The construction has been ongoing for several months now, but just this week, Dolfi published a video showcasing the latest version in action. As you can see, the device is constructed around an inverted truck rear axle. Power comes from whatever is available to tow it. As the wheels rotate, it engages a series of gears and a chain drive that turns a vertically arranged half-shaft. The end result is approximately 10.7 rotations of the blades for each complete turn of the tires.
Trial and error have been frequent, but that is often the nature of original concepts. An initial version of the design didn’t have a chain drive, and because the gearing was excessively high, spinning the blades quickly enough to cut through thick underbrush was nearly impossible. Dolfi then revisited the drawing board, abandoning the standard mower blades for extremely thick braided wire.
While I can’t pinpoint the precise thickness of the wire, it’s substantially larger than your finger. Moreover, each wire is equipped with sharpened blades welded at the ends, making it efficient in tackling thick stalks and possibly even small trees. These braided cables are connected to the rotating bearing with a pair of lug studs along with spot welds. Still, you wouldn’t catch me anywhere near the rear of this machine.
It’s not entirely a finished product yet. Perfecting the geometry has proven challenging, and when mowing on uneven surfaces, there are even more variables to weigh. However, I found it amusing when Dolfi suggested elevating the deck height, so to speak: Just swap out the tires for 37s. That’ll work.
You can observe just how much the pull-behind brush annihilator has evolved by checking out videos on Dolfi’s Instagram, where you’ll also discover images of his Dodge Challenger outfitted with Jeep wheels and off-road tires. It’s clear he enjoys himself, regardless of what he’s up to. And with a front-porch view like that, who can fault him?
Conclusion
Innovative garage-built mowers equipped with oversized off-road tires and gear reduction systems mark a significant leap in lawn care technology. These features not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of grass cutting but also broaden the mower’s functionality for various outdoor activities. As the DIY movement continues to flourish, we can anticipate even more inventive solutions and upgrades in lawn maintenance, rendering yard work more enjoyable and efficient for all.