Drum Mower vs. Disc Mower

Drum Mower vs. Disc Mower

Drum mower vs disc mower

Are you comparing drum mowers vs. disc mowers for your hay-growing operation? You’ve come to the right place! The team at Rose Farm Supply helps local landowners tackle this kind of question all the time, and we’d be happy to help you get started. The main difference between disc mowers and drum mowers has to do with how they are built: drum motors use two or three large belt-driven drums, and disc motors cut with many smaller shaft- or gear-driven discs. This means that drum mowers tend to be cheaper and easier to repair, but as you’ll see below, disc mowers tend to offer larger cut widths and perform more effectively.

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How Does a Drum Mower Work?

Drum mowers have only just started to become more popular in the area near Lexington and Louisville, but how does a drum mower work? Here’s what you should keep in mind:

  • Generally speaking, a drum mower cuts grass using two or three large plates known as drums. 
  • As you drive, a drum mower will cut the grass as you go and lay it out behind you.
  • Since drum mowers do not spread the cut grass out in a wide swath, additional tedding is usually required in order to ensure proper drying.

How Does a Disc Mower Work?

Older disc mowers had all of their blades in one large apparatus, but modern disc mowers use many smaller discs with individual housing. This means they’re easier to repair than they used to be—but drum mowers still tend to win out for those who value simplicity and ease of use.

So, how does a disc mower work? Each of the smaller discs works a lot like the drums of the mowers described above! The main practical differences concern the fact that disc mowers are often heavier than drum mowers, and usually require some kind of hydraulic support in order to function properly. Disc mowers tend to be larger than drum mowers, and can cut a wider swath—but it’s also true that drum mowers can be driven more quickly than their disc-powered counterparts. 

Although you can outfit both drum motors and disc motors with conditioners that aid in the drying process, disc mowers are generally better for hay drying operations because the smaller discs spread out the hay more effectively than the drum mower’s larger plates.

Drum vs. Disc Mowers: Which is Right for You?

There are several important points to keep in mind when comparing drum vs. disc mowers for your own operations:

  • Drum mowers are lighter and smaller than disc mowers, and they can be driven with less horsepower.
  • Disc motors require hydraulic lifting, and hydraulic lift capabilities can be very handy in cases where you’re moving between several small fields.
  • Disc mowers can cut more grass with each path. However, drum mowers can be driven more quickly than disc mowers.
  • Disc mowers are more expensive than drum mowers, often by a significant factor. However, since many come with built in conditioners that can make the drying process that much easier, many farmers near Flemingsburg find that they’re worth the cost.

Continue Your Drum vs. Disc Mower Comparison in Person!

If you’re still on the fence, stop into Rose Farm Supply and let one of our expert team members help you make the right choice! Contact us today to make an appointment or ask us any questions that are on your mind.