10. Mower types - motor scythe (or sickle bar)
These are designed for cutting hay meadows and other vegetation, with the business end looking like a hedgetrimmer. These reciprocating blades (one fixed and one moving blade) scissor through tall growth are not easily stalled by long grass.
The whole machine is pushed or self-propelled with the blade remaining close to the ground, but the design means that the blades cannot be guarded, so it's very important to use these machines carefully. Although you're safe enough behind the machine, other people and pets are definitely in the danger zone.
There aren't many makes to choose from (AL-KO, Apache and Lawnflite are a few), but as the use for such mowers is limited, hiring might be a better option.
For those of you who remember Allen scythes with affection (not our sentiment), you can reminisce or even find ones for sale through Brookfield Vintage Tractors.
Click here for up to 20% online discount from Aviva Home Insurance. Get the Aviva deal and cover your building and contents with confidence. Get a quote today. Get the Aviva deal.
Guide...Garden Centre UK
5% off all purchases from Garden Centre UK - use this code at the checkout: WGA5APR
Comments
1 John Anderson 30 May 2009 20.10.25
2 Val 01 Jun 2009 10.26.34
Hi John
We are not sure of the usefulness of publishing your request on our webpages because, for your privacy and general website security, we don't publish any e-mail addresses. So if someone did have an Allen scythe for sale, they would not be able to contact you. And we recommend that you do not publish any contact details such as address or phone number on a webpage.
We do not wish to become intermediaries in private sales either.
We suggest you search the Yellow Pages for agricultural/horticultural machinery suppliers in your area and ask them to source an old Allen scythe for you. They're probably still going strong somewhere, although the rope start was always a pain, as was trying to stop the machine as it romped away with you! Wonder if they were ever updated with a recoil start?
As one only needs a scythe mower once or twice a year, a good option would be to hire one - possibly a more modern and user-friendly make and model. Take a look at the links from this page to see the modern versions.
3 Richard Dix 28 Mar 2010 15.42.26
Does anyone know the whereabouts of a brush attachment for an allen-scythe. Not a brush cutter but a brush that can be used to clean a yard or driveway. An illustration or photo would help, just in case I have to consider making one.
4 Alec and Val 04 Apr 2010 13.49.08
Our only suggestion is to use Google frequently and search for Allen scythe and Allen scythe attachments. That's what we did (using the advanced search for Allen scythe) on Google Web, and Images, and Video, and discovered that a rotary brush attachment was made for this machine. However, tracking one down could be tricky. There are several interested individuals, message boards, forums, clubs and agricultural machinery dealers who list items Allen Scythes and you might see the attachment for sale or see an illustration that would help you make your own.
I'm looking to buy an Allen Scythe or similar, Beds/Bucks/Herts area. Must be in good working order - I'm not a collector, just someone who, now that I need one, remembers how effective these machines were at cutting through long grass.