Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,151  
Tractor is a 2520 26hp/20 HP@ PTO with HST. Only issue that I've had with the mower is breaking the soft bolts that I use for the shear pin. I think that it calls for Grade 5 and I am using something softer. This only happens when I first engage the PTO - even at low RPMs and the mower off the ground. I need to either get the Grade 5 bolts or better yet a slip clutch.

Maybe you need to just let the clutch out slower? I have never seen a shear bolt break on start up at an idle... that doesn't make sence.
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,152  
Tractor is a 2520 26hp/20 HP@ PTO with HST. Only issue that I've had with the mower is breaking the soft bolts that I use for the shear pin. I think that it calls for Grade 5 and I am using something softer. This only happens when I first engage the PTO - even at low RPMs and the mower off the ground. I need to either get the Grade 5 bolts or better yet a slip clutch.

Have you attempted to unhook the PTO, lift the mower and see if you can rotate the drum/pulley by hand. Sometime when you find you are sheering a lot of bolts you find there is something binding you may not notice when the tractor is powering the implement.
 
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   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,153  
About your flailmower (insert Heart shape here)

are you starting the Power take off at idel speed and then
running it up slowly? that may be the problem.

Remember too that it is the V belt(s) for your flailmower that
are the relief valve in the power train of the system to prevent
damage to the bearings and flail rotor.



The "Flail Mower Nation" changing the way America mows one flailmower at at a time.

________________________________________________________________
Once you go flail you never go back:thumbsup::licking::drool:
Pronovost or not at all!!!:thumbsup::licking::drool:
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,154  
Thanks for the suggestions on my shear pin issue. There is no clutch to let out slowly, the PTO is a switch on the dash. I'll have to check if anything is binding. This may most likely be the case because when it goes it goes right away. I do start the PTO at idle and slowly speed it up, but when it breaks, it is right away - before I get a chance to increase the RPMs.

I've heard that blades may sometime hit bolt head underneath. I'll have to check closer. The tractor and property are ~400 miles from home and I haven't made time to go down in a few months. Thanks again.
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,155  
Thanks for the suggestions on my shear pin issue. There is no clutch to let out slowly, the PTO is a switch on the dash. I'll have to check if anything is binding. This may most likely be the case because when it goes it goes right away. I do start the PTO at idle and slowly speed it up, but when it breaks, it is right away - before I get a chance to increase the RPMs.

I've heard that blades may sometime hit bolt head underneath. I'll have to check closer. The tractor and property are ~400 miles from home and I haven't made time to go down in a few months. Thanks again.


If you can provide some good pictures that would be great.

I am curious to find out if your shear pins are too weak?


The grass slicers or hammers should never hit a bolt head at any I repeat any time period.

If you have a bad hanger or shackle the unit will need work but I would Check to be sure the PTO shaft is not too long also.
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,156  
My guess is the shear bolt is wearing thin in use and then shearing when the snap of startup hits it. The one you are using is most likely way too soft and needs the grade 5 like you said. If you want to know for sure, just order a pin from a dealer instead of just sticking any old bolt in and hoping it works. Probably cost you a few dollars instead of a few cents but then you'll know for sure. Cheaper than downtime, the frustration, and gas running to get new "inexpensive" bolts.

If blades are hitting anything inside the mower you'll DEFINITELY know it. Steel hitting steel at maybe a couple of thousand feet per second is LOUD. We run mowers til they drop, are rebuilt, and then drop again and I know the sound. :) You'll also chew up whatever the blades are hitting without hurting a proper shear bolt.
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,157  
Since this is the "flail mower thread", I have a question. I have about $2,000 to spend and have been looking at the Caroni...the 6ft. model from ASC. My tractor is an MX5100 Kubota, and I'll be using it to keep the fields clear...no heavy brush (unless by accident), maybe some small trees that sprout-up every year. I've been using a 6ft. bush hog for years and figure it's time to move-on. I've not had any luck finding any used flails in my area, is the Caroni a good choice at this price range?
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,159  
Yes x2 :thumbsup:.
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #1,160  
beppington said:
Yes! :thumbsup:

I agree. I've had my TM1900 for four years and I have been very happy with it. There is more routine maintenance with a flail compared to a bush hog but the cut quality is far better and the flails are safer.
 
 
 
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