Mower Attachments Provide Relief

Like skid-steers, mowers also have their fair share of time-saving attachments. “Using the same power unit for a variety of tasks makes a contractor’s power equipment dollar go further while saving the cost of additional labor,” says Ruthanne Stucky, marketing director for Grasshopper Co., Moundridge, Kan. “Contractors can be a one-stop shop for their clients while pulling double duty with the same equipment, enhancing their return on investment.”
 
Mower attachments are often called implements because, rather than simply adding on to the machine, the mowing deck is replaced by the implement on the front mount, Stucky says. “The weight of the implement on a front mount is transferred to the drive tires, adding traction,” she adds. “Because it is so close-coupled to the power unit, it maneuvers easily, just like the mower deck.”

Vacuum collection system – This attachment collects leaves and grass clippings into a bag or metal hopper that empties from the operator’s seat, eliminating the need for hand raking or backpack blowing. “With a vacuum collection system, contractors can mow and collect simultaneously, doubling efficiency,” Stucky says, adding the parts cost between $1,330 and $2,825, depending on mower deck size.

Dozer blades – Dozer blades perform a variety of functions – from clearing snow to maintaining gravel driveways to backfilling loose dirt and sand. These parts can cost $750 to $2,195 for 48- and 60-inch blades.

Dozer blades are also available for skid-steer loaders and cost from $3,300 to $4,200, says Douglas Laufenberg, product marketing manager for attachments and compact wheel loaders, John Deere Construction and Forestry Division, Moline, Ill.

Rotary brooms – These attachments are able to clear up to 8 inches of snow, dirt and debris from sidewalks, walkways and parking lots. According to Stucky, brooms range in size from 48 to 60 inches and cost $2,025 to $4,200.

Shielded sprayers – A shielded sprayer offers a safe and efficient way to apply pesticides and fertilizers. “A company in Kentucky found they could cut down the spray time on their property from more than 1 ½ days to four hours with a zero-turn mower and a shielded sprayer,” Stucky says.

A shielded sprayer with a 15-gallon capacity and 52-inch width costs $2,695, while a part with a 30-gallon capacity and 132-inch width costs $4,155, Stucky says.

Bed-shaper – This attachment’s blade maneuvers close to a mower’s drive wheel and creates a bed’s shape. “The shapes a contractor can cut with this attachment are limited only by his imagination,” Stucky says, adding this implement costs about $2,965.

Dethatcher – A dethatcher allows a contractor to dethatch, mow and collect the thatch and clippings all in one operation. This implement costs from $540 to $660 in 46- and 60-inch widths, Stucky says.