Agricultural mowers - types, selection criteria and cutting deck maintenance

Agricultural mowers - types, selection criteria and cutting deck maintenance

03.06.2026

When your operation includes pastures, meadows or forage crops, the mower is not a nice-to-have - it is the tool that determines forage quality and harvest speed. The wrong model means snapped belts at peak season, uneven cutting and lost biomass. The right choice saves hours of labour, fuel and headaches.

This article covers the specific types of tractor-mounted mowers used across farms in Southeast Europe, explains how to match them to your acreage and tractor, and outlines the maintenance routines that keep them running reliably for years.

What is a mounted mower and where is it used

A mounted agricultural mower is an implement that attaches to the three-point hitch (Category I or II) and is driven by the tractor's power take-off (PTO). Its purpose is cutting grass, lucerne, clover, natural meadows and maintained green areas.

Typical applications on working farms

In practice, mowers serve two main roles. The first is harvesting green mass for hay or silage on livestock farms with pastures and meadows. The second is maintaining grassed areas along roads, irrigation channels, solar parks and municipal land. In both cases the priority is fast work with minimal leaf loss.

Mower versus mulcher

A common confusion is between a mower and a mulcher. A mower cuts the grass cleanly and leaves it in a swath for collection. A mulcher shreds plant residue and scatters it across the surface. If the goal is forage, you need a mower. If the goal is clearing land of brush and weeds, a mulcher is the right tool.

Types of tractor mowers - rotary, drum and disc

There are three main design families among mounted mowers for farming, and each answers different requirements in terms of terrain, crop type and tractor power.

General classification

Rotary mowers use horizontally spinning blades fixed to a rotor. Drum mowers rely on two or more drums with blades rotating at high speed. Disc mowers employ fast-spinning discs, each carrying two or three blades. Every type has its strengths and the specific conditions where it delivers the best result.

Which design for which situation

On flat meadows with soft grass, a disc mower offers the highest working speed. On hilly ground with uneven surfaces, a drum mower provides better ground following. The rotary model is the all-round solution for farms that mow different terrain types and prefer not to invest in two separate machines.

Rotary mowers - design, strengths and limitations

The rotary mower is one of the most common types across farms in the region. The reason is straightforward - it combines an affordable price, easy maintenance and sufficient output for most tasks.

How a rotary mower works

Drive comes from the tractor's PTO, typically at 540 rpm. Power passes through a bevel gearbox to a horizontal rotor. Two or three blades are mounted on the rotor and cut the grass as they spin. The design is intentionally simple, which means fewer breakdowns and fast repairs in the field.

Advantages of rotary models

Low initial cost compared to disc equivalents. Quick blade changes - an operation that takes minutes. Good tolerance of stones and foreign objects in the grass. On impact with an obstacle, the blade swings back and absorbs the force without damaging the shaft or gearbox.

Limitations

Rotary mowers do not achieve as clean a cut as disc models. In tall grass and wet conditions, productivity drops noticeably. For farms with more than 50 hectares of meadows, the rotary mower is likely to become the bottleneck in the workflow.

Drum mowers - who are they for

The drum mower is well known in regions with hilly terrain and small plots. The twin-drum design ensures a stable swath and a clean cut even on slopes.

Design and operating principle

Two vertical drums rotate in opposite directions. Each drum carries three blades. The grass passes between the drums, is cut cleanly and is discharged rearward into a swath. Working widths on drum models typically range from 135 to 185 centimetres.

When a drum mower is the right choice

If the farm is in a mountainous or semi-mountainous area, if the plots are small and irregularly shaped, and if the grass needs to dry in the field before baling, the drum design has the advantage. It follows the ground contour better than a disc mower and requires less tractor power.

Disc mowers - speed and cut quality

Disc mowers are favoured by larger operations where working speed is critical.

How a disc mower differs from a rotary

In the disc design, several discs (usually four to seven) are arranged in a row on a common cutter bar. Each disc carries two or three free-swinging blades. Drive runs from a central gearbox through gear trains to each individual disc. The result is an exceptionally clean cut, high speed and an even swath.

Output and requirements

A disc mower with a 280 cm cutting width covers roughly 1.5 to 1.8 hectares per hour at 8-10 km/h. It requires a tractor with at least 60 hp and a stable hydraulic lift system. The initial investment is higher, but on large acreages it pays for itself within two seasons.

Conditioner - an add-on that speeds drying

Some disc models come with a built-in conditioner (rollers or tines) that crimps the stems immediately after cutting. This allows the crop to dry up to 30 per cent faster, which is critical in areas with a narrow baling window between rain fronts.

How to choose a mower based on acreage and tractor power

Choosing a tractor mower is not about brand or price. It starts with the area to be mowed and the power of the available tractor.

Up to 20 hectares - compact models

For farms with up to 20 hectares of meadows, a rotary or drum mower with a 135-165 cm cutting width is sufficient. The tractor can be in the 40-50 hp class. The investment is minimal and maintenance is straightforward.

20-50 hectares - mid-range

In this range, a disc mower with a 210-280 cm cutting width is the logical choice. The tractor should be in the 60-80 hp class with adequate hydraulic flow. At these acreages, time in the field is already a cost factor and every hour counts.

Over 50 hectares - combinations and front-rear mounting

Large operations run a front-plus-rear mower combination reaching a total cutting width of 5-6 metres. This configuration requires a tractor rated at 120 hp or above with a front linkage, a hydraulic distributor with enough sections, and an air-conditioned cab for the long working days.

Cutting width and field productivity

Cutting width is the parameter that directly determines how many hectares you mow per hour. But wider does not always mean faster.

Real productivity versus catalogue figures

Manufacturers quote catalogue productivity under ideal conditions - flat ground, dry grass, constant speed. Under real field conditions, subtract 25-30 per cent from that figure. Headland turns, obstacles, wet patches and stops for clearing reduce efficiency significantly.

Optimal width for your tractor

A practical rule: for every 10 hp of tractor power, you can load roughly 30 cm of cutting width. A 50 hp tractor will comfortably run a mower with a 150 cm width. An 80 hp tractor can handle 240 cm. Overloading leads to clutch overheating and premature PTO wear.

PTO and hydraulics - tractor compatibility

Before purchasing a mower, verify two things on your tractor: the PTO type and the hydraulic parameters.

PTO speed

Most mounted mowers run at 540 rpm. Some heavier models require 1000 rpm. If your tractor has only one PTO speed, check that it matches the mower's requirements. Wrong speed means either insufficient blade velocity or excessive gearbox load.

Hydraulics for lifting and safety systems

A mounted mower is raised and lowered by the tractor's hydraulic system. Verify that the three-point hitch can lift the mower's weight (typically 250-600 kg). Models with hydraulic side-shift require an additional hydraulic section with quick couplers.

Cutting deck maintenance - what, when and why

Proper maintenance extends the life of the mower by years and prevents costly breakdowns during the campaign.

Daily pre-work inspection

Every morning before engaging the PTO: check blade tightness, inspect belts for cracks and wear, grease the bearings through the nipples. These five minutes save hours of downtime.

Blade replacement - when and how

Blades should be replaced when visibly blunt or when balance is lost (vibrations during work). Under intensive use, replacement is needed every 50-80 working hours. Use only original or equivalent blades with the correct profile and weight. An unbalanced blade destroys bearings within days. When sourcing spare parts for mowers and other implements, knowing the exact model and year of manufacture speeds up the process.

End-of-season service

After the last cut, wash the mower to remove caked grass and soil. Remove and sharpen or replace the blades. Grease all bearings. Check the condition of shear bolts. Store indoors, raised off the ground to protect the frame from corrosion.

Spare parts for mowers - what to keep in stock

Downtime at the height of the season is the most expensive thing that can happen. Experienced operators keep a minimum parts kit on hand.

Essential minimum

Two sets of blades, one set of shear bolts (if the design uses them), one V-belt set and grease for the bearings. For disc models, add gearbox seals for the disc drives, as oil leaks are among the most common field failures.

Where to find parts quickly

In an urgent situation, it helps to work with a supplier of parts and agricultural machinery that holds stock and can deliver within 24 hours. Having the part number on file from the day of purchase makes the whole process faster.

Mistakes when buying a used mower

The used agricultural machinery market offers good opportunities but also risks if you do not know what to check.

Worn bearings and deformed discs

When inspecting a used disc mower, spin each disc by hand. It should rotate freely, without play and without grinding. A loose bearing means imminent replacement, and on disc models the cost is significant. A deformed disc signals a serious impact, after which the drive gears inside the gearbox may also be damaged.

Missing safety guards

Check that all safety covers are in place. A missing guard is not just a safety concern - it indicates that the previous owner operated the machine carelessly and probably did not carry out regular maintenance.

Checking the driveshaft and its guard

The PTO shaft is a critical component. Check the universal joints for play, the telescopic splined section for wear, and - crucially - the plastic safety guard. Operating without a driveshaft guard violates agricultural machinery safety regulations, and replacing the entire shaft assembly is a considerable expense.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mower and a mulcher?

A mower cuts grass and leaves it in a neat swath for collection and baling. A mulcher shreds plant residue finely and scatters it across the surface. For forage production, use a mower. For land clearing, use a mulcher.

How much horsepower does a tractor need for a mounted mower?

It depends on the cutting width. A 135 cm mower requires 35-40 hp. A 210 cm model needs at least 55-60 hp. A front-plus-rear combination requires a minimum of 100-120 hp.

How often should the blades be replaced?

Under normal use, every 50-80 working hours or when vibrations appear. On stony ground, replacement may be needed sooner. Blunt blades tear rather than cut the grass, which slows drying and reduces hay quality.

Can a mower be used for lucerne?

Yes. Disc mowers with a conditioner are often a very good choice for lucerne because they crimp the stems and speed up drying. Rotary models without a conditioner dry lucerne more slowly, but cut quality is acceptable.

What is a mower conditioner?

A conditioner is a mechanism (rollers or tines) mounted immediately behind the cutting deck. It crimps or crushes the stems of the mown crop, allowing moisture to escape faster. The result is a 20-30 per cent reduction in drying time.