Drum Mower

Farm-Maxx FDM Series Drum Mowers (53" – 81")

The Farm-Maxx FDM series is a lineup of PTO-driven drum mowers built for hay production on small to mid-size farms and homesteads. Four cutting widths cover everything from compact tractor operations to full-size utility tractor hay fields, and each size is available in manual fold or hydraulic fold configurations. Two spinning drums with free-swinging blades cut and lay hay in a clean swath behind the mower, with one of the lowest horsepower requirements in the drum mower category — starting at just 21 PTO HP for the smallest model. Made by Kowalski. Assembly required.

How Drum Mowers Work

Unlike disc mowers that use individual discs on a cutter bar, drum mowers spin two large drums at high speed with blades mounted on each drum. The drums pull the cut material to one side and lay it in a clean swath behind the mower. The design is mechanically simple — fewer moving parts than a disc mower, no expensive gearboxes — which translates to lower power requirements, less maintenance, and longer service life. V-belt drive keeps things straightforward and replacement parts affordable.

Features (All Models)

• 2 Cutting Drums
  Two drums with free-swinging hardened blades provide a clean, even cut across the full working width. 3 blades per drum on the 53", 65", and 73" models; 4 blades per drum on the 81".
• Low Horsepower Requirements
  One of the lowest power requirements in the category. Runs efficiently on compact and mid-size tractors without straining the engine or drivetrain.
• Automatic Breakaway Impact Protection
  If the mower hits a stump, rock, or other obstacle, the breakaway system allows the mower to swing back rather than transferring the shock load into the drivetrain and tractor.
• Quick Blade Replacement
  Special blade holders allow individual blade changes without removing plates. Swap a damaged blade in the field in minutes. Replacement blades available in boxes of 18.
• Manual or Hydraulic Fold
  Manual fold is standard — simple, no hydraulic lines to connect. Hydraulic fold is available for one-lever operation from the tractor seat.
• V-Belt Drive
  Simple, durable belt drive system with fewer moving parts than gear-driven mowers. Replacement belts are inexpensive and easy to change.
• Category I / II 3-Point Hitch
  Fits the full range of compact through utility tractors with standard 3-point hitch.
• 540 RPM PTO
  Standard 540 RPM PTO speed. PTO shaft included with all models.

Available Models