This cutaway image of a drum mower illustrates the simplicity of the drum mower design - simplicity which translates into ease of use and low-cost of ownership.
Drum mowers are tractor mounted mowers for cutting any type of forage crop. Working widths range from 1.65M (5'5") to 2.10M (6'11"). The forage crop is cut using a free swinging, disc mower style blade mounted on the lower edge of the drum. The drum rotates at a high RPM, allowing for output production ranging from 3 to 6 acres per hour.
Power transmission for the mowing drums is provided through a belt drive system. Unlike a disc mower, which uses a gear drive train, the belt drive system is a lower initial cost, and a much lower cost to maintain. The belt drive system provides built-in protection for the mowing unit and the tractor.
Another benefit of the drum mower is that it is a much lighter weight than a similar size disc mower. This means that the drum mower can be used on a lower horsepower tractor which saves fuel and tractor maintenance costs.
The drum itself consists of two disks - a bottom flat section that is free to rotate and follow the ground contour. The bottom section does not rotate with the upper section which the disc blades are attached to. The bottom of the drum follows ground contours and provides for the optimal mowing height of 2".
The upper section rotates by power supplied through a belt drive transmission system. There are at least two, three or four blades on the upper section. The blades are easily changed via a blade change bar - no wrenches are required.
