Ive rented one a few times.

Theres a few issues design issues.

The control cables arent well protected where they enter at the back of the machine. They will get ripped off if your not careful.

The rear edge of the mower deck will hang up on the woody stumps of what you've cut.

Cutting capacity is limited to 1" or so max. It will mow pretty much whatever it can push over, but thats the problem.The open differential sucks when mowing woody brush. It will crawl up the trunk, but not have enough traction or weight to finish the job. You can cut thicker but its a lot more work. However it will mow heavy grass and woody "bushes" fine.


Trying to mow clusters of alders , if their larger than 1.5" or so is next to impossible without quite a bit of effort. The deck will get hung up on the stumps meaning you have to man handle the mower to clear it. It will also hang up on stumps that have sprung back up after getting cut. If it was my machine i'd cut the back lip off the deck and put a skidplate under the mower section to prevent this.

The forward / reverse gear selector isnt the best design. On the ones ive used, the gear selection is imprecise and the lever is a bit out of the way. Ergonomics arent the best.

If youve never ran one, i can tell you your in for a workout especially in larger woody brush.

I think the commercial DR's are a better machine. but would also consider a larger BCS or even a older Gravley before the BillyGoat in my experience. A diff lock and possibly differential steering levers would be things id look for in a brush mower.

 

I 'preciate the info Scooby. . .having second thoughts about the Goat. Didn't know DR made a pro model and had forgotten about BCS, will definately check them out!

 

I 'preciate the info Scooby. . .having second thoughts about the Goat. Didn't know DR made a pro model and had forgotten about BCS, will definately check them out!

I should have asked what your trying to mow. If its just grass and hay, and light brush, then a BG may serve you well if you really want that brand.

If heaver brush, then i think your right to go with another brand.

A bit if info on BCS, some say that the stock tires are a little low for brush mowing for the same reasons as the BG, so most guys step up their tire size for more clearance. The larger BCS has steering brakes and a locking diff, good features. BCS would also give you the option for other attachments like Sicklebar and tiller or snowblower.

Larger DRs have probably the most power in their class, and a locking diff, but IMHO the drivetrain of the BCS is more robust (all gear) .

Truthfully, the best woody brush machine is my 252rx spacing saw with a saw blade. Way higher production in alders and actually easier on the back. The only way a walkbehind is better would be in heavy grass and light woody brush. In anything 1-1.5"+ clusters the 252 destroys the walkbehind.

 

Rent one. Let the product speak for itself. It's the most popular walk-behind brush cutter in the rental industry because it works and holds up to rental customer abuse. You'll never find a DR. in a rental fleet for this very reason.

 

Ive rented one a few times.
...

Cutting capacity is limited to 1" or so max. It will mow pretty much whatever it can push over, but thats the problem.The open differential sucks when mowing woody brush. It will crawl up the trunk, but not have enough traction or weight to finish the job. You can cut thicker but its a lot more work. However it will mow heavy grass and woody "bushes" fine.
...

does it had limited slip differential? (by specs - it has LSD but may be there wasn't one on earlier models?, or LSD itself doesn't work too good in certain conditions?)

 

Rent one. Let the product speak for itself. It's the most popular walk-behind brush cutter in the rental industry because it works and holds up to rental customer abuse. You'll never find a DR. in a rental fleet for this very reason.

good point

btw. what's "brand name" is a "Brush Beast"? : (

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...=100672175&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=4f42832e-9301-4fd5-8260-054f79331ad0(2 hydros)

 

btw, Mr.Force, why there isn't CFM spec data for BG Force wb blowers on BG site?
and where video of blowing bricks & sanderblocks gone?
thankyou

 

I own the DR commercial grade brushmower with the 17HP Kaw and 30" deck. I researched all of the WB brush mowers and because of the engine and deck size I chose the DR. It is also nice it will take other attachments to help justify the purchase. An important feature of the DR is the pivoting deck, which means you can brushhog more of an overgrown ditch than a fixed deck machine. I bought the 42" grader and snow blade, it works great, though I will buy chains for snow removal. I would of considered the Giant Vac or Billy Goat, but could not justify the cost for something that will be used maybe 10-15X a year, atleast with the DR, it can be used for other applications.
I bought this earlier in the summer and it has almost paid for itself. The customers were very happy with the finished product. This will be a good money making service for me to add on to my mowing.

 

does it had limited slip differential? (by specs - it has LSD but may be there wasn't one on earlier models?, or LSD itself doesn't work too good in certain conditions?)

So it does. Maybe the one i used was a earlier model without a LSD? Dont know, However in my experience it doesnt work worth a darn. Certainly not for what i was using it for.

Heavy grass, yes. Woody trunks 1-1.5"+ nope.

Mr. Force: What about the lip on the deck that catches on everything ? Or the exposed cables that go into the mower under the engine that are unprotected? New models look to have a skidplate but the cable still hangs loose above it.

******: definitely rent a BG, then try a DR or BCS. I know what you'll choose likely wont be a BG.