Flail Mower Smaller Flail Mower for 25 hp tractor?

[ammodram]

Can anyone recommend a small flail mower for grass applications that could be handled by a tractor with a 22hp PTO and limited 3 pt lift capacity (like my Kubota L245DT)?

I need to mow about 10" high in a bunch of native grass restoration sites to keep weed competition down, and would like a mower that will not deposit windrows like a rotary does. That way, the windrows won't smother the new grass seedlings.

I'd like something like a Caroni, but most of their models seem marginally too heavy for my 3 pt lift and/or too demanding of PTO hp. Maybe I just need a bigger tractor. Anyone have a suggestion?

Alternatively, is there a type of rake that will allow me to move all of the cuttings entirely out of the field if I do cut with a rotary mower? Seems like they would just get raked into larger and larger windrows?

Thanks
Matt

 

[DirtHauler]

When I had my Kioti CK20 I ran a Caroni 48" flail and I would cut grass/weeds up to 5' high with it! Now that I have the CK30, I have the Coroni 59" and just ordered a 63" with "B" rotor for heavier brush cutting.
The flails don't require as much PTO power as a "bush hog".

Wieghts;
48" = 463 lbs. (TL1200FSC)
59" = 485 lbs. (TL1500FSC)
63" = 580 lbs. (TM1600BSC)
75" = 650 lbs. (TM1900BSC)

 

[ammodram]

Thanks Dirthauler

That 48" model may be just what I need. Now I just need to set aside some more cash for it!

I can't seem to find any of the smaller Caroni mowers available in the U.S other than from Agri-supply. Anyone know of other dealers? Somebody mentioned TSC at one point, but I don't find any Caroni products currently on their website.

Matt

 

[Superduper]

Thanks Dirthauler

That 48" model may be just what I need. Now I just need to set aside some more cash for it!

I can't seem to find any of the smaller Caroni mowers available in the U.S other than from Agri-supply. Anyone know of other dealers? Somebody mentioned TSC at one point, but I don't find any Caroni products currently on their website.

Matt

My TSC has one sitting in front of their store. When I inquired about it, they told me that they can order any size Caroni as they are apparently a retailer. So even if they don't have one on their website or onsite, they can get it. As for weight, the Caroni's are about as light as you can get. I see some slightly lighter ones made in China but I would avoid them. Where would you get parts from?

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks Dirthauler

That 48" model may be just what I need. Now I just need to set aside some more cash for it!
Matt

I would recommend a larger model for a 25hp tractor. I use the 75" version on a 40hp tractor and it hardly knows it's back there. Unless you expect to mow very fast or are constantly in heavy grass/brush, I'd think that a 60" verion would make a lot more sense for a 25hp machine. I'd use the 75" on a 30hp tractor without any concerns (again assuming reasonable mowing speed and not a lot of heavy brush cutting).

 

[greg_g]

I to am thinking 22 PTO horses can handle more than a four footer. Consider your tire width for one thing. When you turn the tractor, a smaller mower will be cutting inside the outer wheel track. That treaded down material may not get completely cut on a subsequent pass. Also, it's nice to have a mower that's wider than the rears, so that you can mow up closer alongside buildings and fence lines.

//greg//

 

[DirtHauler]

All Caroni's are off set to the right, about 8", so mowing next to fence lines is fairly easy

 

[PBinWA]

My 23 PTO HP handles my Befco 58" Flail fine. I think you could use a bigger Flail on your Kubota.

 

[ammodram]

My 23 PTO HP handles my Befco 58" Flail fine. I think you could use a bigger Flail on your Kubota.

That's good to hear. I guess I'm more concerned about the relatively light 3 pt lift rating for the old Kubota L245DT than I am about PTO horsepower.

The original operator's manual gives the implement weight (W1) of the L245DT as only 550 lbs., and that theoretically decreases as you widen the rear tire tread to the widest setting. (I assume because the way that you mount the rim to the disc puts most of the tire outside the downward force on the wheel.)

I've attached both pages of the original spec chart. 2nd page give specs for different types of implements.

Despite the workhorse reputation, this seems to be one big weakness of the older Kubotas compared to many other newer subcompacts. I thought I'd post these pages in case anyone else has this tractor and would be interested.

I wonder if (and by how much) these figures would change with loaded rear tires? If they are derived only from the hydraulic capacity of the 3 pt system, I guess they wouldn't change. However, if they incorporate stability factors into these numbers, the loaded tires would make a difference.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

-Matt

 

[bx24d]

Wondering if anyone has put a flail on the back of a bx24 and what size.