When choosing a sickle bar mower, look for models that balance cutting power, maneuverability, and compatibility with your equipment. This guide highlights five options that cover small-farm hay cutting, skid-steer compatibility, and replacement parts. Best for farmers, ranchers, and property owners who need reliable, low-maintenance mowing in uneven terrain or larger pastures.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk Behind Sickle Bar Mower | Small farms and pastures | Adjustable controls and wide cutting swath | Walk-behind design for portability |
| Sickle Bar Mower for Skid Steer Loader | Heavy-duty mowing with loaders | 72″ cutter length and strong drive | Requires hydraulic setup |
| 50 Pcs Sickle Mower Sections | Spare parts and maintenance | Bulk set for replacements | Small sections, multiple spares |
| GW-34511 Sickle Bar Blade Assembly | OEM replacement | Genuine parts | Model-specific |
| Lawn Mower Replacement Kit For Trailblazer | Troy-Bilt Trailblazer models | Complete bar kit with blades | Compatibility-focused |
Walk Behind Sickle Bar Mower — Durable Farm Machinery
Best for small farms and pastures, this walk-behind sickle bar mower features a heavy-duty cutting blade system designed for efficient hay cutting and grass trimming. Its adjustable handlebar controls and smooth wheel drive enable precise maneuvering on varied terrain. The long sickle bar provides a wide cutting swath, ideal for maintaining larger areas with tall grass and dense vegetation. Caution: ensure proper alignment of the cutting bar before operation to avoid uneven cuts.
Sickle Bar Mower for Skid Steer Loader, 72″ Cutting Length
Best for heavy-duty mowing tasks, this 72″ cutter bar carries a 0.8″ cutting capacity and uses a Gerotor motor with Pitman drive for smooth operation. The top serrated 2-in segment tooth design enhances cutting power, making it suitable for thick grass, weeds, and small saplings. Recommended for users with compatible hydraulic systems. Limitation: requires 15-20 GPM at 3000 PSI for optimal performance, which may limit use on lower-capacity machines.
50 Pcs Sickle Mower Sections
Best for maintenance crews and farmers who perform regular blade maintenance, this set provides 50 spare sickle mower sections. The pieces measure approximately 3.3 x 3 inches with a 2-inch hole spacing, designed for long-term reliability. Note that fasteners are not included, so you’ll need to source compatible hardware. Choose this if you want to minimize downtime with ready spares.
GW-34511 Sickle Bar 42″ Blade Assembly Replacement
Best for OEM-specific replacements, this GW-34511 blade assembly is a genuine replacement part. It is important to verify model compatibility to ensure proper fit. Consider this option when you need authentic parts to maintain performance and accuracy of your sickle bar mower. Limitation: model specificity may require exact part numbers for compatibility.
Lawn Mower Replacement Kit For Trailblazer
Best for Troy-Bilt Trailblazer models GW-P406732, GW-P406657, and GW-P406658, this replacement kit includes 8 blades, 16 rivets, and a 3″ blade length with 2″ width. It offers broad compatibility across multiple model numbers, helping ensure a reliable bar assembly replacement. Caution: confirm exact model compatibility before ordering to avoid mismatches.
Buying Guide
What should I consider before buying a sickle bar mower?
Compatibility with your current equipment is essential. Check whether the mower is designed for walk-behind use, skid-steer loaders, or requires OEM replacement parts. Consider the cutting capacity, bar length, and tooth design to match your vegetation and terrain. A wider swath can reduce mowing time but may require more power and space to operate safely.
How important is cutting capacity and blade design?
A higher cutting capacity (thicker grass and saplings) improves efficiency on rugged land. Serrated blade segments offer stronger cutting action for tough vegetation, while non-serrated options may be adequate for average grass. Ensure you have compatible hydraulic inputs if you opt for a hydraulic-driven model.
What about maintenance and parts availability?
Spare parts, blade assemblies, and replacement sections should be readily available. OEM parts often match precisely, while third-party sections can be cost-effective but require careful compatibility checks. Keep a few spare sections on hand to minimize downtime during busy seasons.
Which features matter for small farms and pastures?
For small farms, maneuverability and a wide cutting swath help cover more ground in less time. Adjustable handles and stable wheel drives aid in navigating uneven terrain. If you operate a skid steer, ensure the mower is designed for that platform and that hydraulic specs align with your equipment.
Safety considerations
Operate on stable ground and use appropriate PPE. Regularly inspect the sickle bar, guards, and drive components for wear or damage. Improper alignment or loose fittings can lead to ineffective cuts or safety hazards during operation.
Quick comparison at a glance
- Best for small farms: Walk Behind Sickle Bar Mower with adjustable controls and wide swath.
- Best for heavy-duty terrain: Skid Steer Loader Sickle Bar Mower with 72″ blade.
- Best for replacements: OEM GW-34511 blade assembly.
- Best for maintenance spares: 50 Pcs Sickle Mower Sections set.
- Best for Trailblazer models: Replacement Kit with blades and rivets.
FAQ
- What is a sickle bar mower best suited for? It is designed for cutting tall grass, weeds, and light brush, often used in fields, pastures, and haymaking tasks.
- Do I need special hydraulic power for a skid-steer version? Yes, the skid-steer version often requires a specific hydraulic flow and pressure; verify your machine’s specs before purchase.
- Can I use replacement sections from different brands? Compatibility varies; always check model numbers and hole spacing to ensure a proper fit.
- How do I know which blade length to choose? Shorter bars are more maneuverable; longer bars cover more area but require more power and balance. Choose based on your field size and vegetation density.
- Are OEM parts required for accuracy? OEM parts ensure precise fit and performance, but high-quality aftermarket sections can be viable if model compatibility is confirmed.
- What maintenance helps extend blade life? Regular cleaning, proper tensioning, and timely replacement of worn sections reduce downtime and improve cutting efficiency.