a lot of work to handle, so that is why I'm researching the DR . . . and came across @DirtFarmerJay and his excellent video. I know we could rent a brushcutter for $75 a day for the 3-4 times that we'd need it each year. But, I rented it for two days and still didn't put a dent in all of the blackberries that we have. That combined with the pick-up and drop-off and all the time spent at the rental counter, driving to an from with a trailer, etc., we just think that investing in a unit that we can have at the ready is the way to go. Hope this helps?
@@DBrummerCamas Howdy neighbor, I just moved to SW WA and am going down the exact same path. Was curious if you made the plunge and how it has gone against the bramble? I am on 5 acres of hillside but realistically only need to clear a light slope acre around the house and maintain some trails but if I can begin taking down the invasive blackberry that would tip the scale heavily. Also curious if you found anyone that rents these, I only see billy goat at HD.
Howdy neighbor, I just moved to SW WA and am going down the exact same path. Was curious if you made the plunge and how it has gone against the bramble? I am on 5 acres of hillside but realistically only need to clear a light slope acre around the house and maintain some trails but if I can begin taking down the invasive blackberry that would tip the scale heavily. Also curious if you found anyone that rents these, I only see billy goat at HD.
@@MrBuckbob Welcome to the PNW! And no, we did not pull the trigger on a DR, yet. I pulled back to consider more options, but we're still leaning towards a DR PRO XL30 20 HP. They're still on sale, which is good too.
. . . very nice sir, can do do more on routine of replace/adjust belt/clutch/cable & transaxle replacement . . . thanks
How often do you have to cut brush? Every month? Every two months? Looks like you are in California, maybe a bit drier out there. Wonder how often in midwest or where it rains more often. Thanks for great explanations.
Thomas, thanks for writing. We cut brush and weeds about three times during the spring/summer. We are in the U.S. Mountain West, pretty arid where we are. The greener the materials, the less dust. But, too wet, and it tends to stick on everything. Whatever the condition, I believe this machine will be up to the task. Do you have this type of machine? Best, DFJ
You are excellent in front of the camera. Well done.
Thanks Anthony. Jay was am emcee and presenter/teacher in his 27 year career so it comes naturally with him. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie.
Very bad experience with DR, now owned by Generac. Have a 1990 model that my father owned and was passed down to me. It worked great, chain drive Briggs. Bought the new DR in April 2021 and gave the old one to son-in-law. After break-in per instructions, it broke during the first mow. Clutch went out. After 3 calls to DR, finally got them to agree to send me to local authorized mechanic for warranty work. Clutch went out. The warranty repair dealer said Generac made them take DR mowers as they were an authorized repair facility for the generators. Said they had no desire to work on the DR equipment but had to take it since they work on Generac generators. After a month, still no parts from DR. After several promises to get a return call from DR - nothing. Finally demanded money back. Took till October to get money refunded. Bought a Billy Goat from a local dealer in Tulsa, OK who was the previous DR dealer. They explained they quit carrying DR for the same reasons stated above - said the quality has gone way down in recent years. Maybe my experience is unique, don't know. Certainly one of the worst retail experiences I've ever had. For me will not buy DR in the future. Was looking to buy a back-up generator for my home. This experience has me wondering about their product as well.
Sorry for your poor experience Jd Carlton. We did not have this same experience. Keep watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
Can a fit woman operate it without a lot of heavy lifting? Also, I have 25 acres of weeds and cactus. There are too many trees to hire a shredder unless it's a skid steerer. Would it be too hard to get that size place done? About how many hours is an acre?
Man…
There are sites out there with a LOT of negative reviews. 1 star. Also, lots of complaints on BBB.
I wish I could trust them but…..
Thanks for weighing in. We've had a good experience with the gear, still running strong. Best, DFJ
what is the dimension from front deck to rear tire , will it fit in a 5' truck bed ?
Your a very good UA-camr, you don’t need the background music, it’s very distracting.
Abby Babby, thanks for watching and taking time to write! We appreciate your thoughts on the background music as well. Best, DFJ
Yeah, I lived your thorough review. I need a machine like this.
Good job Jay! Does this have a hours monitor like a 🚜? Can't decide between a Swisher and this. Both American made!
Thanks for watching and commenting Dan James. I don't have any experience with the Swisher but I can tell you that the DR Mower is a work horse but it does not have an hours monitor. Best, DFJ
You look like you filmed that in my home state of Utah!
Great review, been thinking about getting this unit now for about two years since buying our 2 area heavy brush and wooded land with our house. Would you happen to know how this mower works on thick blackberry bushes, some are about 4 feet tall and 2 inches or so in thickness? At least half an area is overrun by them.
Good review. Nice if he showed it doing some work though
Really liked your thorough video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and writing. Best to you! DFJ
How are your tires holding up? I just bought one of these machines and noticed they are 2 ply tires not 4 ply. They are already showing a lot of wear. What pressure do you inflate the tires to? Thanks!
I enjoyed your informative video. Based on your review I bought the 17.5 XL Pro 30. Easy to uncrate and the excitement was building as we started it. With my boss (wife) standing next to me , I went over the starting procedure and put it in gear to drive it for the first time..........Does not move! Forward or reverse. The book said belt or adjusting the drive cable. I adjusted the drive cable and confirmed the belt was in place. I called DR tech support and spoke to a call screener after waiting 30 minutes listening to a message that ask me to inquire about an extension to the warranty period. This only made me more irritated. She instructed me to remove the rear cover to access the transaxle. Removing the 5 bolts was easy. The problem was how to slide the cables out of the plate. I finally gave up and put the cover back on. Being mechanically minded, thank you, Dad, I decided that there was too much slack in the drive belt. I loosened the lock nut above the deck an eighth of a turn and like magic, It moved when commanded. Like a proud rooster, I drove it to near the house to demonstrate my abilities to my wife. It was well after a three inch rain that I decided to test it on some weeds that my zero turn had already took the life out of. After churning up the rubble for about 50 feet, it stopped driving again. I had to physically drag it to the shop. Got to the shop, it worked fine. On hold now with DR. My unit was likely built on Friday the 13th.
Great review, but the title is misleading. Nowhere in the video the cost is mentioned or whether such a large investment can be justified. The fact is, this machine costs as much as a decent used car. Unless you cut brush for a living, there is no way to rationalize buying it, especially because it can be rented at a local Home Depot for $60 for 4 hours. For most people just maintaining their property, four hours once a year is all you need.
Good point! We found the investment to be worthwhile so that we could quickly and immediately cut our field without having to go get a unit or wait until it was available. Your math is sound and should be factored in while making the decision to rent or own. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Hi. Being a woman, I wonder if there are others out there that find it difficult to hold down both handles in order to engage the machine? With all the trees and stumps we have , I do need something besides this big, long brush hog we bought last year that is pulled by a 4-wheeler. With the long bar in the front, would it be difficult to get up close to our pine trees to make it look nice?
Thanks for watching and commenting Donna Cheff. This is Dirt Farmer Maggie. I've tried to use this brush mower but it's way too heavy for me to handle. I'd be afraid for you to get too close to the pine trees for fear it would catch a root and throw you. Better stick with an edge trimmer to make those pine trees look nice!! Best to you, DFM
Just what I need.
Thank you for this video, we were looking at this item for awhile. Half the price of a billy goat which is good. Thank you for this information and sharing this 🙏
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and writing! Best Regards, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay thank you we got alot of information from your vid. We believe they make it in Vermont, how easy is it to service and have you had to buy any parts?
and wow , look where the tires are
I have rocks on my land that stick up about 4-5 inches from the ground. How high does the deck raise as to avoid rocks? THX
Tammy, the deck height is preset in the machine and is not adjustable as the blade spindle and assembly is fixed. I don't think this machine would work for you, as the blade leaves about 3-4" of height of the items mowed off. Does that help? Best, dfj
You should probably look at the DR Trimmer Mowers. Basically a superpowered weed whacker, rock safe and a walkbehind. Good luck.
Thanks Dirt Farmer Jay! This was a great review!
You are so welcome Joe von Wahide. It is a hard working machine for sure! Best to you and yours, Dirt Farmer Maggie
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it, Keith. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Nice vid, how could 43 people dislike this vid?
Yes. I like it
How do you do a video on the machine and basically not even show it in use?!!
Our brush mower like this (chain drive) has a bad transmission I think? Has this happened to you?
@Millview Acres Puppies - we've not had a problem with the transmission. It could happen, but no indication of a problem to date. Sorry to not be of more help! Best, DFJ
$2400?.? WOW that’s a lot of money for a 26 inch cut Lawn mower.....I can rent 1 for $100. May need it once a year...so I’ll just rent it as that price will allow me to rent one for 24 years!!!
The pull start model is only $1700.
great company from a great state :-) thank you
Thank you I'm thanking about buying one to use on my property 👍👍👍🇺🇸😊😃
Kent, it was a game changer for us, we see it as a great investment. Keep me in the loop and tell me what you decide if if you do put it to use, your experience as well. Best, DFJ
Don't hesitate. I love mine.
@@bigdicksplace : im looking at getting one wich isnt bad for $4,000 thats included with brush hog,lawn mower deck,blade,snowblower,and chipper wich wasnt bad for $4,000 package
@@michaelmactavish1728 Sounds like a good deal. You won't be disappointed.
Is this a good machine for scotch broom and blackberry bushes?
Awesome! Thanks for the informative review
Love mine! Wish I would have got the 30 inch!
Thanks for weighing in!
Worth every penny
Great review convinced me to order one thank you jay
Thanks for watching Scott Kishbaugh. Glad I could be of help. I'm getting ready to get mine out of the barn, service it and mow my orchard acreage this week. Best to you, DFJ
what do you think a good price would be to sell my Dr brush mower for it several years old hasn't been ran much
Can a sully be purchased for this unit? I have 8 acres to cut and walking behind it for hours doesn't seem too appealing. I had a walk behind mower with a sully or small platform with wheels that the unit pulled that the operator could ride on, makes it far less exhausting to use.
Simple Man, I don't believe a sulky is an option for this unit. I don't see one in their catalog and the online forums for power equipment and brush cutters don't mention them. Everything that DR has describes these types as walk behind units. Best, DFJ
Good Video. You did not mention the oil filter.
Pick up a used for for 600$ best thing ever… few hundred in parts later it’s destroys everything
I am looking at DR--not sure which model. How does this work on rocky terrain? We are moving, and the new place seems to have a lot more surface rocks than our current place. And right now it's hard to see all of them because of the very tall grass and brush. Any insight anyone?
Thanks for watching and commenting Lularoe Tracie and Kimmi Rose. Our 5 acre property was a wheat field before we bought it 20+ years ago so it's flat with very few large rocks. Most of the rocks we did have have been used in creating landscaping beds around the place. Sorry I don't have any experience in running over large rocks. (Actually I'm GLAD I haven't!! )