Side-Mount Mower Reaches Into Ditches

Side-Mount Mower Reaches Into Ditches FARM HOME Lawn Mowers (31h,38) 33-4-26 "I came up with a method of attaching a push mower to the side of my riding mower to cut grass on ditch banks. It does the job and entertains the neighbors at the same time," says Donald Vanhuis, Holland, Mich. The 22-in. Lawn Boy push mower extends 12 ft. out to the side of the riding mower. The mower, with its handle removed, swivels on the end of a 12-ft. long, 3/4-in. dia., 2-piece steel pipe attached to a hinged metal bracket that bolts onto the riding mower's frame. The hinge allows the pipe and mower to flex up or down. The pipe is built in two sections bolted together at the middle. Vanhuis mows the opposite side of the ditch first, then unbolts the outside section, turns the Lawn Boy around 180 degrees, and mows the near side. "It works really well for mowing along steep ditches near my property," says Vanhuis. "I chose the Lawn Boy 2-cycle push mower because oil pressure at odd angles isn't a problem and because it's fairly light. Also, the mower comes with a float in the carburetor that keeps from flooding or starving the engine of fuel on hillsides. "The mower hangs freely from the end of the pipe which keeps the arm from exerting any pressure against it and damaging the wheels. It might help to place the Lawn Boy wheels with small caster wheels on all four corners of the mower to improve maneuverability. Also, if I did it over again I'd probably use a bigger and stronger pipe." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Donald Vanhuis, A-6222 145th Ave., Holland, Mich. 49423 (ph 616 335-3049).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.