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Comments:
| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | aw0043
Lady Lake, FL
(Zone 9a)
(1 review)
September 21, 2009 | I am a 65 yr old woman. I bought the DR trimmer a few years ago because I could not use the hand held "weed whackers". I love the DR trimmer. It works great. I also bought the Beaver blade attachment, and it is great for cutting down small saplings and other shrubby bushes that are too big for the trimmer cords.
We have 4 acres and we find lots of uses for our DR. | | Negative | XmasTreeFarm
Sussex
United States
(1 review)
September 01, 2009 | Purchased a 17HP DR brush mower last month. I WILL be taking advantage of the 6 month return policy.
The parking brake was broken when I received the unit.
On the slightest incline, the machine free-wheels. It is so dangerous, I will not permit anyone else to use the unit.
The "easy turn" feature is an absolute joke. I am a heathty 250 pound male, and I am completely out of energy after one hours use of this machine. The DR video shows a 70+ year old woman using the DR. In one word.... IMPOSSIBLE! | | Negative | middam
Rangeley, ME
(1 review)
August 09, 2009 | I have a DR All Terrain mower with 18 HP Honda engine. I have had it since 1 July 2008 and right from the start I've had problems with the axle sprocket picking up grass and jamming it into the drive sprocket resulting in the chain being forced off the drive sprocket and bending the bolts holding the safety cover. I contacted the DR company and complained about this problem more than once and was told they would pass it on to developement. That was all I got from the company. I've used the machine approximately ten times and everytime I have to be prepared to put the chain back on the sprockets and straighten the safety cover bolts. I had started leaving the cover off as it was getting destroyed and was having to remove grass etc. from the sprockets several times each time I used the machine. Today while backing it up some grass got jammed into the drive sprocket and the main shaft broke off before I could get the machine stopped. This was approximately five minutes after I had put the chain back on after it jump off. Sure wish I had known about this page if I had and had read it I certainly would not have purchased the mower. Now I have an expensive piece of equipment that I can't use and don't know what I'm going to do with it. As someone else said in a prior comment you better be prepared to be beat up by this piece of equipment. I'm 6'4" 270 pounds and the thing would give me a work out. | | Positive | wilton
Wilton, CA
(1 review)
July 06, 2009 | We have had our DR Trimmer/Mower for 5 years. It has a Briggs and Stratton engine, electric start (which I would definitely get again), but is not self-propelled (under most circumstances this is not necessary as it is very well balanced and easy to push - even for me, a 5'5" woman). It should not be confused with the Field and Brush Mower which we also have (several of the negative postings were about this machine) and which is very powerful and heavy and requires some strength to operate. The Trimmer/Mower is definitely the most wonderful piece of lawn equipment I have ever used. It is very important, however, to use it correctly and maintain it according to the suggested schedule. I mow through 4 foot tall star thistle along with many other woody weeds. In order to mow this type of material you have to use the largest of the lines, and I found it best to place them close to the ground on the mow ball. Then start working from the side going back and forth; otherwise you may get tangled up in the very large, stringy plants. No other line trimmer could come close to getting through large star thistle plants. As for maintenance, such as changing belts, I just did that this morning on mine. While it is not as easy as changing oil, it is not that difficult if you have just a little bit of mechanical ability. The manual could have a little better and larger photographs of some of the things, but most are quite good and instructions adequate. The maintenance schedule calls for removing the stone guard (2 nuts) and the bottom shield (3 nuts) to check the belt on a routine basis - same operation for changing belt. I have found that grass and dirt do manage to get in this area and it is good to clean it a couple times a season. Seems like most of the negatives I read are probably attributable to failure to operate or maintain correctly. I have found the company very helpful whenever I have had to call them (we did have a problem with the key switch early on, but they sent out a new part and I easily replaced it). I would not hesitate to buy another one of these wonderful machines. | | Positive | northstar142
Bellingham, WA
(1 review)
June 12, 2009 | I have to say that my initial experience with my DR Trimmer was very bad. We used it for less than an hour and the engine started choking out and misfiring when trying to start. I took it in to a local repair shop and he got it running again and billed Country Home Products...no problem...except for the next time we ran it, it ran for less than an hour and the engine died and wouldn't start. Back to the repair shop and this time the B&S engine was shot. The repair guy had Country Home Products send out a new engine and it's been working great ever since. It's so much easier having one of their affililated repair shops deal with them because he must speak their language. I have to admit that I'm completely satisfied with my trimmer now, sometimes I wish I had purchased the self propelled model, but it works great now! I'd definitely purchase another one when I wear this one out! | | Negative | JoachimNaus
Anderson, SC
(1 review)
June 11, 2009 | In April I bought the Trimmer/Mower professional use.
When it arrived, the box was damaged and the machine was damaged and several parts were broken.
The mower was returned and I got a "new " mower about 3 weeks later.
The box arrived open and it was obvious that I got the same piece of equipment back only some of the first damages were repaired and others not.
When I called and spoke with a supervisor, he told me that they spent 100 dollars per box for packing, but the equipment is heavy and difficult to ship.
I am waiting now for UPS again to collect the mower/trimmer and to get my money back.
This cannot be refunded until UPS collects the box.
Just a bad experience!
We are now in the middle of June and had nothing but a headache.
| | Positive | gloria125
Greensboro, AL
(2 reviews)
May 30, 2009 | I notice that several different machines are being evaluated under this heading. I have the 65 hp DR String Trimmer Mower with a Kohler Engine. If I have to buy another one I would get a Briggs & Stratton engine and an electric key start instead of the pull start. I was advised to get the Kohler engine because I have some steep slopes in my mowing area. The Kohler engine was supposed to keep going on the slopes without choking out. In fact the Kohler engine has some narrow apertures in it and is susceptible to clogging. You have to keep your gas fresh and 10% ethanol which attracts water is not good either.
The strings are easy to attach - its a good idea to mark the correct holes and over the winter keep the dirt daubers from blocking the holes. I would cover the engine and store so it is dry, protected and doesn't freeze up over the winter. You need a fresh spark plug each season and it should start up and be ready to go.
I love my trimmer. It will mow 3 or 4 ft weeds and its not too hard to push even for a getting older every year lady.
Ive had the machine for about 15 years. The strings - I use the heavy green ones you buy on a big roll at Lowes - will last a long time if you dont try to cut into trees, tin cans, fence posts, etc with them. You can "sharpen" them with fingernail clippers for a fresh edge. | | Positive | jsbowen
Wellington, CO
(1 review)
May 27, 2009 | After reading the posts about the DR Trimmer, I was compelled to join Dave's Garden and comment positively about the DR Trimmer. My trimmer is a manual start 6.5 Pro purchased in July 1999. It has performed excellently on uneven ground against thick Kochia, Canadian Thistle, Mallow, Sunflowers and other odd woody plants. I mow fence lines every month from May through October and paddocks as needed on a 5.5 acre high altitude property. The mower continues to start right up, it has easily been repaired when needed, the company has provided good advice and quick parts. I highly recommend this product and will replace mine with another when simple repairs no longer solve a problem. Thanks very much. | | Positive | GreenMann
Dayton, OH
(2 reviews)
March 21, 2009 | I'm not sure if some of the other reviews here are based on the same machine I've owned and used for almost 2 years, because I've been satisfied beyond measure at how well my DR Field and Brush Mower has performed. Expensive? Yes, although I've been around long enough to know that you get what you pay for in tools. This machine is very well built, and it's obvious that if I care for it that it may outlast me!
It cuts just about anything it will push over, and it really does do the things that the TV commercial shows. I also purchased the snow-blower attachment which has worked well. The only problem I've encountered is a blade v-belt that shredded before it should have, but their technical support was good and I was back in business pronto.
Others in my community also own DR tools and are universally happy, so these negative reviews really surprise me. I'm eyeing one of their chippers now...
| | Positive | anyberry
Bennington, VT
(1 review)
December 05, 2008 | I saw the negative votes and wanted to say something positive about a machine that I really love. I bought my first DR brush mower about 15 years ago when I bought a house that came with an acre of overgrown brush. It was a great mower. I didn't challenge it much and it was a pain to reverse but I loved it. A few years ago I bought a new house on 10 overgrown acres. Lots of brush and thorns and swampy areas. I acquired a tractor with a brsh hog to tackle the field but I wanted to be able to make trails and clear under trees and manage the septic mound. I bought a new DR brush mower, 15 HP Kawasaki. Lock in differential. PLUS I got a snowthrower attachment which is easy to switch with the mower deck.
I can't say enough good things about this machine. It could take down the rainforest. I have never had a problem. It's built better than my JD tractor! I change the oil every year spring and fall when I switch out the mower/snowthrower. I've made lots of trails that I have fun keeping clear. I boast of the DR to friends and let them borrow it for the weekend. I have no problem handling it. Its a big machine and I'm not a big person -- but we're a great match. As we head into winter the tractor is sitting in field but my DR mower is snug in the barn waiting for the first snowfall to tackle.
| | Negative | cjohansson
Auberry, CA
(1 review)
November 30, 2008 | I was interested in buying the big DR mower to do work on my 40 acres. Before i bought one - I borrowed a freinds new machine (less than 10 hours) the DR field and brush mower - with the 15 HP Kawasaki motor. In the 3 times I have used it - I have not gotten through 1 hour of mowing before something broke. First the drive housing fell off and balled up everything underneath. I called DR - it was a recall item - I took it to their local service (50 miles away - and picked it up 2 weeks later, and it worked fine.
This fall i figured I would give it another go, so I picked up the machine - it would only jump start - and the blade would not activate. It seems as if the electrically operated sensor wouldn't work on a dead battery (even with the engine running, which would not hold a charge - so 75 bucks later and 1/2 day of chasing a funky sized battery - I got it back up and running!
45 minutes into it - the blade stops spinning - broke the spring that keep tension on the drive belt. I was finally able to find a similar spring at home depot - and got back up and running.
Just now - the machine all of a sudden quits - restarts, but will not run at more than about 1/2 throttle - I don't know if the throttle cable has slipped? or a spring broke somewhere? or what - so no I have to wait till next weekend to trouble shoot that little item.
By the way - do not buy this machine unless you are linebacker sized and are willing to wrestle constantly with the machine. I'm a big guy -0 6'2 & 220 - and it wears me out!
To make a long story short - a good concept completely undermined by poor hardware, poor engineering, and poor quality.
Lucky for me I was able to try one out for a few weeks - I certainly would never buy this unit after my experience with it.
Carl Johansson
Auberry California | | Positive | FAADAN
Kimberling City, MO
(1 review)
October 31, 2008 | I have had a DR field and brush mower for about 5 years. It has performed very will. I have cleared 4 brush covered acres, mowing over trees up to 1 and a half inches. Mine is the older model without the locking differential. It has a little problem on steep slopes of the upper wheel spinning. I call it the Beast because it mows watever I want to mow. I wouldn't recommend the biggest model to someone small of stature as it is a powerful maching. I sheared a pully and broke a blade but I have really used it as a brush hog. Since purchsing the heavier blade I have had no problems. It is a beast so make sure you can handle a powerful machine. | | Negative | jwilliams1130
Charlotte, NC
(1 review)
September 04, 2008 | Bought Field and Brush mower. Piece of junk. Wheels are supposed to be positraction, they are not. One will always spin. Even when I locked the nut to stop the spinning as tight as possible. now hard to turn. Won't cut vines, climbs them instead. Poor design. Needs to have blade further in front and exposed to cut vines. Hard to cut on a slope as not able to provide drive to the upward wheel, it spins. I can think of many ways to improve this machine. DON'T waste your money.
Support was no help. Some did not know the machine well enough to provide help, others told me all they knew, but problem still exists. It will cut down small trees, but so will my other mower, and so will a chainsaw.
Their best advice to me was buy a newer model where they supposedly fixed the defects of the previous model.
On September 29th, 2008, jwilliams1130 changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:
This should have been a Negative rating. I realized today as I looked to see what other users had to say about the product, that I had erroneously given it a Neutral rating. Mower may work for you if on flat terrain, no vines, and if you don't buy my 17 h.p. model. A real disappontment. | | Negative | dogbreath
Bradenton, FL
(1 review)
August 14, 2008 | I have the field and brush mower. I purchased the supposedly best one available. Its a commercial model with a 494CC Kawasaki motor. It was expensive. It is the worst piece of equipment I have ever owned. When I 1st got it I used it on hills a couple times . It broke every time I used it. The drive axle has a "bell" made out of deep drawing steel. This steel is not intended to be used as a mechanical part .Its very soft.This broke every time. I got new ones and put them in (not easy). I got tired of this and quit using the piece of crap. I did use it occasionally to mow paths for hiking. Surprize ! it still broke, Clutch cables, chains , belts ,what a piece of junk !! The only good thing on it is the motor. Of course DR (dont reorder) had nothing to do with the motor. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THESE PEOPLE.
jim
| | Positive | bropastor
Collinsville, MS
(1 review)
July 19, 2008 | I would just like to say in defense of DR Trimmer mowers that several years ago I was given one from an elderly cousin who could not longer use it. It was a fantastic machine and we wore it out!!! We ordered another one and it has worked just as good as the first one. Now we own more than one home and will be purchasing another one to keep at our other home. I would reccomend this product to friends and family without a doubt. In fact, a friend of mine used our DR and was so impressed that he purhcased on for himself and loves it! Keep up the good work!!! Thanks DR Trimmer! | | Negative | ibmargie
Slanesville, WV
(1 review)
July 17, 2008 | We ordered our DR Trimmer in August of 2006 and the packing slip shows a date of 9/27/06. So wasn't used much that year as the season was nearly over for trimming. In the beginning of the next mowing season we had a problem and had to order a V-Belt. It was not an easy task to unassemble
everything to replace the belt. Then on 7/16/07 we had another problem and had to order (a) transmission belt, (b)pulley for the transmission drive, (c) retaining ring, (d)spring,Ext.,Transmission Tension, (e) pulley, Transmission. The design of this machine is horrible and not customer friendly at all when parts have to be replaced. This year in June of 2008 it no longer self propels so we have ordered a new pulley for the transmission.
The DR Trimmer (when it works) is great and I couldn't ask for a better machine. As an older woman (who does all the
trimming) it is easy to use and cuts brush just as advertised.
We bought this machine using the credit plan of no finance charges for a year and believe it had a two year warranty. The people in customer service are knowledgeable and friendly. The mow-ball and strings are easy to replace. We have a 6.75HP self propelled.
Would I recommend this to a friend/family can't honestly say. I would like to but the aggravation and frustration of replacing the parts that went sour weigh on my mind. Also the shield that keeps the debri from hitting the feet and legs is pityful, with the power of this machine this needs to be corrected.
In closing it is necessary for me to say that this is the first letter that I have ever written about a product. In doing so I hope to achieve the attention of the manufacturer to correct the weaknesses in the trimmer and to those interested in
purchasing the machine a little insight.
ibmargie | | Negative | JackK1
Auburn, NH
(1 review)
June 15, 2008 | Although the product works great when it works, for someone like me who uses it 4-5 times a year it should last longer.So many things go. Belts are hard to replace. Customer service is fair. Some of the people you speak to sound brain dead. I would not buy another or tell a friend to. I went to a local store and they sold me the wrong battery. Despite looking me up in the computer. | | Positive | inbeesill
Toms River, NJ
(1 review)
June 12, 2008 | I knew that having to stop and replace string whenever it breaks-off was a bad idea the first time I had to do it. I spent more time replacing string than trimming and ran out of replacement string in the first half hour of use. I also noticed that the handle seemed to vibrate a lot and my thumbs got numb after a couple minutes. I was frustrated and knew this was a bad purchase right away, then things got worse...
The drive shaft's retention clip started slipping and the chain popped-off repeatedly. I bought some new string, but then the trimmer's engine started locking-up on me. I think we filled its small gas tank 4 times and have about an hour's use on it.
The phone support people were nice & responsive. DR sent me plastic parts that had broken on initial shipment and new clips for the drive shaft; I also bought new string. DR's email-support-people were more mediocre, they seemed overly impressed with their engines - even though "freezing-up" didn't impress me at all. We've trimmed for 8 years using the same cheap-o lawn mower and its engine still runs, but after such little use, the DR's doesn't.
Please note: I am not trying to influence DR by posting negative comments, only letting potential buyers know that we qualified the DR Trimmer as our "Worst purchase ever" because our unit seemed like a bad idea right away, and it proved to be ridiculously bad after about an hour of use.
On June 13th, 2008, inbeesill added the following:
News flash: DR has a 2month money-back policy, so many bad feelings may be soothed if they live up to it. Note: I found this out from other links, it would have been better if they told me about it earlier and it'll be interesting if they calculate that my time to ask for my money back has passed.
On June 15th, 2008, inbeesill changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
NOTE: This started out as a negative rating, but DR got back in touch with me and their return policy isn't 2 months... it's good for six. No fuss, just simple instructions (drain the gas) and a number to call when it's ready to ship back. So an hour of distress doesn't seem so bad considering they give you 6 months to feel good. I hope someone takes a bow, 'cause I'm giving DR a standing ovation.
On June 18th, 2008, inbeesill added the following:
When readying for shipment back to DR, I discovered I had no oil in the engine (what an moron.) I use to wonder why the engine didn't last, now I wonder how it lasted so long... the weird part is that I filled oil and ran for the last half hour with no problems (why is this engine still running?) I didn't lose cords; I even pulled bark off a tree and ran through the ickiest of the stickiest, but the cords and the trimmer just kept whippin away. Between the nice people, an American co., an engine that tolerates morons and a newfound respect for the thick string - I'm thinking to hang onto it. I think anything can look good on an easy day, but DR is looking good after my worst. I'd applaud more, but my hands are starting to hurt. | | Negative | timmer08
Trempealeau, WI
(1 review)
June 03, 2008 | The DR Trimmer has been hands down, without a doubt, the worst piece of lawn equipment I have ever purchased. It has never been easy to start, and I usually give up after 10 minutes and find another way to trim my lawn. Even when I have been able to get it started I can only run it about 10 minutes before I need to change the trimmer cords, and that's not exactly easy either. Over the years it has gotten to the point where I rarely try to use the machine anymore. It takes up space in my garage reminding me how I got ripped off. | | Neutral | mjones377
Terry, MS
(1 review)
May 20, 2008 | Ordering, receiving and usage (so far) of my DR trimmer/mower has been a positive evperience. The DR people are good people to deal with and very professional. I feel they will stand behind their product. The trimmer operates well and as advertised, but could use a heavy rubber flap or some sort of shrouding along the rear of the deck to protect from debris flying backward. It has a very solid feel and the controls operate smoothly. I have the manual start Pro model with the aluminum deck. My problem with this machine is the cost. My previous trimmer mower was a Troy-Bilt ($329 + tax) that was designed similarly to the DR. The spindle was under a deck that had a deflector. The Troy-Bilt had a rubber flap at the back of the deck. The bearing in the spindle of the Troy-Bilt gave out after four years. Because MTD no longer makes trimmer/mowers for Troy-Bilt or supplies parts, I had to replace it. Other brands like Swisher have a completely different, deckless design. Having bought and returned the Swisher trimmer (weapon), I had no choice but to purchase the DR to get a trimmer/mower with a deck. I hope it holds up and serves me well for many years to justify the exorbitant amount of money I paid for it. | | Positive | koffeetime
Oakridge, OR
(1 review)
April 24, 2008 | Bought my Dr trimmer , top of line in the 90's.Other than the electric starter was junk, no other problems.
I have worn out 3 high end riding mowers. Still have the same dr trimmer, tho its now time to replace. Cables rusting up, wheels ready to brake off. This machine has taken more abuse that you wouldn't believe. Still starts right up , but really is time to retire it. Have more than gotten my moneys worth.
Held up great in this Oregon wet sunshine.
Thanks dr, Tony | | Positive | horne
Wellsford
New Zealand
(1 review)
April 16, 2008 | We purchased our DR Trimmer Mower from the New Zealand agents Hunkin Garden Products about 3 years ago. Our model is the 6.75 HP self drive commercial machine and it has now done 346 hours and apart from normal routine maintenance it has not missed a beat. It is easily the best machine we have ever owned. | | Positive | usgreenhouses
Advance, MO
(1 review)
March 24, 2008 | I ordered the Dr Mower through http://www.brush-mowers.com The mower arrived as described and runs fine. I have mowed inch thick saplings with ease. Would recommend. | | Positive | clarendt
Junction City, AR
(1 review)
October 06, 2007 | The DR Trimer is a very nice machine. I have the 6hp Professional one. I don't know what I would do without it. It is very easy to change the string. Easy to start. I have used it to cut all around my house and two acres of fence line both sides. I have not had any trouble with it. You are not suppost to lift up on the handle and put weight on the ball bar. Doing that and draging it around puts stress on the bar and will reck it. Have to remember to push down on the handle bar to get over areas or pull the machine backward over them. I have so much triming to do in my yard that I use a full tank of gas everytime I use it so it has had plenty of hours of use. I have had it all of this cutting season. | | Negative | old_toiler
(Zone 9a)
(1 review)
August 08, 2007 | After only 60 hours use The DR® TRIMMER/MOWER™
On the demo video of the DR is an old lady using this machine—about the same age as my wife.
My wife loved using this machine till it would no longer self propel & the wheels are so poorly designed that they wont travel through slightly lumpy terrain without frustrating physical assistance.
After only 60 hours use ( there is a timer on our machine.) We have these problems 75 HP OHV self-propelled commercial)
We contacted the local New Zealand dealer (Hunkin Products) who we purchased the machine from.
He said he contacted the manufacturer & they were not interested apart from supplying new parts at our cost plus freight. He was also not interested.
Friction drive in wheels packed up after 60 hours.
The axle wore out & then the transition stops working.
Ball wore out & was unusable.
All segments in the string line assembly have all worn out on shear.
Sprockets on shafts for the transmission chain too lightly connected & keep sliding out of alignment causing chain to continually come off.
I told Graham Hunkin of Hunkin Garden Products Ltd, Tuakau, New Zealand. That I was very unhappy with the machine & his service & that I would be actively not recommending this machine
For a machine that is in excess of NZ$2000.00 we certainly bought a pup..
The one good thing about this machine is the motor
Company representative comment on September 27, 2007:
On Sep 27, 2007 Hunkin Products added
We are a small family business with old-fashioned family values and it is disturbing to have someone actively trying to undermine our business this way. Initially Lew purchased a DR 6.75 push trimmer mower on the 13th Jan 2005 with a 12 month warranty and our unique one month right of return if not satisfied. The customer after at least two months of use (records show a return credit was given on the 11th April) decided the push mower was too difficult to push, and wanted the self-drive. We took the used machine back at no penalty to the customer (though it was well outside our one month right of return) and supplied a self-drive machine on the 5th April 2005. This replacement machine was also supplied with a 12 month warranty and our unique one month right of return.
The first notification of a problem came in an email on the 10th of January 2006 from Pat, his wife, saying a sprocket had moved. The grub screws had vibrated loose and simply tightening them fixed the problem. The next contact was made by phone and email in March 2007, a year later, complaining about the wheel drive. Apparently the axle had worn. I said we could supply another for around NZ$30.00 (cost price) plus air postage from the USA. We did not have the axle in stock because is not a part that normally fails. The alternative was waiting for an axle to come with our next shipment (which was due in about six weeks) and because it was in with other product, there would be no charge for freight.
Lew insisted that there was a design fault, despite thousands being sold successfully in the USA, and did not want the axle. He decided to write off a NZ$2000 plus machine for the sake of a NZ$30.00 axle! Other items that he complains about are all news to us. I suspect these are made in an attempt to embellish his complaint, but if genuine they are easily resolved. To say DR and HGP were not interested is false.
The machine was clearly out of warranty and a NZ$30.00 repair after 2 years and 60 hours use (72 hours according to Lew's email of 2nd March 2007) is not unreasonable. One has got to ask the question - If he found the self-drive machine would not travel through rough terrain and was not up to expectations, why did he not return it? Remember our one month right of return. With the first machine we went the extra mile by accepting a return after two months use, so there was no question we would honour it.
By now I hope most people will realise they can have confidence in our machines and our integrity. We have always honoured our right of return policy no matter the reason (on the rare occasion we get a return) and stand 100% behind our equipment.
Lew, the axle is still here if you want it, and we will once again go the extra mile by suppling it free of charge.
Graham Hunkin
| | Positive | EloiseH
South Hero, VT
(Zone 5a)
(3 reviews)
June 01, 2007 | Our son bought a DR trimmer for us maybe 10 years ago. When lightening hit our garage in 2001 and burned it to the ground, the DR trimmer was one of the very first things we replaced. The newer model is even better than the older one. Does everything it claims to - simply terrific at keeping down weeds and mowing around stumps in rough-cleared meadows. They have several different machines and models. I would advise that you talk with the company, describe your property and what you intend to do with the machine so that you buy the right one that will do the job you need done. If what you need is a field and brush mower, don't get the trimmer and expect it to do the job. You wouldn't use a weed-wacker to mow your front lawn, would you? By the way, their service and tech support is stellar. | | Positive | barb54
Grass Lake, MI
(1 review)
May 22, 2007 | I have had my DR Trimmer for over 5 years and wouldn't have any other product again. I have carpal tunnel of hands and arms and this trimmer still allows me to trim my 3 acre yard and get rid of small brush. Easy to change whips and still starts first time I pull it and every time! Not like having to carry a heavy gas trimmer around or a battery trimmer which keeps needing a charge. I can push it with one finger or hand. I Love it!!! | | Positive | AlabamaGal
Ramer, AL
(1 review)
April 30, 2007 | I purchased my first DR Trimmer in the late 1990's. I used it almost weekly, trimming around a fish pond, trees, raised flower beds, etc., for all these years. The only thing I have replaced are the wheels and a belt, both due to normal aging with high usage. I have just placed an order for my second one and can hardly wait for it to arrived. I highly recommend the DR Trimmer and give a big thumbs up to the customer service department. As far as the price goes, of course, I wish it cost a bit less, as I am retired, but you must remember you get what you pay for and this is a quality machine with fantastic customer service! | | Negative | MSCountryboy
Crystal Springs, MS
(1 review)
April 26, 2007 | Fool me once, fool me twice, but you won't fool me a third time. Yes, I have two, not one, Dr. Trimmer mowers. My wife has already asked me why I purchased the second one when I had had problems with the first. Perhaps it is because their ads sound so convincing, perhaps it is because I was not thinking clearly! The design on these mowers is flawed, for belts and the mow-balls should not break as often as they do. And heaven help you when you have to change a belt and/or mow-ball. The instructions are not clear and everything on the machine has to be removed to get to the area where the work needs to be done. While my second machine--a self-propelled one--was under warranty, the company did pay for repairs on it. I appreciated that, but I ran the machine for less than an hour and the machine froze up and quit working. I find it impossible to even open it up to work on it. The machines are extremely over-priced. I would not advise anyone to buy one. If a belt or some other item breaks, you have to order the parts from DR and this takes about two weeks. Grass in the South grows too fast to wait that long. I have decided I can purchase a cheap trimmer annually and come out for less than I would pay for repair parts on my two DR Trimmer mowers. Anyone want a used one? Make an offer. | | Positive | TxRancher
Washington, TX
(1 review)
April 13, 2007 | Bought our first D.R. Trimmer (6.5HP) in 2002 with a 14 inch Beaver Blade. We worked the heck out of this machine clearing Huisache (nasty stuff that becomes spiked trees) and cleared 3 acres a week. The machine worked like champ. Later, when clearing heavy weeds, we used a HD string purchased locally and it worked even better, longer! We liked this machine so much that when we saw another like it for sale locally, we bought it, too. Now we use one for string and one for a blade and the two of us togther can do four times as much work. So far, the only failure is the metal shield on the lower bearing has separated, but the machine is still running great and I'll order a new bearing shorthly. Tough, tough machine. We love it!. TxRancher | | Negative | drbeckl
Prichard, WV
(Zone 6b)
(3 reviews)
April 12, 2007 | We bot one of these "Dr Trimmer mowers" with a 6 hp engine, and a aluminum deck about 6 or 7 years ago, for about $500.
I do not think it is worth $500. Probably worth $200. It has several design flaws, some of which they improved in later models.
After reading all their advertising about it, before buying it, after I finally got it and used it, I felt that they over-fluffed their wares. It does work fairly well as is, but it could work a lot better if it had been designed a little better. (clutch mechanism, debri shields, pulley system design, etc etc.
I think a lower priced model from a local hardware store would have been a better bargain for the money.
dan in WV | | Positive | homebrewer
Shingle Springs, CA
(1 review)
March 26, 2007 | We bought our 5hp Pro back in 2001 and other than the normal maintenance, have had absolutely no problems with it. We are currently cutting 12" weeds (thick) with a single pass and only have to change the string about every two hours (or after hitting too many rocks). It still starts on the second pull and outperforms my Echo Weedeater by at least 10 to 1 (time spent on a measured area).
We've only had to call the company once (concerning the mow ball) and the representative gave us the pros and cons of switching to the aluminum ball (which we won't), thus saving us from buying a more expensive part that would not have worked as well as the nylon one. | | Negative | tatkins
Kingsland, AR
(1 review)
August 25, 2006 | A few years back I purchased a DR Trimmer 6.5 horse. From the very first time up until now I have been terribly disappointed, disillusioned, frustrated and embarassed beyond anything I can tell you. I expected the machine to do all that it said and showed on the video that came with it but it didn't. Grass or weeds over two inches high choked down the machine and despite what was advertised it wraped up quickly with tall grass{ about a foot and a half tall}. I watched the video 4 times and read the manual 3 times to make sure it wasn't something I was doing wrong. I have been gardening for over 40 years and NEVER have I purchased a peice of equipment that was SO overrated! I thought, since I was paying what I considered a very high price, that it must be a really good product but I guess that's my fault for being so gullible.
I contacted the company not long after purchasing it{paid cash,again my fault} and told them how disappointed I was in their product and all they told me was, " Sorry You Didn't Like It!" I would not recommend their product to anyone!
I guess the final blow was when my neighbors gave me a suggestion for my problem: " Just remove the wheels and handle bar and use it as an anchor for your boat!" It was embarassing because they were using a 79.00 dollar weed eater and doing a quicker a better job than me with my REALLY high priced beauty contest machine.
Company representative comment on May 03, 2007:
On Aug 30, 2006, DR Trimmer/Mower posted a response, but published it as a customer review rather than a response. When it was brought to the attention of the editors on May 3, 2007, it was moved to its correct spot:
Dear Friend:
Greetings from Country Home Products, makers and distributors of DR and NEUTON Power Equipment.
We recently received your posting from Dave’s Garden regarding your 1999 model 6.5 HP DR TRIMMER/MOWER. We’re sorry that you’ve been disappointed with its performance. In some instances, the DR will bog down in grass when too much pressure pushing the handlebars drives the Mow-Ball Support into the ground. If the Mow-Ball Support is allowed to glide along the ground, it can spin freely and use its cutting cords at top speed.
When using the DR in tall or heavy grass or weeds, it’s important to slow the forward movement of the machine. It’s also more effective to take small bites with the DR and to make two passes through the material. The first pass should be made with the nose of the DR slightly off the ground, cutting at a higher height than desired; the second pass should be made with the Mow-Ball Support gliding on the ground.
The DR discharges to the right, so it’s best to approach uncut vegetation from the left side of the machine. Let the cords work as much as they need as only the tips of the cords do the cutting. Lastly, the cutting cord works best on green, fibrous vegetation up to about the thickness of a pencil.
According to our records, your last call to our Technical Support Department was in May 2003. We encourage you to call Tech Support again at 1(800)DR-OWNER(376-9637) for machine operation and/or troubleshooting advice, or a referral to the nearest DR Sales and Service Dealer. Technical Support is open Monday thru Friday 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time.
We hope you’ll call us so we can help you get your DR TRIMMER/MOWER up and running to your expectations.
Thanks again for your posting.
Sincerely,
David Prodell
Customer Relations
http://www.drpower.com
| | Negative | hayley3
New Salisbury, IN
(2 reviews)
June 27, 2006 | The Dr Trimmer/Mower is not as great as is advertised.
From the moment I purchased mine I had trouble. The clutch cable keeps breaking. At first they told me they had just gotten a bad batch. Now they are telling me that maybe I need to sand the metal bracket the clutch cable attaches to. This is AFTER 4 times of being broken. Also while it was under warranty, the cable was free, but now I have to pay for an OVERPRICED one of $25.99!!! That is ridiculous.
The saleperson pointed out that I was the only one to not be happy with their products and I was the only one having problems, but the previous salesperson had already told me that other people had the same problem, so who is telling the truth.
GARBAGE and OVERPRICED at that. Don't buy.
Also they say it is mandatory that you buy their parts and when you are broken down, two weeks is a very long time to wait. |
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