Power Equipment How-To Library
Articles, Tips and Buying Guides from Our Experts
%2015HP%20Tow-Behind%20Rough%20Cut%20Mower%20w%2F%20Electric%20Start%20101684%20has%20been%20discontinued.)
Local Pickup FAQ's
Hover to zoom
1 of 3
Dirty Hand Tools (46") 15HP Tow-Behind Rough Cut Mower w/ Electric Start
Model:
101684
+
Share This Product
Features
- Use For Rough Cut And Brush Cuttting Applications
- Get rid of overgrown ditches, fence lines and fields
- Cuts grass up to 4 feet high and saplings and brush up to 1.5" in diameter
- 15HP/597cc Kohler SV471 4-Cycle, OHV Engine
- 12-volt electric start system (no recoil back-up)
- Full pressure lubrication with full-flow filter
- Mow a slope or incline up to 25 degrees with no engine lubrication issues
- 46-Inch, Rear Discharge Cutting Deck
- Heavy duty 8-gauge fabricated (welded) steel design
- Two 17-1/2 inch heavy steel swing blades
- 4 adjustable cutting heights - 4-1/2", 5-3/4", 7" and 8"
- Foot assisted deck lift raises or lowers the mower deck
- Chain debris guards front and rear
- Stump Jumper And Break Away Blade Feature
- Protects unit if you hit an immovable object while mowing
- Tongue Mounted Control Box
- Includes key switch for engine, throttle control and blade engagement switch
- Can also be mounted to your tow vehicle if preferred (extra cable is included)
- Adjustable Tow Bar
- Hitch can be adjusted to 7 different positions
Specifications
101684
Engine
Engine Brand
Kohler
Starting System
12-Volt Key Start
Engine Cycle
4-Cycle
HP
15 HP
CC
597 CCs
Fuel Tank Size
2.6 Gallons
Engine Cylinders
1 Cylinder
Oil Filter
Yes
Torque
27 Lbs
Consumer Engine Warranty
2 Years
Commercial Engine Warranty
90 Days
Motor
Battery Voltage
12 Volts
Battery Included
Included
Overview
Weight
617 Pounds
Consumer Warranty
3 Years
Commercial Warranty
1 Year
Product Length
110.0 Inches
Product Width
64.0 Inches
Product Height
28.0 Inches
UPC
856206004645
Deck
Cutting Options
Rear Discharge
Deck Material
8-Gauge
Blades
2 Blades
Deck Construction
Welded
Deck Positions
4 Positions
Cutting Width
46 Inches
Cutting Height
4.5-8.0 Inches
Accessories
Rear Bagger
No
Engine Guard
No
Hour Meter
No
Arm Rests
No
Front Bumper
No
Trailer Hitch
No
Mulcher Kit
No
Headlights
No
Wheels
Rear Tire Size
18 x 6.5 Inch
Tire Type
Puncture Resistant
Reviews
(10)
Dirty Hand Tools 101684 Reviews & Ratings
Customer Photos and Videos
Customer Rating
3.30
(10 Ratings)
5
(3)
(3)4(2)
(2)3(2)
(2)2(1)
(1)1(2)
(2)
Good Design Poor Execution
By Peter M.
Hatfield, Pennsylvania
Purchased 05/02/2016 |
Review Posted 11/09/2017
Received a "pre production" unit by mistake/ The belt tensioner was put on backwards. They found a mower person to the repair that had it for 6 weeks at the high to the cutting season. I paid for it in April 2016, got it early May and was able to do my first cut with it on the 4th of July.
The unit kept breaking to the point I asked for a new one and they did not have any. I had to wait until the spring of 2017. The unit I got kept going through belts. The main pulley was installed at an angle by mistake. Had to wait 2-3 more weeks to get another one. Kept having to take time off work to receive and assemble the units and report back. They did not seem to care too much about the time I was spending working on the unit and not cutting grass
Instruction manual referenced wrong replacement belt and nut sizes.
I felt like an unpaid protyle tester/ mechanic/ proof reader
The over all design is good. The execution of the mechanical design details was poor. The design could have benefited from more rivet nuts to keep having to work on both sides of the the mower deck to do a repair.
The unit kept breaking to the point I asked for a new one and they did not have any. I had to wait until the spring of 2017. The unit I got kept going through belts. The main pulley was installed at an angle by mistake. Had to wait 2-3 more weeks to get another one. Kept having to take time off work to receive and assemble the units and report back. They did not seem to care too much about the time I was spending working on the unit and not cutting grass
Instruction manual referenced wrong replacement belt and nut sizes.
I felt like an unpaid protyle tester/ mechanic/ proof reader
The over all design is good. The execution of the mechanical design details was poor. The design could have benefited from more rivet nuts to keep having to work on both sides of the the mower deck to do a repair.
Peter M. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
2/5
4/5
3/5
Pros:
Features, Easy To Use
Cons:
Low Quality, Unreliable, Bad Instructions, Difficult to repair
Returned!
By Susan
Indiana
Purchased 05/20/2016 |
Review Posted 09/12/2016
After much research, and emailing Dirty Hands to discuss the product, my husband and I decided to give this mower a chance as it appeared rugged and we liked the pressurized engine. Big mistake. Ordered it in May, delivered mid June, and it went back last week!
After only one use, which it did a good job of mowing, my husband found the wheel brackets bent making the mower unusable.
A call to Dirty Hands warrant department, we were told a new reinforced part would be sent out. Received the same part a week or so later. Was then told we would receive an email when the reinforced part was available. Several weeks later, we contacted the warranty department to be told the part would not be available until March! They would continue sending us the original parts so we could finally use the mower until the parts were available next spring or refund our money.
After reading reviews that had been written after we had purchased this mower and learning of other dangerous issues with this mower, we chose to return it.
Everyone we dealt with at Dirty Hands was friendly and cooperative. Very good communication through phone calls or emails. We are sorry this mower didn't work out as it seemed to be rugged. But not willing to take a chance on a defective mower that was eventually pulled from the market.
Hopefully their next year model will be more solid. But we need a mower like 3 months ago!! So going with one from a solid company with a well known name.
After only one use, which it did a good job of mowing, my husband found the wheel brackets bent making the mower unusable.
A call to Dirty Hands warrant department, we were told a new reinforced part would be sent out. Received the same part a week or so later. Was then told we would receive an email when the reinforced part was available. Several weeks later, we contacted the warranty department to be told the part would not be available until March! They would continue sending us the original parts so we could finally use the mower until the parts were available next spring or refund our money.
After reading reviews that had been written after we had purchased this mower and learning of other dangerous issues with this mower, we chose to return it.
Everyone we dealt with at Dirty Hands was friendly and cooperative. Very good communication through phone calls or emails. We are sorry this mower didn't work out as it seemed to be rugged. But not willing to take a chance on a defective mower that was eventually pulled from the market.
Hopefully their next year model will be more solid. But we need a mower like 3 months ago!! So going with one from a solid company with a well known name.
Susan Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Expert Response
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We do apologize for the inconvenience and the issues that occurred with your mower. I see that we were able to resolve the issue and we issued a full refund back on the purchase. Once again we sincerely apologize for the issues.
Dale V.
Power Equipment Expert
Rating Breakdown
4/5
1/5
3/5
1/5
Not impressed yet
By Jerry G.
Comfort, Texas
Purchased 06/22/2016 |
Review Posted 08/04/2016
I was impressed with the 8 gauge steel instead of 11 or 12 gauge like all of the competition. I am a designer in another industry everything appeared to be well thought out for form, function and durability. I needed something to replace the "pull behind mower" that I purchased 5 years ago and I have been unable to mow my 15 acres completely without wheels breaking off or welds pulling apart, etc, etc, etc. I received my mower about one month ago.
I used it for about one and a half hours and the blade flew off. With great difficulty, I was able to raise the 600 or so pound mower and squeeze underneath to reattached the blade. It came off again after 15 minutes. I called the manufacturer and they said that red Loctite should solve the problem.
They were quick to respond with a replacement on damaged parts. They located a small engine repair business to pick up the mower. That was about 2 weeks ago. I am still waiting on the opportunity to try out it's ability, but, I do not have much confidence.
I used it for about one and a half hours and the blade flew off. With great difficulty, I was able to raise the 600 or so pound mower and squeeze underneath to reattached the blade. It came off again after 15 minutes. I called the manufacturer and they said that red Loctite should solve the problem.
They were quick to respond with a replacement on damaged parts. They located a small engine repair business to pick up the mower. That was about 2 weeks ago. I am still waiting on the opportunity to try out it's ability, but, I do not have much confidence.
Jerry G. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
1/5
1/5
Purchase with Caution
By Ken K.
Jasper, Iowa
Purchased 05/02/2016 |
Review Posted 06/30/2016
My experience with Mowers Direct has always been top notch. But this pull behind has been a lot of trouble.
The height adjustment is not a good design. On my first use the machine would periodically just drop to the ground. The "spring pin" used to lock the mower at a specific height gets pushed out of the locking position and the entire mower drops to the ground. I was on and off the machine over a dozen times putting it back up.
Frictionless tools sent new wheel assemblies to try and fix the problem but sent 2 rights. I finally just made a wood wedge to block the pin from being pushed out.
The second use my wife was using the mower. It was mowing well but kept making a noise that made me uncomfortable. Finally I asked her to stop and we will have a local repair shop take a look at it.
When I called, they explained that blades worked themselves loose and were getting ready to fly off. In addition the tensioner pully was undersized and the tensioner pully bracket was flopping loose.
Frictionless tools sent the repair shop a "mower upgrade" for the blade coming loose issue. This is a known design flaw.
When I called the repair shop this time, they indicated that they were sent the wrong upgrade kit.
I would not recommend this mower, and would say purchase with caution.
Even with these problems, I have been looking for another mower with mowers direct. They are great to work with....
The height adjustment is not a good design. On my first use the machine would periodically just drop to the ground. The "spring pin" used to lock the mower at a specific height gets pushed out of the locking position and the entire mower drops to the ground. I was on and off the machine over a dozen times putting it back up.
Frictionless tools sent new wheel assemblies to try and fix the problem but sent 2 rights. I finally just made a wood wedge to block the pin from being pushed out.
The second use my wife was using the mower. It was mowing well but kept making a noise that made me uncomfortable. Finally I asked her to stop and we will have a local repair shop take a look at it.
When I called, they explained that blades worked themselves loose and were getting ready to fly off. In addition the tensioner pully was undersized and the tensioner pully bracket was flopping loose.
Frictionless tools sent the repair shop a "mower upgrade" for the blade coming loose issue. This is a known design flaw.
When I called the repair shop this time, they indicated that they were sent the wrong upgrade kit.
I would not recommend this mower, and would say purchase with caution.
Even with these problems, I have been looking for another mower with mowers direct. They are great to work with....
Ken K. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
4/5
2/5
3/5
2/5
So Far
By Gary S.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Purchased 06/03/2016 |
Review Posted 06/28/2016
Took a little while longer to assemble than I thought it would, but that's my fault not the mowers. Mower is heavy & I hope will last a long time.
I have only used it twice for a total of a couple of hours but so far so good. I like the Kohler motor but it doesn't seem to idle at a good speed when it gets in tall grass, may just be me.
I have only used it twice for a total of a couple of hours but so far so good. I like the Kohler motor but it doesn't seem to idle at a good speed when it gets in tall grass, may just be me.
Gary S. Recommends This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
Caution with this machine
By Ken K.
Jasper, Indiana
Purchased 05/02/2016 |
Review Posted 06/24/2016
I purchased this dirty hands tool mower in early may. It is now late June. This machine has significant engineering and design problems. I will verify the stories from other reviews. There are design flaws that have resulted in the blade flying off the machines.
On my first use of the machine, when on rough ground, the wheel height adjustment spring pin would be pushed out of the wheel assembly and the entire deck would drop to the ground. I was on and off my ATV over a dozen times to put the machine back up off the ground and the pin back in the wheel assembly.
On the second use I was hearing a metal to metal sound that concerned me. I had my wife, who was using it, go by slowly so I could listen. It was mowing ok, but I was uneasy with the sound.
I took it to the company that takes care of my tractor and other equipment. When I called to see what it was, I was told:
1. the blade was about to fly off,
2. the tensioner pulley was undersized and not a commercial grade pulley, and
3. the bracket holding the tensioner pulley was just flopping loosely.
When I told Dirty Hand Tools about these issues, they contacted my equipment repair company. After the call from the manufacturer, I was told by the repair mechanic that I could not get the machine until after they installed parts that were being sent to them by the manufacturer.
The next week I called to see if I could pick it up. Apparently, the parts sent were not able to be installed, and other parts were being sent. I could not pick up the machine.
Dirty Hand Tool is going to issue a refund. They are picking up the machine.
I would say read the reviews. Consistent problems. Be careful if you buy this machine.
On my first use of the machine, when on rough ground, the wheel height adjustment spring pin would be pushed out of the wheel assembly and the entire deck would drop to the ground. I was on and off my ATV over a dozen times to put the machine back up off the ground and the pin back in the wheel assembly.
On the second use I was hearing a metal to metal sound that concerned me. I had my wife, who was using it, go by slowly so I could listen. It was mowing ok, but I was uneasy with the sound.
I took it to the company that takes care of my tractor and other equipment. When I called to see what it was, I was told:
1. the blade was about to fly off,
2. the tensioner pulley was undersized and not a commercial grade pulley, and
3. the bracket holding the tensioner pulley was just flopping loosely.
When I told Dirty Hand Tools about these issues, they contacted my equipment repair company. After the call from the manufacturer, I was told by the repair mechanic that I could not get the machine until after they installed parts that were being sent to them by the manufacturer.
The next week I called to see if I could pick it up. Apparently, the parts sent were not able to be installed, and other parts were being sent. I could not pick up the machine.
Dirty Hand Tool is going to issue a refund. They are picking up the machine.
I would say read the reviews. Consistent problems. Be careful if you buy this machine.
Ken K. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Expert Response
Sorry to hear you had issues with the mower and i see that the manufacturer did credit us and we have issued you a full refund.
Dale V.
Power Equipment Expert
Rating Breakdown
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
Great product
By Frank L.
New England, Vermont
Review Posted 06/24/2016
I bought this to replace my DR unit. It is really beefy and we have used it to mow our 10 acres of field. It cuts surprisingly well for our rough cut blade. Very happy....thanks.
Frank L. Recommends This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Price, Exceeded Expectations
By Jamie T.
Minnesota
Review Posted 06/23/2016
We purchased mower this spring and like the heavy duty construction of the mower. The first time we used this mower the belt fell off ruining the belt. We put new belt on it and contacted dirty hands they sent out a care package of new belts, idler pully and instructions to update the pully system. Second attempt to mow the stump jumper and blades fell off putting a dent in deck besides the danger of the blades flying off.
We called dirty hands the sent out another care package to replace the stump jumper with a different blade assembly all together. Third try the belt shredded again an now we are waiting to hear back from dirty hands. I think replacing the one we have is only option or return the money and we will buy a different brand. I would not recommend this mower.
We called dirty hands the sent out another care package to replace the stump jumper with a different blade assembly all together. Third try the belt shredded again an now we are waiting to hear back from dirty hands. I think replacing the one we have is only option or return the money and we will buy a different brand. I would not recommend this mower.
Jamie T. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
Well designed great working mower!
By Keith W.
Newcastle, California
Purchased 03/31/2016 |
Review Posted 04/29/2016
I was debating between this mower and a comparable model and I decided on this one because of the attention to detail and quality design. Take the hitch for example, I read reviews on the comparable model and over a 2-3 period they never fixed the chinsey 5/16 dia hitch pin. That's really weak especially if you plan to use this on anything but flat level ground.
Dirty Hand Tools' mower is rugged, great tire bite (good for side hills), brush guards, comes w/ a 2" ball hitch adapter and includes the battery. I use my mower on very hilly rocky property, so the 8" max height worked well. Kohler motor as opposed to Briggs and Stratton. Well-protected low-profile control station as opposed to a large unprotected/vulnerable "retro" mechanical lever.
Well-designed pin-adjusted 3" X 2" hitch bar. Aggressive tires, heavy 8ga steel body (as opposed to 11ga) and low CG makes this mower stable on my hilly property. My only complaint is that the foot levers used to adjust the deck height is vulnerable to damage while reversing, but I'm a picky engineer too. I pull this behind a Polaris Sportsman 570 quad and it's great.. I'd definitely recommended this to a friend. It looks great too!!
Dirty Hand Tools' mower is rugged, great tire bite (good for side hills), brush guards, comes w/ a 2" ball hitch adapter and includes the battery. I use my mower on very hilly rocky property, so the 8" max height worked well. Kohler motor as opposed to Briggs and Stratton. Well-protected low-profile control station as opposed to a large unprotected/vulnerable "retro" mechanical lever.
Well-designed pin-adjusted 3" X 2" hitch bar. Aggressive tires, heavy 8ga steel body (as opposed to 11ga) and low CG makes this mower stable on my hilly property. My only complaint is that the foot levers used to adjust the deck height is vulnerable to damage while reversing, but I'm a picky engineer too. I pull this behind a Polaris Sportsman 570 quad and it's great.. I'd definitely recommended this to a friend. It looks great too!!
Keith W. Recommends This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Seems well built, but issues the first time I attempted using it
By Daniel E.
Missouri
Purchased 04/12/2016 |
Review Posted 04/28/2016
Very heavy duty construction and appears to be well engineered. However the first time I used it, after mowing for about an hour the stump jumper/blade assembly decided to fall off. On the way to the ground the blades impacted the deck leaving a large gash that will need to be ground down as well as the left wheel and tire (looking back from the hitch).
The blade impact on the tire sliced through the sidewall and put a hole completely through the rim.
I don't see any indication on the stump jumper that there was any impact (other than a mark where one of the blades was forced to pivot itself over). It appears that either the bolt was not properly torqued or there needs to be an improvement in the provision for retaining the bolt when tightened.
I will be sending an email to the manufacturer for guidance and will update this review at a later time if possible.
The blade impact on the tire sliced through the sidewall and put a hole completely through the rim.
I don't see any indication on the stump jumper that there was any impact (other than a mark where one of the blades was forced to pivot itself over). It appears that either the bolt was not properly torqued or there needs to be an improvement in the provision for retaining the bolt when tightened.
I will be sending an email to the manufacturer for guidance and will update this review at a later time if possible.
Daniel E. Does Not Recommend This
Was this review helpful?
Rating Breakdown
4/5
3/5
4/5
3/5
Pros:
Features
Cons:
Unreliable
How-To Articles
Manuals
101684
%2015HP%20Tow-Behind%20Rough%20Cut%20Mower%20w%2F%20Electric%20Start%20%7C%20Dirty%20Hand%20Tools%20101684&p[url]=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.powerequipmentdirect.com%2FDirty-Hand-Tools-101684%2Fp64975.html&p[summary]=The%20Dirty%20Hand%20Tools%20(46-Inch)%2015HP%20Tow-Behind%20Rough%20Cut%20Mower%20w%2F%20Electric%20Start%20101684%20has%20been%20discontinued.&p[images][0]=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.powerequipmentdirect.com%2Fproducts-image%2F500%2F101684_64975_600.jpg){kind=link}
Ask A Question!
*Required Fields
+
Thank You For Submitting Your Question
Your submission has been sent successfully. Please give our experts up to two business days to respond.
Media Gallery
Dirty Hand Tools (46") 15HP Tow-Behind Rough Cut Mower w/ Electric Start
Customer Review Images
