I've had a DR Trimmer/Mower since '99. It works well for certain areas of our property. It does great with blackberries or any soft material, thick grass, etc. You can install a "Beaver Blade" chainsaw wheel and take down small trees like you mentioned. I like the Beaver Blade because the chainsaw teeth just slip instead of binding like a regular blade. I've only used it a couple times but it's handy. The machine's been pretty reliable except for a worn trimmer brake and some Briggs carb trouble...between the two Bear Cats, I'd choose the Honda model.

Here are a couple things to remember. First, the machine is VERY aggressive and will launch debris, twigs, rocks, etc. My dad carelessly used it near a gravel pile and broke a $600 patio door. This year, I accidentally bumped into an apple tree, tearing off all the bark and killing it. So be careful, wear eye protection, and don't use it near anything you care about. Second, the machine has large wheels so it rolls easy on smooth ground. On bumpy areas, it likes to hop around and can be hard to push. My neighbor bought one but had to return it because it didn't work in his bumpy field. So self-propelled would be a good idea. They didn't make SP models when I bought mine.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I went ahead and bought one yesterday, the 190 with the BS engine. I too would have preferred a Honda but there's 5 dealers within a 50km radius of my place and that's all that was available. I pacified myself by saying it was a bigger engine so it was better, we'll see.

I ended up getting the non-propelled model as most of the people I talked to said with uneven ground, which I have, a self powered model would be a pain, I agreed. I picked it up for CAN$550 with the blade so I didn't do too bad.

Just for info, the self propelled one, which they couldn't get 'till next year was CAN$1K.....Mike

 

Well I've used it now for a couple of hours on and off and a few comments if anyone is considering one.

Works great all kinds of power, it'll cut thru a 3" sapling no problem as long as you feed it into it and not just take a swipe at it. Anything under that, a swipe and it'll go thru one shot. You have to be aware of where the blade is in reference to jamming it when you cut depending on the lean.

A bit of a bear going over roots and rought terrain, one you get the hang of it tho you can walk it over the rough stuff.

Gas tank is a bit on the small side, only run for ....20 minutes or so on a tank of fuel. I could be off on that as I was using it on and off, cut a bit and pile up to burn.

The cutter is engaged all the time so the minute you let go of the handle the engine stops. A bit of a pain but when you consider you've got a 14" mostly unguarded blade spinning it's a good thing. On my lawnmower I have a sleeve I slip over the handle to keep it running, not gonna do it on this rig, not a chance.

I've not used the line yet, .155 so no comments on how that works

I think the weak points are going to be the handle to machine and the wheels, we'll see.

Bottom line, it's not quite as easy to work machine as I'd thought it'd be but it beats cutting brush with a chainsaw, easier on the back and I'm not forever throwing chains/hitting rocks and mud...Mike