How To Use Your Tow Behind Rough Cut Mower More Effectively

Commercial mowing jobs are very different from residential ones; these types of projects demand gears capable of chopping thick vegetation while also producing consistent, speedy results. For this line of work, we recommend a tow behind, or pull behind, rough cut mower. However, simply owning one of these machines won’t suddenly upgrade your business’s performance. Instead, here are some tips on how to use your tow behind rough cut mower more effectively.

What Is a Tow Behind Rough Cut Mower?

Before we dive into the specifics of operating a tow behind mower, it’s essential we cover what exactly a rough cut mower is and why it’s important for commercial yard care applications. As the name suggests, a tow behind mower is attached to another vehicle (typically an ATV or something similar) by an articulating hitch. The mower itself is offset from the rear of your towing vehicle. Additionally, rough cut mowers are designed to cut thick vegetation, often up to two or three inches in diameter.

But how does a rough cut mower manage to slice through thick brush and weeds? A powerful engine swings two steel cutting blades, giving it superior efficiency and capabilities. Many people often believe that all tow behind mowers are the same, sometimes conflating rough cutters with finish cutters. In reality, a finish cut mower is used for yard grass maintenance and is not suitable for rougher terrain. So, if you need something with power and superior cutting abilities, a rough cut mower is the best option for you.

Aside from the main function of a rough cut mower, there are extra abilities of this specific type of device that makes it more suitable for large-scale, commercial, and industrial projects. First and foremost, the articulating pin hitch is capable of adjusting left to right, offering you maximum versatility and flexibility when working. Additionally, our rough cut mowers feature a remote operator control console for the most comprehensive control possible.

The 16-inch pneumatic sealant-filled tires allow for better control on the roughest of terrains, which is an essential ability for any rough cut mower. We also carry tow behind equipment with puncture-resistant hollowmatic tires for increased tire protection and stability. And adjusting the specifics of your mower is a breeze thanks to the quality tool-free adjustment design. Basically, using a pull behind rough cut mower makes your life easier and automatically boosts project effectiveness. However, there are some ways to get higher levels of performance out of your mower—read on to learn how.

Improving the Effectiveness of Your Tow Behind Rough Cut Mower

Now that we know the ins and outs of tow behind rough cut mowers, we can explore different techniques for boosting efficiency and effectiveness. Most of these tips are quite commonly used with multiple types of mowers, but they are extremely helpful nonetheless.

Maintaining Blades

If you notice that your mower is producing subpar results, the culprit is most likely dull blades. While the cutting blades are made durable and tough, certain mowing practices (specifically mowing mistakes) can cause them to degrade quickly. Scalping (mowing grass from the lowest growing or crowning point and mowing over dirt layers) does a number on blades, causing them to lose their sharpness and effectiveness. Always avoid scalping when conducting brush or weed management to ensure your equipment remains functional and efficient. You also want to ensure that you don’t waste time cleaning up missed spots on the property. It’s a good idea to sharpen your blades often, as dull blades actually wear faster progressively than sharp ones.

Plan of Attack

Before you start mowing a property or plot of land, it’s essential that you create a plan of attack. More specifically, identify various areas where extra attention is required, such as borders or irregular shapes caused by vegetation, structures, or landscaping. Since properly mowing these sections will undoubtedly take longer, it’s best to tackle them before cutting more straightforward patches of land. In doing so, you’ll breeze through the second half of the project by limiting work stoppages for readjustments.

Slow and Steady

Just because a quality pull-behind mower is capable of cutting through dense areas of brush and weeds doesn’t mean you should ever rush the mowing process. We recommend driving no faster than 5 mph when pulling a rough cut mower. This ensures the safety of both you and the device itself. Typically, high speeds can cause clogs, internal or exterior damages, and even unhitching, putting your well-being in jeopardy. With respect to project efficiency, a slow and steady pace provides more consistent results and leaves little to no cleanup, as well as fewer missed spots.

Outside Factors To Consider

There are many ways in which the way you operate and maintain your mower that impact efficiency and effectiveness. However, there are some outside factors that equally impact workflow and your overall results.

It’s always best to mow dry grass, as wet vegetation tends to clump up and make a mess. Raking these clumps of debris from both the ground and your rough cut mower takes a significant amount of time and makes your mowing task more difficult. The easiest way to ensure dry conditions is by avoiding early mornings when dew is the highest. If possible, we recommend scheduling these types of projects for dry, clear days.

Another outside factor to consider is the capabilities of your ATV or UTV. Since most tow behind rough cut mowers are used for rougher, unique terrains, you need a vehicle that’s built tough and suitable for that specific environment. This includes ensuring your ride is outfitted with proper wheels and a powerful enough engine to get the job done. You also want something that’s comfortable to drive, which can help limit your fatigue throughout the day. By working around these two outside factors, you can easily ensure more success and better results for your projects.

Understanding how to use your tow behind rough cut mower more effectively can only lead to more success for yourself and your business. We at Swisher Acquisition carry a quality selection of pull behind mowers capable of tackling the toughest of jobs. Contact our friendly team today for more information regarding this specialized equipment.