ALKO BM 875 III Petrol Scythe Mower

AL-KO BM 875 III petrol scythe mower

The AL-KO BM 875 III is a specialist self-propelled scythe mower for managing tall grass, nettles, wild herbs and dense non-woody vegetation in meadows, paddocks, orchards and natural garden areas.

Unlike a conventional rotary lawn mower, the BM 875 III uses a reciprocating 87cm sickle cutter bar. The blade moves backwards and forwards to cut vegetation close to the base, leaving the material behind in longer swaths rather than shredding it or placing it in a grass collector.

This makes the machine particularly useful where grass is allowed to grow naturally, where cut material may be gathered for forage, or where a conventional mower would struggle with the height and density of the vegetation.

AL-KO BM 875 III at a glance

• Manufacturer: AL-KO
• Model: BM 875 III
• Product code: 113617
• Best suited to: meadows, paddocks, orchards and natural areas
• Suggested maximum area: up to approximately 2,000m²
• Cutting width: 87cm / 34in
• Cutter type: reciprocating ESM sickle cutter bar
• Engine: Briggs & Stratton 625 EXi
• Engine displacement: 150cc
• Rated output: approximately 2.3kW
• Wheel drive: one forward gear
• Reverse gear: no
• Cutter-bar drive: disengageable
• Tyres: 13in pneumatic agricultural-tread tyres
• Handle: height-adjustable and vibration-damped
• Weight: approximately 52kg
• Grass collection: no
• Mulching: no

Is the AL-KO BM 875 III right for you?

Choose the BM 875 III if:

• You need to cut tall meadow grass that is unsuitable for a normal lawn mower
• You maintain a paddock, orchard, wild garden or natural grass area
• You want to leave the cut material in longer swaths rather than mulch it
• You may want to gather the cut grass for forage or hay
• You need a wide 87cm cut for areas up to approximately 2,000m²
• You want wheel drive to reduce the effort required across rough ground
• You need adjustable blade shoes for varying ground conditions
• You value access to local machinery servicing and parts support

Consider another machine if:

• You want a close-cut, formally finished domestic lawn
• You need grass collection or mulching
• The area contains substantial woody brambles, rushes or saplings
• You need reverse gear for frequent manoeuvring in confined areas
• You require a lightweight machine that can be lifted easily
• Your access is narrower than the 87cm cutter-bar assembly
• You mainly need to clear vegetation around trees, fences and tight obstacles

Why Masseys recommends the AL-KO BM 875 III

Masseys recommends the BM 875 III to landowners who need to manage tall meadow grass and natural vegetation without shredding it in the way a rotary or flail mower would.

The wide cutter bar allows the machine to cover open meadow areas efficiently, while the short wheel-to-bar distance and agricultural-tread tyres help it remain manoeuvrable around field edges and orchard rows.

It is particularly useful when the cut grass needs to remain in longer lengths for gathering, drying or forage use. The movable grass deflector helps place the cut vegetation away from the machine rather than allowing it to accumulate on the cutter-bar cover.

The BM 875 III is not the best recommendation for predominantly woody growth. Where the area contains extensive brambles, rushes, mixed brush or saplings, Masseys would normally recommend comparing it with a field-and-brush mower or a flail mower.

How the 87cm sickle cutter bar works

The BM 875 III uses an 87cm reciprocating cutter bar rather than a high-speed rotary blade. The moving blade sections pass against fixed fingers, cutting the vegetation near the base.

This cutting method is well suited to tall grass, nettles, meadow plants and other non-woody vegetation. Because the grass is cut rather than finely shredded, it can be left in longer swaths and gathered afterwards where required.

The specially hardened ESM blade is designed for durability and is fitted with edge protection to help reduce damage if the end of the cutter bar contacts a boundary or obstacle.

Before mowing, inspect the complete area and remove stones, wire, branches and other objects that could damage the cutter bar or be thrown during operation.

Adjustable blade shoes

The blade shoes can be adjusted continuously to alter the working position of the cutter bar according to the ground and vegetation conditions.

A higher setting can help protect the cutter bar on uneven ground, while a lower position allows vegetation to be cut closer to the base where the terrain permits.

Both sides should be set consistently, and the adjustment procedure in the operator manual must be followed.

Briggs & Stratton 625 EXi petrol engine

The later BM 875 III, product code 113617, is powered by a 150cc Briggs & Stratton 625 EXi four-stroke petrol engine with a rated output of approximately 2.3kW.

The engine powers the reciprocating cutter bar and the self-propelled wheel drive. It uses recoil starting and requires the correct four-stroke engine oil and fresh petrol.

Always follow the supplied AL-KO and Briggs & Stratton instructions for starting, refuelling, servicing, transport and seasonal storage.

One-speed wheel drive

The self-propelled system drives the two pneumatic wheels through a worm-gear transmission, reducing the need to push the complete approximately 52kg machine across the working area.

The BM 875 III has one forward gear and no reverse gear. This arrangement is straightforward to operate but should be considered carefully where the work involves frequent reversing, confined corners or repeated changes of direction.

For a wider machine with forward and reverse gears, compare the AL-KO BM 5001 R-III.

Disengageable cutter-bar drive

The cutter-bar drive can be disengaged independently. This allows the machine to be moved without the blade operating when the controls and procedures in the operator manual are followed.

The cutting mechanism must be stopped before clearing vegetation, inspecting the blade or carrying out any adjustment. Stop the engine and isolate the spark plug where directed by the manufacturer.

Pneumatic agricultural-tread tyres

The 13in pneumatic tyres have a wide agricultural-style tread intended to provide traction on meadows, paddocks and uneven natural ground.

The compact distance between the wheels and cutter bar helps the operator guide the machine along field boundaries and around larger obstacles.

Tyre pressures should be checked regularly and maintained according to the operator handbook.

Working on slopes and uneven ground

AL-KO positions the BM 875 III for rough ground and slopes of up to approximately 20°, subject to the operator manual, surface conditions and the operator maintaining secure footing.

• Do not exceed the maximum slope stated in the supplied manual
• Do not operate on wet, slippery or unstable slopes
• Inspect the ground for holes, stones, wire and hidden obstacles
• Wear suitable protective footwear and clothing
• Keep other people and animals away from the working area
• Take particular care when changing direction

The stated maximum angle does not mean that every slope below that figure is safe. Surface moisture, loose ground, holes and restricted access can make a shallower slope unsuitable.

Movable grass deflector

The movable grass deflector helps direct cut vegetation away from the cutter-bar cover. This can reduce material building up on top of the machine and helps place the grass more consistently behind the cutting path.

The BM 875 III does not collect the cut material. It must be left in place, gathered manually or handled using suitable equipment after mowing.

Scythe mower, field mower or flail mower?

Browse other petrol-powered mowing equipment or view the complete Masseys lawn mower and rough-ground machinery range.

Important limitations to consider

• The machine weighs approximately 52kg
• It has one forward gear and no reverse
• It does not collect or mulch cut vegetation
• It is not designed to leave a short, formal lawn finish
• The 87cm cutter bar requires suitable access and storage space
• It is intended mainly for non-woody vegetation rather than substantial saplings or thick woody brush
• The cutter bar requires inspection, adjustment, cleaning and lubrication
• Transporting the machine may require ramps or suitable lifting arrangements

AL-KO BM 875 III technical specifications

Optional winter use

The BM 875 III was designed to accept compatible accessories such as a snow blade and snow chains, allowing the power unit to be used for snow clearance.

Accessory availability and compatibility can vary by product generation. Confirm that an accessory is approved for AL-KO article 113617 before ordering or fitting it.

Setup, servicing and aftersales support

Masseys can advise on assembly, pre-delivery inspection and machine setup. Because the BM 875 III has a wide reciprocating cutter bar, correct assembly and adjustment are particularly important.

Ongoing support is available through the Masseys garden-machinery workshop. Learn more about garden machinery servicing and repairs.

Masseys also supplies Aspen alkylate fuel and other engine oils and fuel products for suitable four-stroke machinery. Always follow the Briggs & Stratton engine requirements.

Warranty eligibility can depend on the date of sale, product registration, domestic or commercial use and servicing history. Because this listing is for the previous-generation BM 875 III, confirm the exact warranty supplied with the physical machine before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What is the AL-KO BM 875 III designed to cut?

It is designed primarily for tall grass, meadow vegetation, nettles, wild herbs and similar non-woody growth in paddocks, orchards and natural areas.

Can it cut brambles and saplings?

It may cut light, soft or young vegetation, but it should not be presented as a dedicated woody-brush or sapling mower. For substantial brambles, rushes or saplings, a field-and-brush mower or flail mower will generally be more appropriate.

Does the BM 875 III collect grass?

No. The cutter bar leaves the vegetation behind in longer swaths. The material can be left, gathered manually or collected using other suitable equipment.

Does it have reverse gear?

No. The BM 875 III has one forward gear. The AL-KO BM 5001 R-III should be considered where reverse drive is important.

How wide is the cutter bar?

The specially hardened ESM cutter bar is approximately 87cm, or 34 inches, wide.

How heavy is the BM 875 III?

The later article 113617 model weighs approximately 52kg. The powered wheel drive reduces effort while mowing, but suitable arrangements may be needed for loading and transport.

Is it suitable for an ordinary garden lawn?

It can cut grass, but it is not designed to produce the short, even finish of a conventional rotary or cylinder lawn mower. Its main purpose is maintaining tall or natural grass areas.

Can it be used on slopes?

The product information states suitability for slopes up to approximately 20°. The operator manual, ground conditions, surface moisture and safe footing must always take priority.

What is the difference between the BM 875 III and BM 5001 R-III?

The BM 875 III has an 87cm cutter bar and one forward gear. The BM 5001 R-III has a wider 102cm bar, forward and reverse gears and is intended for larger working areas.

Is this the BM 875 III or BM 875 IV?

This listing is for the BM 875 III, product code 113617 and GTIN 4003718058536. It should not be confused with the newer BM 875 IV, which uses a different article number and engine specification.

Can Masseys assemble and service the machine?

Masseys can advise on machine assembly and setup and operates an in-house workshop for servicing, repairs and warranty support.

Product advice reviewed by the Masseys Garden Machinery Team. Specifications last checked July 2026. Confirm the product code, serial plate, included equipment and warranty documentation on the physical machine before publication or purchase.