If you're tired of wimpy, lightweight rotary mowers that seem to dent or pop a tire every time you take them out, you'll like this steel-wheeled super-duty mower that comes out of Amish country in Pennsylvania.

The tow-behind mower is powered by a 24-hp Honda engine that's powerful enough to provide a smooth cut under the toughest conditions, working it's way through cow patties and gopher mounds without plugging up, says builder John Fisher, General Repair Shop, Ronks, Penn.

"We got into the business after an Amish farmer came in and had us custom-build a 15-ft. pull-type rotary. Other people saw it and liked it but they wanted smaller sizes," says Fisher, noting that he now makes a 2-blade 42-in. model, a 3-blade 5 1/2-ft. model, and a 5-blade 9-ft. model. The 24 hp Honda is used on all three models.

A 12-volt electric start and 12-volt electric clutch make them easy to operate.

But what really brings in the buyers is the unusual durability of the mowers, which can be towed behind anything from ATV's to horses. The decks are made from thick 7-ga. steel plate and they ride on 3-in. wide, 15-in. dia. steel wheels (optional rubber wheels available). The heavy mowers really hug the ground. For example, the 5 1/2-ft. model weighs 750 lbs.

"The steel wheels are made out of 3/16-in. flange steel," explains Fisher. "The heavy 1 1/4-in. needle bearings, mounted on a 3/4-in. shaft, are built to stand up to plenty of bouncing on rough terrain."

Cutting height can be adjusted across a 2 to 10-in. range. A ratchet jack lifts all four wheels at one time.