Bar mowers are particularly suitable for mowing natural meadows and grain fields. High, thick and dense grass, wild vegetation with small bushes and uneven terrain - what the lawn mower can no longer cope with, the petrol-powered scythe mower effortlessly masters. We introduce you to the best devices and provide practical tips on purchasing them.
Bar mowers are used where the lawn mower reaches its limits
Our recommendations
our recommendation
HECHT petrol bar mower 587-18 meadow mower (3.6 kW (5.0 HP), cutting width 87 cm, working height 30-80 mm, wheel drive)
689.00 EUR To the product| engine power | 3.6kW |
|---|---|
| working width | 87 cm |
| cutting height | 30 - 80mm |
| tank volume | 1L |
| Weight | 54kg |
| Adjustable handlebar | Yes |
Buyers of the HECHT petrol bar mower particularly praise its excellent price-performance ratio. Customers also positively emphasize the ease of use of the machine.
Thanks to the powerful output of 3.6 kilowatts, the device can even handle complicated meadows and lawns without any problems.
Compared to the previous model, the current version of the HECHT petrol scythe mower impresses with the much more powerful engine, the larger tires including the off-road profile and the more flexible working height.
A little tip: If you have difficulties with assembly, please do not hesitate to contact HECHT customer service. Reviewers on Amazon state that the manufacturer responds quickly, friendly and competently.
our recommendation
MTD - bar mower SMART BM 87-35; 25A-FM5B678
827.17 EUR To the product| engine power | 1.7kW |
|---|---|
| working width | 87 cm |
| cutting height | 10 - 30mm |
| tank volume | 0.8L |
| Weight | 53.8kg |
| Adjustable handlebar | Yes |
One of the greatest features of the MTD bar mower is the two separate clutch levers for the traction drive and the mower. Buyers are very satisfied with the work done and the results achieved.
The bar mower should run fast and challenge the mower in a sporty way.
In winter, you can equip the MTD scythe mower with a snow blade in winter to efficiently push snow to the side of the road.
The user manual is viewed critically and described as inadequate by several reviewers. Inexperienced people should not set up the device themselves - a friend may be able to help, otherwise there are also tips on the Internet.
our recommendation
AL-KO bar mower BM 875 III (87 cm cutting width, 2.3 kW engine power, specially hardened knives with variable cutting height, vibration-dampened and height-adjustable handlebar)
To the product| engine power | 2.3kW |
|---|---|
| working width | 87 cm |
| cutting height | 30 - 60mm |
| tank volume | 1.1L |
| Weight | 52kg |
| Adjustable handlebar | Yes |
The work can start quickly with the AL-KO bar mower: Buyers mention that it starts up quickly. In addition, the device should run very quietly, making mowing particularly pleasant.
The integrated grass deflector ensures that no more grass is left on the cover. This in turn increases the ease of care and reduces the time it takes to clean the double blade after use.
Some customers describe the operating instructions or the manual for assembly as not very successful. It is advisable, if necessary, to consult an expert in order to assemble the device correctly.
Purchase Criteria
Attachment vs standalone device
essay: Cutter bars are available as attachments for an agricultural machine such as a tractor, combine harvester or other ride-on vehicle. In this case, the mower only has to be mounted on the respective base.
our recommendation
Güde 95181 GBM 970 bar mower for 95180 (970mm cutting width, 20-60mm cutting height adjustment for areas over 2,000 m²)
445.23 EUR To the productStand alone device: As an independent device, the bar mower has an axle with two wheels (hence the name single-axle) and two handles for pushing. It is handled in a similar way to a classic lawn mower.
engine power
Depending on the intended area of application, the scythe mower should not fall below a certain engine output - measured and specified in kilowatts. If you only want to mow long grass with the device, 1.7 kW is absolutely sufficient. But as soon as you go into hilly and/or heavily overgrown areas, you need a more powerful device with at least 2.3 kW.
transmission
1-speed gearbox: A small scythe with a 1-speed gearbox only has one forward gear. So to trim forgotten/overlooked grass behind you, you have to turn the whole (heavy) machine upside down - that can be tedious.
multi-speed gearbox: A professional machine usually comes with both a forward and a reverse gear, making the work easier. This is particularly noticeable on slopes and other impassable areas. Some bar mowers even come with two forward and two reverse gears - good for trimming very dense grass and small bushes, bad for the wallet.
cutting width
A mower that tends to be narrow is preferable for a crooked area. On the other hand, you should choose a wider bar on a relatively uniform and large area. For most devices, the cutting width is 87 centimeters. As an alternative, there is also a choice of cutter bars with a width of 72, 98 or 102 centimetres.
working height
Depending on the model, the cutter bar of the scythe mower can be raised up to nine centimeters and/or lowered to ground level. What height of cut are you aiming for?
ergonomics
You should adjust the bar mower correctly, i.e. be able to adjust it to your needs in every respect. Easily adjustable screws for the working height are just as important as a height-adjustable handlebar to adapt it to your height and prevent back pain. It is also practical if the handlebar can be folded in - for compact, space-saving storage.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
How is a bar mower constructed?
The bar mower owes its name to the bar-shaped device at the front, the so-called cutter bar. Two counter-rotating knife rails with many triangular knives are attached to the wide beam. Each knife is up to five centimeters long and up to three centimeters wide. There are also two wheels, a handlebar and a combustion engine with a petrol tank.
Note: People often search for scythe mowers with electric or battery drives. However, the devices are usually petrol-powered. This is also necessary in order to be able to provide the intended service.
How does a bar mower work?
The combustion engine drives both the wheels and the rotating mower deck. The latter gently shortens grass up to two meters high by counter-rotating cutting movements, i.e. without tearing it. In this way, the grass plant is not stressed or injured. As a result, it can grow back well after the cut.
Where is a bar mower used?
Bar mowers are primarily used by farmers, gardeners and landscapers. But even home gardeners with a large, heavily overgrown meadow area benefit from such a device. A bar mower is also very helpful for mowing uneven surfaces, tall grass, finer wood or grain.
Which brands are recommended for bar mowers?
Examples of good bar mower brands are MTD, HECHT, AL-KO, Güde and Agria.
How much does a bar mower cost?
Bar mowers are expensive. For a complete device you have to reckon with upwards of 500 euros. The prices for cutter bars as attachments start at 250 euros. It may be worth studying the Amazon marketplace and buying a solid used device. If you only need the bar mower every few years, it makes sense to rent it from a hardware store.
Is there a bar mower test by Stiftung Warentest?
No, to date there has been no specific bar mower test by Stiftung Warentest.
How do I maintain a bar mower?
- After each use, remove straw, leaves, soil and other dirt from the upper and lower blades of the scythe mower.
- If necessary, sharpen the knives with a sharpener. If you don't trust yourself to do this job, it's better to leave the grinding to a professional.
- Maintain the machine regularly and purchase replacement parts only from the scythe mower manufacturer.
equipment
snow blade
Many bar mowers allow you to mount a snow blade on the bar in winter. This makes shoveling snow easier(er). Don't forget to attach snow chains to the mower's wheels.
our recommendation
AL-KO 106208 winter equipment with snow blade and chains for BM 5001 R
To the productDouble knife sharpener
In order to be able to sharpen the blades of the bar mower yourself, you need a high-quality sharpening device that is also suitable for double blades.
our recommendation