Transformer Mower | Lane Shark Front Loader Brush Mowers

Lane Shark Front Loader Mower: The Ultimate Brush Clearing Tool

What Is a Lane Shark Mower?

The Lane Shark mower is a front loader attachment designed for brush and trail maintenance. It mounts to your tractor’s front loader, giving you the ability to mow heavy brush before it reaches your tires or undercarriage. Unlike traditional rear-mounted mowers, the Lane Shark lets you push and clear material before driving over it.

Why Front-Mounted Mowing Matters

With a mower on the front loader, you avoid the common problem of driving through brush before it's cut. You get more control, better visibility, and the ability to tackle steep banks, pond edges, and tight trail corridors.

Key Feature: Multi-Position Cutting

The Lane Shark can pivot into several positions thanks to its hydraulic motor. Whether you're trimming alongside trails or reaching under fence lines, this flexibility is where the mower shines. Extended out to the side, it offers nearly three feet of additional reach beyond your tractor tires—perfect for hard-to-access areas.

Blade Design Built for Brush

The blades extend beyond the mower’s housing, a feature borrowed from heavy-duty skid steer brush mowers. This allows the blades to bite into thick wood and brush without needing to push over material first. It’s especially useful for tackling 1.5" to 2" saplings and woody overgrowth.

Loader Compatibility and Mounting Tips

The Lane Shark uses a hybrid quick-attach system that works with both industry-standard skid steer mounts and John Deere’s proprietary system. But be aware—on some tractors, especially Kubota M Series, the top hooks on the attachment can contact the loader cylinders. Always check clearance before full installation.

Hydraulic System Requirements

Unlike some earlier systems that used standalone hydraulic power packs, the Lane Shark relies on your tractor’s onboard hydraulics. Most compact tractors use a third-function valve with two couplers—one for pressure and one for return. The Lane Shark requires a third line: a dedicated return or case drain. Without this, the hydraulic motor could be damaged when shut off abruptly.

Lane Shark Hydraulic Kit Options

To simplify setup, Lane Shark partnered with W.R. Long to offer complete third-function kits. These include the third return line and a tidy, easy-to-install valve assembly. If you already have a W.R. Long kit, you can purchase an add-on instead of replacing the entire system.

New Control Box for Continuous Flow

For mowing, you don’t want to hold down a momentary switch the whole time. Lane Shark now includes a control box with start/stop buttons, allowing continuous hydraulic flow. This upgrade helps prevent fatigue during longer mowing sessions.

Performance in the Field

The mower cuts through thick brush with ease, despite running off lower hydraulic flow compared to some skid steers. It's not a substitute for an offset flail mower in terms of mulching quality, but it handles heavy material and does so at a lower cost with simpler plumbing.

Safety Considerations

This mower can throw debris and should be used with care. Always operate with the nose angled slightly downward and never roll the mower back toward yourself while it’s running. Also, remember that the mower blades can continue to spin after hydraulic flow is shut off, thanks to the free-spinning return system. Always wait for a full stop before dismounting.

Refined Setup and Support

Lane Shark has made major improvements in installation ease and product support. With detailed compatibility charts and support from their team, getting set up is simpler than ever. What started as a rough installation has now become a plug-and-play solution for many tractors.

Nationwide Availability

Messick’s offers nationwide shipping and support for Lane Shark mowers. If you’re looking for a front-mounted solution for trail and brush management, this is one of the most practical and versatile tools you can add to your machine.