The harvester does leave some floating weeds but they try to get as many as possible. He felt the boat props cut more floaters than the harvester. They are cutting three to four feet in depth.
It does pick up some small fish as it cuts.
It will not pick up floating algae.
It is used July into September.
Fuel use is not a big deal, probably five gallons per day.
One man operation of the harvester. Of course extra labor is used with weed disposal.
The picked up weeds are taken by dump truck from the landing and dumped into an area that is very isolated from homes. Yes, there is an odor from the decomposing weeds and dead fish.
They bought the unit used and have had it for about five years.
He would buy the unit again but wishes they could afford a new one rather than used because the biggest problem they have is with repairs. No one works on them so they have to scramble for parts.
A lot of the concerns I had are as I remember from our prior harvester but they seem happy with it in general so the problems are not insurmountable. It is good to know the downside going in so we can be ready.
Ken