I've got one of those trimmers! Used it on our overgrown grassy property. Worked the devil out of it! Went through a few sets of trimmer straps. Goes quite a long time on a tank of gas. I wore out before it ran out of gas! Cleared areas that the riding mower couldn't go and the regular grass trimmer lacked ability. Bought it used. Whoever was the original purchaser didn't use it much. Not a spot on it and it still had the original price tag on it! Got a real good deal on it! Wouldn't give it up or back!
Looks like it did the job. We have one at the farm and it has never disappointed. We had a jam under the skirt, but pull the back and clean it out your good to go It could benefit from self propelled on the wheel since the wheels punch through the nasty soft grounds and make it harder to move around. Thanks for the narrative. We all deserve to see it get beat and field tested. All bets are off when your trying to finish a job, or brush job!
20 years ago I made the best decision to buy one of these for cleaning out the ditch on the side of my property. But now the wheels bog down in the mud since it won't dry out. So I replaced the original 12 in 1.75 wheels with 13 inch no flat tires. They are almost 3 times wider and do not sink into the mud. The wheels make the machine handle better having a wider footing on the sides of the ditch make it stable.
I just ordered this same unit today. Free shipping right now. I have a large pasture with a pond and it is very wet in places like your area. I have been using a Stihl FS240 to mow it but it's like an acre. It's slow going. When it dries out, I can mow it with my Kabota Zero Turn but that's later toward summer. For now to keep it from getting out of hand, I use the FS240. It takes hours and it's a terrible job. In the very wet areas, the string trimmer dives into the puddles and throws mud and water all over me. I also have a long ditch that I like to keep mowed up. I'm hoping this will make my life easier. I appreciate your demonstration, especially in the wet area. This machine looks like the ticket. I also bought the quick change head.
I have the Husqvarna version of this and I absolutely love it it kicks ass will chop down anything if you take your time great for fence rows or clearing land not the best for hills or ditches it does get tippy
Thanks for making me spend some money! Ordered one for use at my cabin in the mountains. I had trying to use a small weedwhacker on grass around our cabin. Such a PITA but need to keep the ground cover shortened in case of fire. About the only thing to keep cabin safe from burning.
I have a 6.75 with a beaver blade. It will cut a 3in tree with the saw blade. I use it mainly to cut grass by the river and trim next to my fence. Mine has the no change oil Briggs and I wish I had more power for thicker weeds/grass and that it had a drain plug to change the oil.
“Beating an over hyped 2 stroke engine chopper to DEATH to prove them wrong!” Every man needs a dream, and Stan got his dream today folks! Hahaha. Stan tell us how you got the name Dirt Monkey sometime soon. I’ve watched for a loooong time and can’t recall the origin.
Funny how i always get home from work and relax by watching others work on youtube 😂😂. Great vid! Now you can get into all the stuff where your mowers get stuck
@@Dirtmonkey Yup, it was in a magazine. Then I sent for the brochure, and tried to convince my mom we should get one. It was just a childish idea at the time.
@@Dirtmonkey you should, just for the lark. Sam could pretend to be the Broadway producer, Tim leading man of course. The newest guy has to play female lead unless you can convince a lady relative. Keep it corny and funny. It just might fly. As for running a year, One episode should suffice.
I could see these good for golf courses like doing around ponds and stuff. Not sure if it would benefit most landscaping/ lawn care people. I could be wrong though.
That’s one powerful machine and to say it was wet conditions it didn’t bog down or anything it just kept going. I think you might be losing it abit Stan hearing voices and singing lol. Great work and thanks for sharing this with us take care
I've had one for 10 years. Its entire body is one piece of aluminum. From before Generac took over. Many hours on the thing. Many of those hours using a Beaver Blade cutting literally 1000s of cedar trees. I wouldn't be without one.
I see a few people saying a handheld would be faster. I'd say not likely. That stuff that's being cut looks dampish and kinda chewy. I had a commercial, handlebar trimmer before I got mine. These are much easier to run (except where they would be too cumbersome).
It was dampish and stringy. your right a hand held would have plugged and wrapped fast and touched this stuff. It worked so much better than I ever thought it could.
We have all watched the DR machine over the years,not only did they give us a tool that fits in the grey area a regular mower can’t hack...they were smart enough in marketing to find the right guy to show no holds barred test. Plus you always do it with no bias...go or blow ,we ain’t playing ! Good job Stan ....
Yeah, in yesterday's video, I told you that i have one. I've actual had it since 2014. I recently had to replace the mow ball. Sharp concrete or rocks will wear into it over time. Wear pants lol safety glasses too. The heavier the weeds work better with heavier serrated line. The green cord is the lower grade. Thanks for the video. Wet condition just require more cleaning of the machine afterwards. When I replace the cord, I make sure they're going to clear the guard.
I have this with the chainsaw and brush cutter blade. Works great. But definitely get self propelled. I have the premier brush cutter walk behind. It's great. I also have the pull behind box blade. I recommend the power lift model for easier use.
I think a top of the line string trimmers are now faster at doing the same thing as the DR but back in the day I remember seeing them on info-mercial. Anyway great video!
They're faster with less than half the horsepower (on any I could see a rating on, several hundred $), and well under half the torque (couldn't find torque ratings with a few minutes of looking at commercial models)? A 40 to 50cc (or 30cc) engine vs. a 160+cc? You sure about that?
Stanley, great video at putting g the unit through a good test! I just bought the XL Pro a few days ago. I read a few reviews that said the non-Selfpropeled model did a better job. The unit did a fabulous job on my in-laws thicket on their farm. Cleaned placed nothing else would go! I put the cutting strings in different. I put mine in like a W pattern. The cord is as tuff as the trimmer. I can't wait to see what soaking the string in water for 3 days will do to it!!! (Per DR'S instructions). Great review. One interesting thing I discovered is that DR is a subsidiary of Genrac. Later Sir!
I'm hoping their customer service has improved for your sake. We were a dealer for them pre-covid and waited for an average of 4 weeks for most parts. Being from their home state Vermont we thought it was awesome to support local, but it is hard explaining to customers why their equipment is sitting idle in the middle of summer.
I always assumed they cheapened up after Generac took over, but I have no proof, just a thought. Mine is an old, all aluminum model. I don't see much I'd need to contact the company for out of warranty. Bearings are easy, motor, pulleys. But, not everyone does that. Many companies these days are like that. John Deere, big tractors, well into 6 digits to buy, common to take several weeks, into months, for some repairs. And that is very costly to be down a tractor.
15 inches of snow up north?? Given that this was a sponsored video, it must've been filmed a few weeks back, to get approval from DR. I just spent the last week in northern Minnesota, and it was BEAUTIFUL up there! Well, not swimming weather, but certainly was "I'm done with winter, bring out the shorts!" weather. Anyway, that DR mower/trimmer sure takes a beating, much more than steel blades would! Does a nice job knocking down rough areas too.
About like any mower with this type of engine, some aren't great with really steep angles. They used to offer a "better" model with a spin on oil filter, more suited for that, don't think they do anymore.
@@not_me3286 I think you just kept me from pulling the trigger on this. If I go about 100 ft in one direction of the slope and then back in the other, will it even out? Would a non-pressurized push mower have the same issue? Curbs prevent me from getting a walk behind onto the grass.
They have a guard you can attach so that you don't accidentally hit things like posts or walls. And a tow model for bigger areas, kinda springs around posts. But you can cover a fairly large area quickly with the small ones.
I often wondered about these things, glad I never got one! 🤣 A blade on a brushcutter would drop that tall stuff in a minute and be waaaaay less physical! That looked like a lot of hard work! Thanks for the vid!
@@chuckley54494 Yeah, na, I dont think so, no more than he is. He had to manhandle it to pull back, steer etc. A (lets say 48cc) brushcutter only weighs what, 7 or 8kg and pretty easy to deal with? Never used a sickle but my understanding is they work like hedge clippers, with blades that can be damaged by rocks etc. Brush cutters (even like here in the vid) are for areas that cant be mowed or accessed by a slasher (bushhog.)
For those replying to this specific instance. Make sure you have cleared plenty of wetland grasses and cattails with different tools/machines maybe you would re-think your comment. That stuff is difficult. The cat tails string up when hit with a string trimmer and wrap the head. And when using a brush blade, it doesn't go all that fast. Both make a huge mess and difficult to pick up. When the need to pick up the aftermath, We use a hedge trimmer. It drops them then can be picked up in bunches, put on a tarp and drug to wherever.
@@Arlatube Exactly, people commenting that a handheld would do this easily, ...haven't done this. I've used both. I haven't found torque listings for handhelds, but DR has over double the HP of some of the more expensive handhelds I looked at. Also, the engine size, maybe a handheld might have 40 to 50cc, DR is 163cc and the one model is 6.75 ft-lb. Without the torque numbers listed for handheld, both my guess, and personal experience, and, well, common sense, says the DR has considerably more torque. These are dried out reeds, kinda wet though, tough/chewy, like thick bedding straw. They are going to be difficult, and not easy with a handheld. I've got several acres of cat tails/reeds in my hay field, I use an old 14 ft. sickle mower (haven't upgraded to a disc yet), sometimes it bothers with that.
I am going to picking up a used on of these this year for my chriso tree feilds and it's crazy how cheap you kind find these for especially craftsman ones. I have also seen a few with saw blades on the and I was thinking that might not be to bad to get through some small will trees. Besides using it for my Christmas trees it's also going to be a perfect machine to get right underneath my electric fences too! I also had an idea to use one of these machines not a self propelled one and put a hitch on it then move the axle around 45 degrees and also a 90° angle on the draw bar so you could pulled behind mower or atv but the reason to move the axle amdske that special draw bar instead of a straight draw bar is so when a guy is pulling it it would be able to go right underneath the electric fences! I have been design something for fences for awhile and I think I finally got the perfect design and machine using once of these for it!
When I was comparison shopping a DR ~10 years ago, they were heavier made than other brands, and the head was designed better, didn't wrap up as much. Some models had the head bearings held with plastic, vs. easy replaceable ones on DR, and all metal. My guess is they cheapened up since Generac took over DR, but I haven't looked at them, so I'm just assuming, and don't know if they are still well built. I also don't think some other brands can handle a blade in the front. Buy what you like, but I thought these were a couple points you could look into if you want.
@@not_me3286 thank you I'll definitely look for an older Dr. Then I do think they are better because they are definitely harder to find used older ones atleast.
@@SKC640 One other thing I thought of, some other models shut off the engine when you let go of the handle. You can't engage/disengage the head without the engine shutting off. I see some will let you do that now though, but if you see another brand, that's something to check, if it matters to you. My main use was going to be the Beaver Blade, the other brands didn't have the ability to run a heavy blade, so they were out. If you have mainly grass, I'm sure some other brands work ok, and would hold up well enough, some have good ratings. If you see a deal, and look it over, I wouldn't be too scared of something else if you have ordinary homeowner use. The head design is kind of important for the wrapping up issue though.
From my point of view a good brush cutter Ona giid harness would be more ergonomically efficient ? Maybe I’m missing the Point what’s your opinion on large plots to clear this or a good like for example FS450 or so....
I do have also a walk behind but I am running it on only 2 strings seam to have more power and cut there for thicker stuff even better. I use 0.110″ timmer line works best for me with thick brush. And looks like them wheels are to thin.... I zip tied a cut up mountain tire over them which gives it more traction on my power sand condition.
I felt I needed my safety glasses with all that chaf hitting the camera. After using this one, do you think this DR is a keeper for the amount you did or would you move up a model, assuming there is one. How was the fatigue factor using it?
I feel like this would be hard on your back considering it doesn't have any wheels in the front and you're constantly having to push down in the handle to keep the front end up. Nonetheless still impressed with how well it eats
@@Dirtmonkey I don't have the self propelled, and wouldn't get it for myself. While pushing, a person could about use your pinky to push down the bar, that's how it's balanced. Close to that anyway.
Does the actual trimmer line hold up any better than say 1.05. I have the same fascination that you speak about I just don't know if it could replace my big redmaxx. So happy to see the review though. Always wanted one of these but just couldn't pull the trigger bc of it's limited use commercially
I use their 175 mil blue. As long as you don't hit something other than vegetation, it lasts a long time. It will survive some occasional cement or whatever hits, depending. I have a ranch (hundreds of acres), yard is a few acres, some areas only get cut a couple times a year. Sometimes well over an hour+ without a change.
I always felt these were so annoying to use because of the small cutting width. I wish they would design one with two heads that could adjust on the fly to make up for string wear but give you a much wider path.
Stanley, I have watched your video a few time. I have used this machine before. I have to say "To each there own" I am not a fan of this unit. I wish that there was 2 wheels in the front so the cap wouldn't be digging into the ground. I don't like how the unit feels like it gets "jack knifed" into the ground. I thing you can do the same thing with a weed whacker. It does look like the cutting cable is bigger than the .105 string I use for my Stihl FS 111R but I like the mobility of the Sthil better. I understand what that unit does but I am not a fan of the unit. I think a Stihl FS 111R would do just the same thing. I will say "to each there own" but I think in the long run you are going to have more little problems with that unit that is going to drive you nuts. That is my opinion.
These have much heavier string and have well over twice the horsepower and at least a few times the torque of any handheld pro string trimmer I could find (I couldn't really find torque listings on handhelds, but more than 150cc vs. handheld, pretty sure which has more torque), plus, the cutting area is bigger than many handhelds. I've had one for over 10 years, put it through many hours of use a year, including with the blade cutting literally 1000s of small cedars (aka weeds), and have had no issues of any kind. Other than changing the belt (maybe 5 minutes?), which was the result of running the chainsaw chain too dull a few times (now that is hard to keep out of the dirt when trying to cut right at ground level, no wheel out front would help). I had a handheld commercial one myself before this. Sure, quick jobs, a handheld might be quicker. Muddy, sinking areas where wheels sink, not the best place to try one out. One area where these work well is large areas of tall weeds. I have some of those, over waist high, these things cut without wrapping up (except in really tough stringy/woody/fibrous stuff or if you hit something like a length of baler twine), and can do significantly more without bogging down, you can mow around those like you're using a lawnmower, just go in circles. Also, they are handy if you are going to be using one for longer periods of time, helpful if you have a bad back (example). One other use is I drive next to fences cutting grass off electric fence, few miles, just walk, no back and forth. If you don't have areas like that, then you don't need one, of course. Can't say in normal use that I have much issue with the head going in the ground. I don't know what "little problems" you'd have with this, care to speculate?
Great video Stanley. I have been a fan of Tom T. Hall for a very long time and that is one of my favorites. I always wondered about these mowers and will admit I am impressed! Have you done any such videos on the Dr. Brush mowers or the Billy goat? I enjoyed the ones with the forestry mulcher / mowers but I don't have a skid steer, I would LOVE to see you put a walk behind through it's paces because that is how I would use one :D Be safe out there.
I genuinely do not understand why every professional landscaper or lawn care company does not have a walk behind mower/trimmer of some kind in their arsenal of tools. They are so much easier to use than a handheld when it comes to clearing excessive growth and large areas. They can also save you from some very expensive repairs to mowers.
I had one for overgrown brush jobs but I found using a strong weed whacker with a tri blade could do the job faster and could do other jobs as well. Sold the wheeled trimmer.
My boss has an old one, 21 horse I believe but it's more like a gravely with detachable implements. Father in law has an old craftsman like yours and they're both boss!
I find angle the head like your edging with it and half cut with it along the fresh cut edge in long straight line may take a touch longer but requires alot less effort as your not pulling it back and forward and it also alow the mower to throw the fresh cut clear so you ain't mowing it again
same brand as my feild and brush mower im thinking on getting with a brush hog,42'' mower deck and a blade wich wasnt bad package deal for $4,299 wich the 10.5hp bcs with bursh hog,26'' mower and blade they want $13,000
I used to have a DR that I inherited from my father. Purely nostalgic for me. I think you could install blades on these for small brush ? Maybe look into that Stan. That would be a cool follow up video on it.
I've got one of those trimmers! Used it on our overgrown grassy property. Worked the devil out of it! Went through a few sets of trimmer straps. Goes quite a long time on a tank of gas. I wore out before it ran out of gas! Cleared areas that the riding mower couldn't go and the regular grass trimmer lacked ability. Bought it used. Whoever was the original purchaser didn't use it much. Not a spot on it and it still had the original price tag on it! Got a real good deal on it! Wouldn't give it up or back!
That is awesome!
Stan, one of the many reasons I like watching you try out equipment, you treat it like you stole it, keep up the great work and God bless
Thanks 👍 Appreciate that bud! Have a great weekend!
Purchased a used DR stump grinder a few years ago. It did a good job on the dense half acre of pines I cut down.
If I ever hit lotto 649 I will take you shopping for the both of us.....cause god damn you show the best tools
We could have a lot of fun!
Looks like it did the job. We have one at the farm and it has never disappointed. We had a jam under the skirt, but pull the back and clean it out your good to go It could benefit from self propelled on the wheel since the wheels punch through the nasty soft grounds and make it harder to move around. Thanks for the narrative. We all deserve to see it get beat and field tested. All bets are off when your trying to finish a job, or brush job!
Go home winter, you're drunk lol. Why is it snowing in May 😂😅
Heck here in Pennsylvania I would say we are just now seeing spring weather. How much longer before little brain is crawling around?
That’s one thing I don’t miss about living in upstate NY. Still have snow banks into early June and snow on Memorial Day. I’ll stay in GA!
its that global warming LOL
Yes- so sick of the snow and winter
That's Minnesota for you!
20 years ago I made the best decision to buy one of these for cleaning out the ditch on the side of my property. But now the wheels bog down in the mud since it won't dry out. So I replaced the original 12 in 1.75 wheels with 13 inch no flat tires. They are almost 3 times wider and do not sink into the mud. The wheels make the machine handle better having a wider footing on the sides of the ditch make it stable.
Nice. Thank you.
I just ordered this same unit today. Free shipping right now. I have a large pasture with a pond and it is very wet in places like your area. I have been using a Stihl FS240 to mow it but it's like an acre. It's slow going. When it dries out, I can mow it with my Kabota Zero Turn but that's later toward summer. For now to keep it from getting out of hand, I use the FS240. It takes hours and it's a terrible job. In the very wet areas, the string trimmer dives into the puddles and throws mud and water all over me. I also have a long ditch that I like to keep mowed up. I'm hoping this will make my life easier. I appreciate your demonstration, especially in the wet area. This machine looks like the ticket. I also bought the quick change head.
That was a pretty good cut for that wet grass and those trimmer strings looked so easy to change. Thanks for sharing and keeping it entertaining!
You bet. Have a great weeknd ASnthony. and yes the line was very easy to change.
That machine goes above and beyond the call of duty 👍 Tam.
I have the Husqvarna version of this and I absolutely love it it kicks ass will chop down anything if you take your time great for fence rows or clearing land not the best for hills or ditches it does get tippy
Best UA-cam creator ever
You are Awesome! Thanks👍
Thanks for making me spend some money! Ordered one for use at my cabin in the mountains. I had trying to use a small weedwhacker on grass around our cabin. Such a PITA but need to keep the ground cover shortened in case of fire. About the only thing to keep cabin safe from burning.
Dirtmonkey tested...Dirtmonkey approved! Those trimmer mowers sure beat having to strap on a brushcutter. Now, about the singing.....LOL!!
Agreed! Hahah
Well a little Tom T Hall yes a a matter of fact I like beer! Sing it Stan!😂
😂
I always knew a little nutty Stan, now there is video evidence.... love the content.
Incredible little machine I was always curious how they were now I know
I have a 6.75 with a beaver blade. It will cut a 3in tree with the saw blade. I use it mainly to cut grass by the river and trim next to my fence. Mine has the no change oil Briggs and I wish I had more power for thicker weeds/grass and that it had a drain plug to change the oil.
That beaver blade sounds pretty amazing
That does some serious weed whacking. I bet you keep your wife in stitches with your humor. 😊 Thanks for another great video.👍🙏
Yes!👍But sometimes I think I'm funnier than she does-lol
Agree - great tool. The drive belt did slip off on me first day using it. Simple to repair - back in action fast
“Beating an over hyped 2 stroke engine chopper to DEATH to prove them wrong!” Every man needs a dream, and Stan got his dream today folks! Hahaha. Stan tell us how you got the name Dirt Monkey sometime soon. I’ve watched for a loooong time and can’t recall the origin.
It was so fun to beat the crap out of this thing.😂👊
Funny how i always get home from work and relax by watching others work on youtube 😂😂. Great vid! Now you can get into all the stuff where your mowers get stuck
or save some fo the tall stuff for future torture tests!😂
It done good! True story: I always wanted one from a young age, too. It's great to see one in action.
Thats weird but cool. The first time I seen one was in a magazine- how about you?
@@Dirtmonkey Yup, it was in a magazine. Then I sent for the brochure, and tried to convince my mom we should get one. It was just a childish idea at the time.
I’m debating… do you think the weight of the self propelled and electric start are worth it…. or go light without these options?
Stanley your videos are so good and this one was pretty funny
Appreciate it Dave 😊
Had a trimmer like this for years love it. Tip buy your string on a roll and cut them. A lot cheaper
Great idea
I'd wager a strimmer with a mulching head would make short work of that stuff.
brings back memories of our bachtold fenceline mower and david bradley.
Its a cool little machine for sure.
They are pretty good little machines. Great for running under fenclines and around posts.
True 👍
How about on non-stand-on, steep slopes? Will engine bog down/stall because of tilt? When Stan tilted back it did and he said so.
Next week Dirt Monkey Force the Musical, dancing in muddy boots.
Should I...
@@Dirtmonkey you should, just for the lark. Sam could pretend to be the Broadway producer, Tim leading man of course. The newest guy has to play female lead unless you can convince a lady relative. Keep it corny and funny. It just might fly.
As for running a year, One episode should suffice.
Nice to see that the way you made videos back I the day is back 💪💪💪💪👏👏👏👏👏😉😉😉 I re subscribe 🍾🍾🍾🍾
A true knuckle dragger representing 💪💪👊👊✊✊
I could see these good for golf courses like doing around ponds and stuff. Not sure if it would benefit most landscaping/ lawn care people. I could be wrong though.
It's like a walk behind mower had a baby with a weed whacker, idk why anybody would want this kind of machine.
Worse than useless in my opinion. And I'm a landscaper.
@@JustinMF11 Very much not worse than useless....
@@JustinMF11 I’m a landscaper too and I can’t see any use for it either. But I didn’t want to speak for everyone. Haha
You are limited by the ground you push the machine on. People are buying them to do sidewalks and driveway trimming and returning them to the dealer.
I was goin with the deeper voice camera lol “get into the brush” and I was impressed, great video brother 😎
Thanks man! Appreciate it 👊
That’s one powerful machine and to say it was wet conditions it didn’t bog down or anything it just kept going. I think you might be losing it abit Stan hearing voices and singing lol. Great work and thanks for sharing this with us take care
I was having a lot of fun with this thing.
@@Dirtmonkey We could tell lol and we was having fun seeing you test it and crack up jokes
I've had one for 10 years. Its entire body is one piece of aluminum. From before Generac took over. Many hours on the thing. Many of those hours using a Beaver Blade cutting literally 1000s of cedar trees. I wouldn't be without one.
I see a few people saying a handheld would be faster. I'd say not likely. That stuff that's being cut looks dampish and kinda chewy. I had a commercial, handlebar trimmer before I got mine. These are much easier to run (except where they would be too cumbersome).
It was dampish and stringy. your right a hand held would have plugged and wrapped fast and touched this stuff. It worked so much better than I ever thought it could.
Happy Thursday Stan! Hope you had a great day! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! You too!👍
We have all watched the DR machine over the years,not only did they give us a tool that fits in the grey area a regular mower can’t hack...they were smart enough in marketing to find the right guy to show no holds barred test. Plus you always do it with no bias...go or blow ,we ain’t playing ! Good job Stan ....
Mike you are a legend.👊. Thanks for the feedback and have a n awesome weekend!
Yeah, in yesterday's video, I told you that i have one. I've actual had it since 2014. I recently had to replace the mow ball. Sharp concrete or rocks will wear into it over time. Wear pants lol safety glasses too. The heavier the weeds work better with heavier serrated line. The green cord is the lower grade. Thanks for the video. Wet condition just require more cleaning of the machine afterwards. When I replace the cord, I make sure they're going to clear the guard.
Oh wow you know this machine! Thanks for all that!👍
Stan always test equipment to the extreme
I have this with the chainsaw and brush cutter blade. Works great. But definitely get self propelled. I have the premier brush cutter walk behind. It's great. I also have the pull behind box blade. I recommend the power lift model for easier use.
Thanks for the tip! I need the brush cutter blade. That would be a terror
They’ve improved them since I used one 30 +/- years ago, they’re an amazing addition to the lawn management team....
I agree with you.
I think a top of the line string trimmers are now faster at doing the same thing as the DR but back in the day I remember seeing them on info-mercial. Anyway great video!
I have a Dewalt 60V trimmer and Honda HHT35SUKA. The walk-behind string trimmer is MUCH easier on my back.
The line on these are WAY thicker, and they'll cut WAY thicker vegetation. A string trimmer could never keep up with this on bigger stuff.
They're faster with less than half the horsepower (on any I could see a rating on, several hundred $), and well under half the torque (couldn't find torque ratings with a few minutes of looking at commercial models)? A 40 to 50cc (or 30cc) engine vs. a 160+cc? You sure about that?
a hand held couldn't handle my swamp grass. It would bind fast.
i want to see you test out the Grillo Climber CL10.27AWD
I want to do that! I think it would be fun as all get out.
Well, this video just talked ne out of a self propelled model. Did the wheels ever actually turn backwards or did you drag it back every time?? Lol
Hello How's the day treating you. Today I got is just water. Snow plowing video coming up?
I hope I ma done with plowing videos for a time! lol. or until this fall
Stanley, great video at putting g the unit through a good test! I just bought the XL Pro a few days ago. I read a few reviews that said the non-Selfpropeled model did a better job. The unit did a fabulous job on my in-laws thicket on their farm. Cleaned placed nothing else would go! I put the cutting strings in different. I put mine in like a W pattern. The cord is as tuff as the trimmer. I can't wait to see what soaking the string in water for 3 days will do to it!!! (Per DR'S instructions). Great review. One interesting thing I discovered is that DR is a subsidiary of Genrac. Later Sir!
Generac just took over a few years ago. Before that the entire frame/body was one piece of aluminum.
Maybe the non self propelled would pull back easier? not sure.
@@Dirtmonkey From what I've seen, in the back and forth stuff, it would have been easier.
I'm hoping their customer service has improved for your sake. We were a dealer for them pre-covid and waited for an average of 4 weeks for most parts. Being from their home state Vermont we thought it was awesome to support local, but it is hard explaining to customers why their equipment is sitting idle in the middle of summer.
I always assumed they cheapened up after Generac took over, but I have no proof, just a thought. Mine is an old, all aluminum model. I don't see much I'd need to contact the company for out of warranty. Bearings are easy, motor, pulleys. But, not everyone does that. Many companies these days are like that. John Deere, big tractors, well into 6 digits to buy, common to take several weeks, into months, for some repairs. And that is very costly to be down a tractor.
Good to know- Thank you for sharing👊. On the plus side- they look easy to work on and very simple
I have one and like it. Just wish the tires were 4" in width to push better thru loose terain
15 inches of snow up north?? Given that this was a sponsored video, it must've been filmed a few weeks back, to get approval from DR. I just spent the last week in northern Minnesota, and it was BEAUTIFUL up there! Well, not swimming weather, but certainly was "I'm done with winter, bring out the shorts!" weather. Anyway, that DR mower/trimmer sure takes a beating, much more than steel blades would! Does a nice job knocking down rough areas too.
Hay What is that Yellow thing in the Back ground???
Thast the new Dewalt Mower Im testing.
Great demo vid, for sure, I need to get one :) :)
That looks like your go-to swamp mower.
👍👊
Could you use that like a regular Wacker around someone’s property or no
Yep- why not?
Hey stan a tractor and a 1 shank subsoiler running at 16 inch depth will dry that whole bottom out with about 8 passes.
I need to get one of these, I am curious how it works on slopes.
About like any mower with this type of engine, some aren't great with really steep angles. They used to offer a "better" model with a spin on oil filter, more suited for that, don't think they do anymore.
not_me said it best👍
@@not_me3286 I think you just kept me from pulling the trigger on this. If I go about 100 ft in one direction of the slope and then back in the other, will it even out? Would a non-pressurized push mower have the same issue? Curbs prevent me from getting a walk behind onto the grass.
That things abeast! What do you think it would do a round fence post for instance a horse pasture? Lots of poles
They have a guard you can attach so that you don't accidentally hit things like posts or walls. And a tow model for bigger areas, kinda springs around posts. But you can cover a fairly large area quickly with the small ones.
@@not_me3286 thanks for the info!👍🏻
Gte stringer line that can handle hitting poles and your in business.
I often wondered about these things, glad I never got one! 🤣
A blade on a brushcutter would drop that tall stuff in a minute and be waaaaay less physical! That looked like a lot of hard work!
Thanks for the vid!
But would be heavy and sink. But Dr also has a small walk behind sickle bar cutter and a small walk behind brush hawg
@@chuckley54494 Yeah, na, I dont think so, no more than he is. He had to manhandle it to pull back, steer etc. A (lets say 48cc) brushcutter only weighs what, 7 or 8kg and pretty easy to deal with?
Never used a sickle but my understanding is they work like hedge clippers, with blades that can be damaged by rocks etc. Brush cutters (even like here in the vid) are for areas that cant be mowed or accessed by a slasher (bushhog.)
For those replying to this specific instance. Make sure you have cleared plenty of wetland grasses and cattails with different tools/machines maybe you would re-think your comment. That stuff is difficult. The cat tails string up when hit with a string trimmer and wrap the head. And when using a brush blade, it doesn't go all that fast. Both make a huge mess and difficult to pick up. When the need to pick up the aftermath, We use a hedge trimmer. It drops them then can be picked up in bunches, put on a tarp and drug to wherever.
DR has a Beaver Blade option, takes regular, and replaceable, chainsaw chain.
@@Arlatube Exactly, people commenting that a handheld would do this easily, ...haven't done this. I've used both. I haven't found torque listings for handhelds, but DR has over double the HP of some of the more expensive handhelds I looked at. Also, the engine size, maybe a handheld might have 40 to 50cc, DR is 163cc and the one model is 6.75 ft-lb. Without the torque numbers listed for handheld, both my guess, and personal experience, and, well, common sense, says the DR has considerably more torque.
These are dried out reeds, kinda wet though, tough/chewy, like thick bedding straw. They are going to be difficult, and not easy with a handheld. I've got several acres of cat tails/reeds in my hay field, I use an old 14 ft. sickle mower (haven't upgraded to a disc yet), sometimes it bothers with that.
Judging by the fact your not bandaged up - I guess your lovely wife hasn't seen the kitchen table yet. Another great vid - Thanks
Not yet!😂👊
Just saw an "all terrain walk behind mower they make 42 inch id like to see that tested
what brand? DR?
@@Dirtmonkey yea look that up the back is like a brush hog but the front almost looks like a plastic deck or something
Best bucket list ever
😂👍
geez, that thing goes through matted cattails like it doesn't even care. Did not expect that.
neither did I! This thing is incredible!
Our cousin has had one of these for a couple of years and it's actually been pretty good
Nice! Seems Good, I'm liking what it can do, so far👍
I am going to picking up a used on of these this year for my chriso tree feilds and it's crazy how cheap you kind find these for especially craftsman ones. I have also seen a few with saw blades on the and I was thinking that might not be to bad to get through some small will trees. Besides using it for my Christmas trees it's also going to be a perfect machine to get right underneath my electric fences too! I also had an idea to use one of these machines not a self propelled one and put a hitch on it then move the axle around 45 degrees and also a 90° angle on the draw bar so you could pulled behind mower or atv but the reason to move the axle amdske that special draw bar instead of a straight draw bar is so when a guy is pulling it it would be able to go right underneath the electric fences! I have been design something for fences for awhile and I think I finally got the perfect design and machine using once of these for it!
When I was comparison shopping a DR ~10 years ago, they were heavier made than other brands, and the head was designed better, didn't wrap up as much. Some models had the head bearings held with plastic, vs. easy replaceable ones on DR, and all metal. My guess is they cheapened up since Generac took over DR, but I haven't looked at them, so I'm just assuming, and don't know if they are still well built. I also don't think some other brands can handle a blade in the front. Buy what you like, but I thought these were a couple points you could look into if you want.
@@not_me3286 thank you I'll definitely look for an older Dr. Then I do think they are better because they are definitely harder to find used older ones atleast.
@@SKC640 One other thing I thought of, some other models shut off the engine when you let go of the handle. You can't engage/disengage the head without the engine shutting off. I see some will let you do that now though, but if you see another brand, that's something to check, if it matters to you. My main use was going to be the Beaver Blade, the other brands didn't have the ability to run a heavy blade, so they were out. If you have mainly grass, I'm sure some other brands work ok, and would hold up well enough, some have good ratings. If you see a deal, and look it over, I wouldn't be too scared of something else if you have ordinary homeowner use. The head design is kind of important for the wrapping up issue though.
From my point of view a good brush cutter Ona giid harness would be more ergonomically efficient ? Maybe I’m missing the Point what’s your opinion on large plots to clear this or a good like for example FS450 or so....
Love the lettering on the white truck in the beginning of the video?
Great video!!
Thanks for the visit
Awesome video wanted to ask you why did they want you to soak the string for 3 day?..
I don't know but who has that kind of time?
By far my favorite infomercial when I was a kid.
Oh yeah!
I do have also a walk behind but I am running it on only 2 strings seam to have more power and cut there for thicker stuff even better. I use 0.110″ timmer line works best for me with thick brush. And looks like them wheels are to thin.... I zip tied a cut up mountain tire over them which gives it more traction on my power sand condition.
I felt I needed my safety glasses with all that chaf hitting the camera. After using this one, do you think this DR is a keeper for the amount you did or would you move up a model, assuming there is one. How was the fatigue factor using it?
Its a keeper for sure. Performed beyond my expectations.
I feel like this would be hard on your back considering it doesn't have any wheels in the front and you're constantly having to push down in the handle to keep the front end up. Nonetheless still impressed with how well it eats
Not hard on the back at all. You barely notice there isn't a front wheel, it glides, and tipping is very light.
Its built to glide on the front mow ball. your not forced to balance it actually. let it rest and it will self propel and do ll the work.
@@Dirtmonkey I don't have the self propelled, and wouldn't get it for myself. While pushing, a person could about use your pinky to push down the bar, that's how it's balanced. Close to that anyway.
Does the actual trimmer line hold up any better than say 1.05. I have the same fascination that you speak about I just don't know if it could replace my big redmaxx. So happy to see the review though. Always wanted one of these but just couldn't pull the trigger bc of it's limited use commercially
I use their 175 mil blue. As long as you don't hit something other than vegetation, it lasts a long time. It will survive some occasional cement or whatever hits, depending. I have a ranch (hundreds of acres), yard is a few acres, some areas only get cut a couple times a year. Sometimes well over an hour+ without a change.
so far the trimmer line has worked well as long as I avoid woody brush.
@@not_me3286 steep slopes?
Hi I woch your videos everyday tell the team I said hi and I woch thor videos everyday I love you guys I love the video
You are Awesome John...I will tell the team & Thanks!👍
I always felt these were so annoying to use because of the small cutting width. I wish they would design one with two heads that could adjust on the fly to make up for string wear but give you a much wider path.
That makes a lot of sense. Still light but more coverage. I would be okay without “on the fly” for more coverage.
This was on your bucket list? Wow, makes mine seen a little saner, well, not that much saner. LOL
😂Than's kinda awesome!👊
Is there any way you could test out a Flymo? I heard they are supposed to be pretty good on hillsides.
I have one. I gave it to franky. If he still has it then I can.
Thank you for another great video your doing an awesome job
So nice of you...thanks!👊
Liked the dity about beer, that was cool.
One of those classic songs growing up.
Kevin Haley
Tom T. Hall was the singer though Stan did a pretty good job :D
Good ole Tom T Hall. I like beer. Great song.
👍
That is one heck of a machine that you got there my man👍🏾💯where can I find one either like that or similar to that and how much do they cost?
Stanley, I have watched your video a few time. I have used this machine before. I have to say "To each there own" I am not a fan of this unit. I wish that there was 2 wheels in the front so the cap wouldn't be digging into the ground. I don't like how the unit feels like it gets "jack knifed" into the ground. I thing you can do the same thing with a weed whacker. It does look like the cutting cable is bigger than the .105 string I use for my Stihl FS 111R but I like the mobility of the Sthil better. I understand what that unit does but I am not a fan of the unit. I think a Stihl FS 111R would do just the same thing. I will say "to each there own" but I think in the long run you are going to have more little problems with that unit that is going to drive you nuts. That is my opinion.
These have much heavier string and have well over twice the horsepower and at least a few times the torque of any handheld pro string trimmer I could find (I couldn't really find torque listings on handhelds, but more than 150cc vs. handheld, pretty sure which has more torque), plus, the cutting area is bigger than many handhelds. I've had one for over 10 years, put it through many hours of use a year, including with the blade cutting literally 1000s of small cedars (aka weeds), and have had no issues of any kind. Other than changing the belt (maybe 5 minutes?), which was the result of running the chainsaw chain too dull a few times (now that is hard to keep out of the dirt when trying to cut right at ground level, no wheel out front would help). I had a handheld commercial one myself before this. Sure, quick jobs, a handheld might be quicker. Muddy, sinking areas where wheels sink, not the best place to try one out. One area where these work well is large areas of tall weeds. I have some of those, over waist high, these things cut without wrapping up (except in really tough stringy/woody/fibrous stuff or if you hit something like a length of baler twine), and can do significantly more without bogging down, you can mow around those like you're using a lawnmower, just go in circles. Also, they are handy if you are going to be using one for longer periods of time, helpful if you have a bad back (example). One other use is I drive next to fences cutting grass off electric fence, few miles, just walk, no back and forth. If you don't have areas like that, then you don't need one, of course. Can't say in normal use that I have much issue with the head going in the ground. I don't know what "little problems" you'd have with this, care to speculate?
That decal on the truck looks great! Is that new?
Yep- just got it done a few days ago.
Is this just as good as a brush mower ?
talking to two cameras with differnt voices... stans cheese slide off the cracker
😂👊
I use a dr brush cutter before the machine is a beast
They are nice machines for sure.
how many times did you have to change the line?
2 times- or 3
@@Dirtmonkey thanks
Great video Stanley. I have been a fan of Tom T. Hall for a very long time and that is one of my favorites. I always wondered about these mowers and will admit I am impressed! Have you done any such videos on the Dr. Brush mowers or the Billy goat? I enjoyed the ones with the forestry mulcher / mowers but I don't have a skid steer, I would LOVE to see you put a walk behind through it's paces because that is how I would use one :D Be safe out there.
I genuinely do not understand why every professional landscaper or lawn care company does not have a walk behind mower/trimmer of some kind in their arsenal of tools. They are so much easier to use than a handheld when it comes to clearing excessive growth and large areas. They can also save you from some very expensive repairs to mowers.
well said!
I had one for overgrown brush jobs but I found using a strong weed whacker with a tri blade could do the job faster and could do other jobs as well. Sold the wheeled trimmer.
Most lawn care or land scape guys aren't cutting brush or tall weeds
My boss has an old one, 21 horse I believe but it's more like a gravely with detachable implements. Father in law has an old craftsman like yours and they're both boss!
A lot of people say they are power houses.
@@Dirtmonkey Nice balance too!
Amazing video love it
Thanks!👊
I am curious what string your using cuz aswell as my old one works even with ry thick string it kinda tears through it quickly
Swearing, and God bless, in the same video. Stan, what are you thinking?
Enjoyed this video Stan 🇺🇲
You definitely got your aerobic points today.
Haha yesss 👍
Nice one Stan 👍👍🏴🏴
🙏 Thanks Tony! Have a great weekend bro
Sounded like a drunken pirate mowing song.
Tom T hall bro! Thats a classic!
@@Dirtmonkey Oh yeah! I thought it sounded familiar.. ua-cam.com/video/uUmVjjMG-BE/v-deo.html
I find angle the head like your edging with it and half cut with it along the fresh cut edge in long straight line may take a touch longer but requires alot less effort as your not pulling it back and forward and it also alow the mower to throw the fresh cut clear so you ain't mowing it again
Great tip!
Great video bro 👍
same brand as my feild and brush mower im thinking on getting with a brush hog,42'' mower deck and a blade wich wasnt bad package deal for $4,299 wich the 10.5hp bcs with bursh hog,26'' mower and blade they want $13,000
Whoa...thanks for that info
Appreciate it...thanks!👊
I remember seeing commercials for DR when I was young, they would send you out a promo VHS tapes if you called their 800#.
The good old days!
I had one of those vhs tapes when I was really young. It was one of my favorite "movies" and Ive wanted a DR ever since.
I used to have a DR that I inherited from my father. Purely nostalgic for me. I think you could install blades on these for small brush ? Maybe look into that Stan. That would be a cool follow up video on it.
Beaver Blade is what they sell. Expensive, used to be cheaper. Work GREAT. Takes regular chainsaw chain.
That's a great idea!