Exploring Drum Mowers: What Is a Drum Mower and How It Works

8 min readOct 19, 2023

Drum mowers are agricultural machinery commonly used for hay and forage harvesting. They are specifically designed to efficiently cut and condition grass, hay, and other crops in a quick and effective manner. With their unique drum-shaped cutting mechanism, drum mowers offer numerous advantages over traditional sickle bars or disc mowers. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of drum mowers in detail.

How Does a Drum Mower Work?

A drum mower consists of a set of rotating drums equipped with sharp cutting blades. These drums are connected to the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) system, enabling them to spin at a high speed. As the tractor moves forward, the drums rotate, cutting the standing crop in their path. The cut stems are then neatly deposited in a swath behind the machine, ready for further processing or baling.

Advantages of Drum Mowers

Drum mowers offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many farmers and agricultural professionals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits:

1. Efficiency and Speed

Drum mowers are designed to be highly efficient and can cover large areas in a relatively short time. Their wide cutting width allows for quicker cutting, reducing the time required to complete a job. Additionally, the high rotation speed of the drums ensures a clean and precise cut, even in dense or tangled crops.

The wide cutting width of drum mowers allows for faster cutting compared to other types of mowers. This is particularly beneficial when working on large fields or time-sensitive harvesting operations.
The high rotation speed of the drums ensures that the crops are cut cleanly and precisely. This is especially important when dealing with thick or tangled vegetation, as it helps prevent damage to the crop and ensures optimal harvesting results.
The efficient cutting action of drum mowers enables farmers to complete their harvesting tasks quickly and effectively, maximizing productivity and minimizing labor costs.

2. Low Power Requirements

Compared to other types of mowers, drum mowers have relatively low power requirements. This means that they can be easily operated by tractors with lower horsepower, resulting in cost savings for farmers. The lower power requirement also translates to reduced fuel consumption and less wear and tear on the machinery.

Drum mowers are designed to operate efficiently with lower horsepower tractors. This makes them a cost-effective choice for farmers who do not own high-powered tractors, as they can still achieve efficient cutting performance without the need for costly machinery upgrades.
The lower power requirements of drum mowers also contribute to reduced fuel consumption, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
With less strain on the machinery due to lower power requirements, drum mowers experience less wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer machine lifespan.

3. Versatility

Drum mowers are versatile machines that can handle various types of crops and terrains. They are suitable for cutting not only grass and hay but also tougher crops like reeds, brambles, and other similar vegetation. Their robust construction allows them to operate effectively even on rough or uneven ground, ensuring consistent cutting performance.

Drum mowers can efficiently cut a wide range of crops, including grass, hay, reeds, brambles, and other similar vegetation. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for farmers who have diverse crops or need to clear different types of vegetation.
The robust construction of drum mowers enables them to operate effectively on rough or uneven ground, ensuring consistent cutting performance regardless of the terrain. This is particularly beneficial in agricultural areas with varying landscape conditions.
The ability of drum mowers to handle different crops and terrains gives farmers the flexibility and convenience they need to efficiently manage their land and maximize productivity.

4. Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a drum mower is relatively straightforward. The cutting blades can be easily replaced or sharpened when required, ensuring optimum cutting performance. Regular greasing and inspection of the machine’s moving parts help prolong its lifespan and prevent breakdowns. Additionally, drum mowers are designed with simplicity in mind, minimizing the need for complex adjustments or repairs.

The cutting blades of drum mowers can be easily replaced or sharpened, allowing farmers to maintain optimal cutting performance. This ensures that the crops are cut cleanly and efficiently, resulting in high-quality output.
Regular greasing and inspection of the moving parts of a drum mower are essential to ensure smooth operation and prevent breakdowns. This maintenance routine is relatively simple and can be easily incorporated into the farmer’s regular maintenance schedule.
Drum mowers are designed with user-friendly features that minimize the need for complex adjustments or repairs. This simplicity not only makes maintenance easier but also reduces downtime and increases overall productivity.

5. Excellent Output Quality

One of the standout features of drum mowers is their ability to produce high-quality output. The clean and precise cut achieved by the sharp blades and fast rotation speed ensures minimal crop damage and maximizes the nutritional value of the harvested forage. Moreover, the neatly deposited swath allows for efficient drying and subsequent baling or storage.

The sharp blades and fast rotation speed of drum mowers result in a clean and precise cut, minimizing crop damage. This is crucial for maintaining the nutritional value and quality of the harvested forage, ensuring that it meets the highest standards.
The neatly deposited swath behind the drum mower allows for efficient drying of the cut crops. This is especially important in hay production, as proper drying is essential to preserve the quality of the forage and prevent spoilage.
The high-quality output produced by drum mowers facilitates subsequent baling or storage processes, ensuring that the harvested crops can be efficiently stored or used for further processing.

Choosing the Right Drum Mower

When it comes to selecting a drum mower, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Let’s explore a few key considerations:

1. Cutting Width and Capacity

The cutting width of a drum mower determines the amount of crop it can process in a single pass. Depending on the size of your field and the desired productivity, you should choose a drum mower with a suitable cutting width. Additionally, consider the mower’s capacity to handle different crop densities and heights.

The cutting width of a drum mower should be chosen based on the size of the field and the desired productivity. A wider cutting width allows for faster cutting and increased efficiency, especially in large-scale operations.
Consider the density and height of the crops you will be cutting. Some drum mowers are better suited for dense or tall vegetation, ensuring optimal performance and preventing clogging or uneven cutting.
Assess the capacity of the drum mower to handle different crop densities. This is particularly important when dealing with thicker or tougher crops that require more power and cutting force.

2. Durability and Build Quality

Investing in a well-built and durable drum mower is crucial to minimize downtime and maximize the machine’s lifespan. Look for models made from high-quality materials and with a solid construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Choose a drum mower made from high-quality materials, such as heavy-duty steel or durable alloys. This ensures that the machine can withstand the demanding conditions of agricultural operations and provides long-lasting performance.
Consider the overall build quality of the drum mower, including the strength of its frame, the durability of its cutting blades, and the reliability of its drive system. These factors contribute to the machine’s ability to withstand heavy use and maintain consistent cutting performance.
Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help in assessing the durability and build quality of different drum mower models, allowing you to make an informed decision.

3. Ease of Use and Maneuverability

A user-friendly drum mower can significantly enhance your overall productivity. Consider features such as ease of attachment to the tractor, straightforward height adjustment mechanisms, and intuitive controls. Additionally, look for a model that offers good maneuverability, especially in tight spaces or challenging terrains.

Choose a drum mower that is easy to attach and detach from the tractor. This saves time and simplifies the process of switching between different farm tasks.
Look for height adjustment mechanisms that are intuitive and easy to operate. This allows for quick and precise adjustment of the cutting height, ensuring optimal cutting performance in different crop conditions.
Consider the maneuverability of the drum mower, especially if you have narrow passages or uneven terrains on your farm. A model that offers good maneuverability can help you navigate tight spaces and challenging landscapes with ease, minimizing the risk of damage to the machine or the crops.

4. After-Sales Support and Warranty

Choosing a reputable manufacturer or supplier who offers reliable after-sales support and a comprehensive warranty is essential. This ensures that you have access to technical assistance, spare parts, and maintenance services whenever required, thus minimizing downtime and maximizing the machine’s uptime.

Check the reputation of the manufacturer or supplier by reading customer reviews and testimonials. A company with a strong track record of providing excellent after-sales support is more likely to address any issues or concerns promptly and efficiently.
Look for a drum mower that comes with a comprehensive warranty. This provides peace of mind and protects your investment in case of any manufacturing defects or unexpected malfunctions.
Consider the availability of spare parts and maintenance services for the specific drum mower model you are interested in. Timely access to spare parts and reliable maintenance support is crucial for minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Conclusion

Drum mowers have revolutionized the field of hay and forage harvesting, offering farmers an efficient and cost-effective solution for crop cutting. With their unique drum-shaped cutting mechanism, these mowers provide several advantages, including high efficiency, low power requirements, versatility, easy maintenance, and excellent output quality. By considering factors like cutting width, build quality, ease of use, and after-sales support, farmers can select the right drum mower that suits their specific needs and ensures optimal performance in the field.

FAQ’s

How does a drum mower work?

A drum mower consists of rotating drums with sharp cutting blades that are connected to a tractor’s power take-off (PTO) system. As the tractor moves forward, the drums spin at a high speed, cutting the standing crop in their path and depositing the cut stems in a swath behind the machine.

What are the advantages of using a drum mower?

– Drum mowers are efficient and can cover large areas quickly due to their wide cutting width and high rotation speed.
– They have low power requirements, making them cost-effective and reducing fuel consumption and wear on machinery.
– Drum mowers are versatile and can handle various crops and terrains, including grass, hay, reeds, and brambles.
– Maintenance is relatively easy, with simple blade replacement or sharpening, regular greasing, and inspection of moving parts.
– They produce high-quality output with a clean and precise cut, minimizing crop damage and allowing for efficient drying and storage.

How do I choose the right drum mower?

Consider factors such as cutting width and capacity based on field size and desired productivity. Assess durability and build quality by choosing models made from high-quality materials. Look for ease of use and maneuverability with features like easy attachment to the tractor, intuitive height adjustment mechanisms, and good maneuverability in tight spaces or challenging terrains. Lastly, choose a reputable manufacturer or supplier that offers reliable after-sales support and a comprehensive warranty.

What are the benefits of using a drum mower for forage harvesting?

Drum mowers provide efficient and cost-effective crop cutting for forage harvesting. They offer high productivity, low power requirements, versatility in handling different types of crops, easy maintenance, and excellent output quality. These benefits contribute to maximizing productivity, minimizing labor costs, and ensuring high-quality forage for storage or further processing.