Offset topper recommendations?

[steveR]

It is looking like I will have to top under the leading edge of the Panels this time, as my Welshman did not bring enough sheep this time!

I have tried with the 2 finishing type mowers I have, and while the 1.8m almost does it, I am driving far too close to the panels for comfort...

So i am looking for a small 4-5ft mower to go on my little compact, prefer rotary as not so power hungry. Needs to be well off set, maybe even a trailed offset that can come back behind the tractor. What are other using?

I have looked at the compact tractot rotarys, but often they are only partially offset, in that they only run behind one wheel.

 

[renewablejohn]

I use a Danish Fransguard mower which is only single drum rotor but about 4ft cut.

 

[steveR]

I am surprised a Drum will fit under the panels TBH.... ! I reckoned on about 700-750mm high for the panels, so 600mm for the mower...

Like the idea though.... maybe something like one of these? I'll ask how high it is...

DRUM MOWER 1.0m Mini - COMPACT TRACTOR / 12 MONTHS WARRANTY | eBay

FITTING TO STANDARD CAT 1 - 3 POINT HITCH. - working width 1.00m - TILT COVER. - number of knives 6.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[renewablejohn]

I am surprised a Drum will fit under the panels TBH.... ! I reckoned on about 700-750mm high for the panels, so 600mm for the mower...

Like the idea though.... maybe something like one of these? I'll ask how high it is...

DRUM MOWER 1.0m Mini - COMPACT TRACTOR / 12 MONTHS WARRANTY | eBay

FITTING TO STANDARD CAT 1 - 3 POINT HITCH. - working width 1.00m - TILT COVER. - number of knives 6.

www.ebay.co.uk

Minimum height for bifacial panels is supposed to be 1.2 mtrs.

 

[steveR]

Minimum height for bifacial panels is supposed to be 1.2 mtrs.

Hahaha!!

The ewes struggle to get under some of the panels arrays where they are lower because of the ground contours... The majority is nearer a metre.

 

[Spuddler]

I use a Maschio giraffa that goes right underneath the panels
Flail mower fully offset,
Find muthing flails nice and low to get under panels.

 

[Spuddler]

Winton flail goes a little way under too

 

[steveR]

Winton flail goes a little way under too

By gosh, that rear wheel is close....

You can't have many ruts in the alleys

 

[steveR]

I use a Maschio giraffa that goes right underneath the panels
Flail mower fully offset,
Find muthing flails nice and low to get under panels.

I had to look that one up...

Verge mower by any other name. I have one here already, BUT, the 50hp Kioti won't go down the alleys, as they are stupidly narrow.

My little Branson compact does travel, and with room ether side, BUT, it's only 25hp... and too light for the 5ft verge mower... I have wondered whether to try it, and see what happens, but I doubt it will even lift it! I have priced a 4ft verge mower, but the job does not warrant the capital cost...

I am wondering about pricing up a set of ag tyres (narrow) for the Kioti, but even then, it'll be tight. Needed an Orchard tractor really...

 

[Spuddler]

TBH most of the sites I look after I have sprayed the front edge dead so you don’t even need to go near it, then spray the rest underneath with selective to get rid of nettles etc

 

[steveR]

TBH most of the sites I look after I have sprayed the front edge dead so you don’t even need to go near it, then spray the rest underneath with selective to get rid of nettles etc

I have hit the undersides with Polo with an little extra MCPA added for the rush areas.

The aim is to avoid using Glyphosate, other than around the string boxes, inverters and sub-station etc Most years, the sheep have done the job!

 

[Bury the Trash]

spraying anything anywhere near the panels with a total herbicide is an ignorant practice, (growing ) cover of some kind will stop soil erosion /damage as water runs off .

 

[steveR]

spraying anything anywhere near the panels with a total herbicide is an ignorant practice, (growing ) cover of some kind will stop soil erosion /damage as water runs off .

100% agree.

That is what I told the O&M company in no uncertain terms. The damage from a total kill under some of the arrays a few years ago was ridiculous, and of course, all the weeds moved in.

 

[Bury the Trash]

100% agree.

That is what I told the O&M company in no uncertain terms. The damage from a total kill under some of the arrays a few years ago was ridiculous, and of course, all the weeds moved in.

They havnt a clue about it in my experience , that would nt be a problem if they let me do it as i know every inch of the site and inside out plus good groundkeeping is part of a farmers job.

Leave the electronics to them and they should leave the rest of it to a keen site owner or his staff.

 

[Spuddler]

Just to be clear I only do this where I can’t get the mower under, I’ve seen sites where O&M have total killed everything under panels and the erosion is certainly noticable

 

[Bury the Trash]

Just to be clear I only do this where I can’t get the mower under, I’ve seen sites where O&M have total killed everything under panels and the erosion is certainly noticable

i wasnt having a dig at you Spuddler.

 

[steveR]

Just to be clear I only do this where I can’t get the mower under, I’ve seen sites where O&M have total killed everything under panels and the erosion is certainly noticable

Ruddy idiots some of them... Had one here, but long gone now thank goodness.

Crap site design then with over low panels, a little like here with super narrow alleys, AND low panels...

Mind I did enjoy seeing 120hp@ Orchard tractor here cultivating one time, and what a waste of effort it was too... trying to establish wild flowers on PP... Real PP mind, not even ploughed in 39-45!

 

[Henarar]

6ft twin rota votex simi ofset
You can slide the likage frame across the topper on them plus pull it over on the stabilizers, I use one for topping under permanent electric fence and can get it stuck out the side of my 35 about 2 foot 6,
Being belt drive they are low

 

[steveR]

6ft twin rota votex simi ofset
You can slide the likage frame across the topper on them plus pull it over on the stabilizers, I use one for topping under permanent electric fence and can get it stuck out the side of my 35 about 2 foot 6,
Being belt drive they are low

Cheers, I will have a look.

I looked at a single rotor with a movable mount, but it was still too tight...

This looked perfect on offset, but too big for the compact!

Towse Rotary Topper | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Towse Rotary Topper at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[steveR]

6ft twin rota votex simi ofset
You can slide the likage frame across the topper on them plus pull it over on the stabilizers, I use one for topping under permanent electric fence and can get it stuck out the side of my 35 about 2 foot 6,
Being belt drive they are low

Look useful. I will call them and ask if the smaller units also can be side shifted