What is the primary function of a mower?

A mower is a machine or person designed to cut grass or other low-growing plants. This process is typically referred to as mowing.

How does the term 'mowing' differ from 'reaping' according to the text?

While both involve cutting plants, mowing specifically refers to cutting grass and similar ground cover. Reaping, on the other hand, is the traditional term for harvesting grain crops, often using implements like reapers or combine harvesters.

What specific types of mowers are used for lawns and sports fields?

Smaller mowers used for lawns and sports grounds are commonly called lawn mowers or grounds mowers. These can be self-powered or small enough for manual pushing.

What are larger mowers primarily used for, and what are some related terms?

Larger mowers, such as mower-conditioners, are mainly employed to cut grass or other crops intended for hay or silage. They often arrange the cut material into rows known as windrows. Swathers, also called windrowers, are also used for this purpose.

Before the advent of mechanized mowers, what tools were used for cutting grass and crops by hand?

Before mechanized mowers became widespread, and in areas where machines are impractical, grass and grain crops were traditionally cut by hand using implements like scythes or sickles.

What is the advantage of ganging multiple cutting units on larger mowers?

Larger mowers are often equipped with a 'gang' of similar cutting units. This configuration allows each unit to adapt individually to the contours of the ground, ensuring a more consistent cut across uneven terrain.

What are the common methods for powering and attaching larger mowers to tractors or draft animals?

Larger mowers can be powered and drawn by tractors or draft animals. They may be mounted directly underneath the tractor between the wheels, attached to the rear via a three-point hitch, or pulled behind as a trailer.

How do boom or side-arm mowers enhance a tractor's mowing capabilities?

Boom or side-arm mowers are attached to long hydraulic arms, similar to those on a backhoe. This design allows the tractor to remain on a safer surface while mowing steep banks or maneuvering around obstacles.

What are sickle mowers also known as, and what is their fundamental cutting mechanism?

Sickle mowers are also referred to as reciprocating mowers, bar mowers, sickle-bar mowers, or finger-bar mowers. Their cutting mechanism involves a reciprocating sickle with sharp sections that move back and forth within a channel against stationary guard plates, creating a scissor-like cutting action.

How does the cutting action of a sickle mower compare to a familiar tool?

The cutting action of a sickle mower, where sharp sickle sections move against finger-plates, can be likened to the operation of an electric hair clipper.

How is the cutting height adjusted on a sickle mower, and what supports the cutting bar?

The cutting height of a sickle mower is adjusted by tilting the bar itself. The bar is supported at its inner end by a skid that rides on the ground.

What is the purpose of the spring-loaded board on the outer end of a sickle mower bar?

The spring-loaded board at the outer end of a sickle mower's bar serves to guide the cut hay away from the uncut hay. This action helps create a clean channel, allowing the mower's skid to follow smoothly on the next pass.

What historical significance do sickle mowers hold in agricultural history?

Sickle mowers represent a significant advancement in agricultural technology, being among the first successful horse-drawn mowers on farms. The fundamental principles of their design continue to influence modern mower development.

What are rotary mowers, and how do they differ from sickle mowers in their cutting action?

Rotary mowers, also known as drum mowers, utilize a rapidly rotating bar or disks with sharpened edges to cut crops. This is distinct from sickle mowers, which use a reciprocating blade.

At what speed can tractor-mounted rotary mowers operate, and how can their cutting width be increased?

When tractor-mounted, rotary mowers can achieve mowing speeds of up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) in ideal conditions. Their cutting width can be extended by mounting them in double or triple sets on a tractor, allowing for swaths up to 20 feet wide.

How are rotary mowers designed to handle obstructions in rough cutting conditions?

In rough cutting conditions, rotary mowers are often equipped with blades attached to disks that can swivel. This design allows the blades to absorb impacts from obstructions, preventing damage to the mower.

What are reel mowers, also called cylinder mowers, and how do they cut grass?

Reel mowers, or cylinder mowers, feature a horizontally rotating cylindrical reel with helical blades. These blades move past a horizontal cutter-bar, creating a continuous scissor-like cutting action.

For what types of areas are reel mowers typically used, and what kind of grass quality do they produce?

Reel mowers are commonly used on bowling greens, lawns, parks, and sports grounds to achieve a consistently short and even cut. They are particularly effective on upright vegetation.

What is a 'gang mower' in the context of reel mowers?

A gang mower is formed when multiple reel mowers (often three, five, or more) are linked together and pulled by a tractor or, historically, a horse. This setup allows for cutting wider areas efficiently.

What are the environmental and practical benefits of using home reel mowers?

Home reel mowers offer benefits such as being quieter than motor-powered alternatives and not requiring external power sources beyond the operator's effort. This reduces reliance on fuel or electricity and lessens environmental impact.

What type of vegetation might pose a challenge for reel mowers?

While effective on short, upright grass, reel mowers may struggle with taller vegetation. If the grass is too tall or thick, it tends to be rolled flat by the reel rather than being cut cleanly.

Describe the cutting mechanism of a flail mower.

Flail mowers utilize a series of small, ax-like blades attached to chains on a horizontal axis. As the axis rotates, these blades strike and cut the grass or vegetation at high speed.

What makes flail mowers particularly suitable for rough ground and tough vegetation?

Flail mowers are well-suited for rough ground because their blades can strike objects without significant damage. Their design, with relatively heavy blades on chains, gives them high inertia, making them effective at cutting thicker vegetation like brush, often better than other mower types.

How can a flail mower be adapted for tasks like hedge trimming?

When mounted as a boom mower on an arm, a flail mower can be positioned upright for trimming the sides of hedges. In this configuration, it is often referred to as a hedge-cutter.

What are the defining features of drum mowers in terms of design and durability?

Drum mowers are characterized by their simple and robust construction. They typically consist of two large drums, each equipped with multiple spinning blades, making them relatively easy to maintain and often resulting in a longer operational lifespan.

How do drum mowers cut grass, and in what conditions do they excel?

Drum mowers cut grass by using spinning blades housed within rotating drums that chop down the vegetation as the mower moves. They are particularly effective when dealing with tall and dense grass due to their powerful cutting action.

What are the potential limitations of drum mowers?

While effective in tall grass, drum mowers may encounter difficulties on uneven terrain. Additionally, their cutting speed might be slower compared to some more modern mower designs.

What factors contribute to the affordability and appeal of drum mowers for certain users?

Drum mowers are often considered affordable and sturdy, making them an attractive choice for smaller farms or individuals operating on a budget who need a reliable machine for cutting grass.

What related machinery or concepts are mentioned in the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as aquatic weed harvesters, groundskeeping, a list of agricultural machinery, and roller mowers.

What is the purpose of the 'Mower (disambiguation)' link at the beginning of the article?

The 'Mower (disambiguation)' link is provided to direct readers to other meanings or uses of the term 'mower' that are not covered in the main article about the grass-cutting machine.

What does the 'More citations needed' template indicate about the article's content?

The 'More citations needed' template signifies that the article requires additional references to reliable sources to verify its information. It prompts readers to help improve the article by adding citations or challenges unsourced material.

What kind of visual media is used to illustrate the article's content?

The article uses various visual media, including a video of a robot mower, comparison images of cutting methods (scythe, reel, rotary), and photographs of different mower types like skid-steer, Eicher tractor with finger-bar mower, rotary cutters, reel mowers, flail mowers, and drum mowers.

What is the function of the 'shortdescription' element at the top of the article?

The 'shortdescription' element provides a brief, concise summary of the article's topic, stating that it is about a 'Mechanical vegetation cutter'.

What is the difference between a mower and a mower-conditioner?

A mower's primary function is to cut grass. A mower-conditioner, however, not only cuts grass but also processes it, often by crimping or crushing the stems, to speed up the drying process for hay or silage production.

How do the blades of a rotary mower differ from those of a sickle mower?

Rotary mower blades are typically sharpened edges on rotating disks or bars that cut by impact and shearing. Sickle mower blades are sharp sections mounted on a reciprocating bar that cut by a scissor action against stationary guards.

What is the significance of the 'windrow' in the context of mowing?

A windrow is a row of cut grass or crops left on the field after mowing, typically by a mower-conditioner or swather. These windrows are formed to facilitate drying and subsequent collection for making hay or silage.

What does the term 'ganged' mean when referring to mowers?

When mowers are 'ganged,' it means multiple cutting units or machines are connected together, often side-by-side, to cover a wider area in a single pass. This is common with larger mowers, especially reel mowers pulled by tractors.

What is the primary advantage of a reel mower's scissor action?

The scissor action of a reel mower provides a clean, precise cut, similar to scissors cutting paper. This results in a very neat and even finish on the grass, which is desirable for lawns and sports fields.

How does the cutting action of a flail mower differ from a rotary mower?

A flail mower uses multiple small, swinging blades (often ax-like) attached to chains that strike the vegetation. A rotary mower uses blades attached to a rotating disk or bar that cut by shearing against a stationary blade or by impact.

What is the main application for flail mowers, especially those mounted on booms?

Flail mowers are primarily used for cutting rough vegetation, brush, and on uneven terrain where other mowers might be damaged. When mounted on booms, they are also used for specialized tasks like trimming hedges.

What is the core principle behind a drum mower's operation?

A drum mower operates using two large drums, each fitted with several blades that spin rapidly. As the drums rotate and move across the grass, these blades chop down the vegetation.

What does the reference to Wikimedia Commons suggest about the topic of mowers?

The mention of Wikimedia Commons indicates that there is a collection of related media files, such as images and potentially videos, available on that platform concerning various types of mowers.

What is the purpose of the 'References' section in the article?

The 'References' section provides a list of sources, including websites and publications, that were used to gather information for the article. These citations allow readers to verify the facts presented and explore the topic further.

How does a sickle-bar mower's design facilitate clean cutting on subsequent passes?

The spring-loaded board on the outer end of a sickle-bar mower guides cut material away from uncut grass. This creates a channel that the mower's skid can follow, allowing it to cut only uncut grass cleanly on the next swath.

What is the difference between a mower-conditioner and a swather?

Both mower-conditioners and swathers are used to cut grass or crops and arrange them into windrows. However, mower-conditioners often include a conditioning mechanism to speed up drying, while swathers primarily focus on cutting and forming the windrow.

What are the potential drawbacks of using rotary mowers on very uneven ground?

While rotary mowers can handle rough conditions, their effectiveness and safety might be reduced on extremely uneven terrain where the rotating blades could strike the ground or other obstacles unexpectedly.

What makes reel mowers particularly suitable for maintaining the appearance of fine turf?

The precise scissor-like cutting action of reel mowers ensures a clean, uniform cut that promotes healthy grass growth and a smooth, manicured appearance, making them ideal for high-quality turf areas like golf greens and sports fields.

Can flail mowers be used for tasks other than cutting grass on the ground?

Yes, flail mowers, especially when mounted on boom arms, can be used in an upright position for tasks such as trimming the sides of hedges, effectively functioning as a hedge-cutter.

What is a key advantage of drum mowers in terms of maintenance?

Drum mowers are known for their simplicity, which often translates to easier maintenance compared to more complex mower designs. This straightforward construction contributes to their robustness and longevity.

What does the video at the beginning of the article demonstrate?

The video demonstrates a robot mower being used in challenging terrain, specifically near flood defenses in Wales, showcasing its ability to operate autonomously in difficult environments.

What is the purpose of the 'External links' section?

The 'External links' section provides direct links to related resources outside of Wikipedia, such as Wikimedia Commons, allowing users to find additional information or media relevant to the topic of mowers.

Mower Wiki: The Precision Cut: An In-depth Exploration of Mowers

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Introduction

Defining the Mower

A mower is a mechanical device designed for cutting grass or other vegetation that grows close to the ground. This process, commonly referred to as mowing, is distinct from reaping, which traditionally involves harvesting grain crops using implements like reapers or combine harvesters.

Lawn and Grounds Maintenance

Smaller mowers, often termed lawn mowers or grounds mowers, are specifically designed for maintaining lawns, gardens, and sports fields. These machines can be self-powered or manually pushed by the operator. They typically employ either reel or rotary cutting mechanisms to achieve a precise finish.

Agricultural Applications

Larger mowers, including mower-conditioners, are primarily utilized in agriculture for cutting grass intended for hay or silage. These machines often arrange the cut vegetation into rows, known as windrows, facilitating subsequent collection. Swathers, also known as windrowers, serve a similar purpose for both grass and grain crops.

Mower Configurations

Ganged and Mounted Systems

For larger areas, mowers are often ganged, meaning they are equipped with multiple cutting units that can individually adapt to ground contours. These units can be powered and drawn by tractors or, historically, by draft animals. Common mounting configurations include:

Underneath Mount: Positioned between the front and rear wheels of a tractor.
Rear Mount: Attached via a three-point hitch system.
Trailer Pull: Pulled behind the tractor as a separate unit.

Self-Propelled and Specialized Designs

Dedicated self-propelled cutting machines often feature mower units mounted at the front and sides, enhancing driver visibility. Specialized designs like boom or side-arm mowers are mounted on long hydraulic arms, analogous to a backhoe arm. This configuration allows tractors to operate safely on steep banks or maneuver around obstacles while remaining on stable ground.

Mower Types

Sickle Mowers

Also known as reciprocating, bar, sickle-bar, or finger-bar mowers, these feature a long bar (typically six to seven and a half feet) fitted with stationary guard plates and fingers. A reciprocating sickle, composed of sharp triangular sections, moves back and forth within a channel on the bar. The cutting action occurs between the sickle sections and the finger-plates, similar to electric hair clippers. The bar is ground-supported and adjustable for cutting height. These were among the earliest successful horse-drawn farm mowers, and their fundamental principles persist in modern designs.

Rotary Mowers

Rotary mowers, sometimes called drum mowers, utilize a rapidly rotating bar or disks equipped with sharpened edges that cut the vegetation. When tractor-mounted, they can achieve mowing speeds of up to 10 miles per hour under optimal conditions. Some models are designed for dual or triple mounting on tractors, enabling the cutting of swaths up to 20 feet wide. In rough conditions, blades attached to the disks can swivel to absorb impacts from obstructions. These are often referred to as scrub cutters and are effective for tougher vegetation and rough ground.

Reel Mowers

Reel mowers, also known as cylinder mowers, consist of a horizontally rotating cylindrical reel with helical blades. Each blade passes a horizontal cutter-bar, creating a continuous scissor-like cutting action. The bar is maintained at an adjustable height just above the ground. The reel's speed is synchronized with the machine's forward motion, driven by ground-engaging wheels or a motor. Reel mowers excel at producing consistently short, even grass on surfaces like bowling greens, lawns, and sports grounds. When ganged into sets, they can cover large areas efficiently. Home reel mowers offer quieter operation and reduced environmental impact compared to powered alternatives.

Flail Mowers

Flail mowers employ numerous small, ax-like blades attached to chains on a horizontal axis. Cutting is achieved through the high-speed impact of these blades. They are particularly suited for rough terrain and tougher vegetation, such as brush and scrub, where blades may frequently encounter obstructions. The relatively high inertia of the blades makes them effective at cutting thick brush. Some models incorporate collection bins, and when mounted on booms, they can function as hedge-cutters for trimming hedges.

Drum Mowers

Drum mowers are characterized by their simplicity and robustness, featuring two large drums each fitted with three to four spinning blades. These blades chop down grass or crops as the drums move over them. This straightforward design facilitates easier maintenance and contributes to a longer operational lifespan. Drum mowers are highly effective in tall and dense grass due to their powerful cutting action. While they may be less adept on uneven terrain and potentially slower than some modern designs, their affordability and sturdy construction make them a practical choice for smaller agricultural operations or budget-conscious users.

Historical Context

From Manual Labor to Mechanization

Prior to the advent of mechanized mowers, vegetation was cut manually using implements such as scythes and sickles. The development of mechanized mowers marked a significant advancement, particularly in agriculture and groundskeeping. The earliest successful horse-drawn mowers utilized principles similar to modern sickle mowers, demonstrating the foundational impact of early designs.

Evolution of Cutting Mechanisms

The evolution of mowers has seen the refinement of various cutting mechanisms. From the scissor-like action of reel mowers to the impact-driven blades of rotary and flail types, each design offers specific advantages for different applications and terrains. The introduction of self-propelled units and specialized configurations like boom mowers further enhanced efficiency and versatility.

Core Mechanics

Cutting Principles

Mowers employ distinct cutting principles. Sickle mowers use a reciprocating blade against stationary guards, mimicking a shearing action. Reel mowers achieve a precise cut through the continuous scissor action of helical blades against a cutter-bar. Rotary mowers utilize high-speed rotating blades or disks that strike and sever the vegetation. Flail mowers employ the impact force of free-swinging, ax-like blades attached to chains or a rotor.

Power and Propulsion

Modern mowers are typically powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors. Propulsion can be manual (push mowers), self-propelled via driven wheels, or achieved by towing or mounting the mower onto a tractor or other vehicle. The power source and drive system are critical factors determining the mower's capacity, speed, and suitability for different tasks.

Related Concepts

Aquatic Weed Harvesters

These specialized machines are designed to cut and collect aquatic vegetation, often in waterways, lakes, and ponds. They share the cutting principle of mowers but are adapted for operation in aquatic environments.

Groundskeeping and Horticulture

Mowers are indispensable tools in groundskeeping and horticulture, essential for maintaining the aesthetic and functional quality of landscapes, parks, sports fields, and private gardens. The choice of mower significantly impacts the final appearance and health of the turf.

Agricultural Machinery

Mowers represent a key category within agricultural machinery. Alongside tractors, combines, and balers, they play a vital role in crop production, forage harvesting, and land management, contributing to the efficiency and productivity of modern farming practices.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mower Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional agricultural, engineering, or maintenance consultation. Always refer to official manufacturer documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific applications or technical needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Precision Cut

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 🌿

⚙️ Defining the Mower

🏡 Lawn and Grounds Maintenance

🌾 Agricultural Applications

Mower Configurations ⚙️

🔗 Ganged and Mounted Systems

💪 Self-Propelled and Specialized Designs

Mower Types 🚜

🔪 Sickle Mowers

🌀 Rotary Mowers

⚙️ Reel Mowers

💥 Flail Mowers

🥁 Drum Mowers

Historical Context 📜

⚔️ From Manual Labor to Mechanization

💡 Evolution of Cutting Mechanisms

Core Mechanics ✂️

🔬 Cutting Principles

💨 Power and Propulsion

Related Concepts 🔗

🌊 Aquatic Weed Harvesters

🏞️ Groundskeeping and Horticulture

🚜 Agricultural Machinery

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Defining the Mower

Lawn and Grounds Maintenance

Agricultural Applications

Mower Configurations

Ganged and Mounted Systems

Self-Propelled and Specialized Designs

Mower Types

Sickle Mowers

Rotary Mowers

Reel Mowers

Flail Mowers

Drum Mowers

Historical Context

From Manual Labor to Mechanization

Evolution of Cutting Mechanisms

Core Mechanics

Cutting Principles

Power and Propulsion

Related Concepts

Aquatic Weed Harvesters

Groundskeeping and Horticulture

Agricultural Machinery

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice