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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
Hello,
I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote:
Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. I would have thought any half decent petrol strimmer with the correct cord, shoulder harness and cowhorn handles would do the job in less than a day (although you may need/deserve a beer after) :~) -- Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall www.roselandhouse.co.uk National collections of Clematis viticella & Lapageria rosea |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
I invested in DR wheeled trimmer-mower which I find easier and quicker than a normal strimmer. As a small person, wielding a robust strimmer is heavy on the arms and shoulders after a while. This trimmer also has very thick strong cord so it cuts through tough docks etc easily.
Janet G |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote:
Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Having read the previous posts, I shall leave experience/expertise on machinery and tools to others, but I did wonder if you might weaken the grass at least with the use of yellow rattle? -- Spider On high ground in SE London Gardening on heavy clay |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 21/09/2016 12:33, Janet wrote:
In article , says... I invested in DR wheeled trimmer-mower which I find easier and quicker than a normal strimmer. As a small person, wielding a robust strimmer is heavy on the arms and shoulders after a while. This trimmer also has very thick strong cord so it cuts through tough docks etc easily. Janet G It would be a good idea to try out a few different options before buying; which the OP can do by hiring. That way he won't end up with a machine that's too weak for the job or one that he finds too heavy or painful. Janet ( Arran) OR get someone in to clear it to stare then he would be able to use a lighter machine to keep it down. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
charliepridham wrote:
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. I would have thought any half decent petrol strimmer with the correct cord, shoulder harness and cowhorn handles would do the job in less than a day (although you may need/deserve a beer after) :~) NO, not really, the 'under the trees' bit makes it take a *long* time in my experience. -- Chris Green · |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP
wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? snip I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Is the orchard well fenced? 2-4 sheep on 1.5 acres should keep the grass under control, improve the soil and eventually eliminate most weeds. They browse a little on the trees but shouldnt cause any real harm. I do this myself. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:07:46 +1000, Jeßus wrote:
Is the orchard well fenced? 2-4 sheep on 1.5 acres should keep the grass under control, improve the soil and eventually eliminate most weeds. They browse a little on the trees but shouldnt cause any real harm. I do this myself. Any particular favourite? Apple, Pear, a nice bit of Birch for breakfast. G.Harman |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je�us wrote:
On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article ,
David Hill wrote: I've recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I'm struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. ... Sheep don't like long grass. Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. It's the non-grasses that are the real problem for grazing. I don't know whether goats and donkeys will eat those, in real life rather than fiction, but none of sheep, horses or even cattle will. Cattle would do, if the non-grasses were cut down at least a couple of times a year, but only then. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:19:43 +0100, David Hill
wrote: On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je?us wrote: On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. That is true. You would have to get the grass short initially, but after that... Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. Yes, I wouldn't use goats in that situation. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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