Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

   / Let's talk flail mowers #231  
First time out of the chute it was so low it was actually rototilling (dethatching? :rolleyes: ), then I raised it 2 notches (dropping the roller about an inch) and that helped, but the angle set via top link adjustment seems to effect the cut too; unfortunately the manual doesn't cover anything but the basics. Here is the "Height Adjustment Procedure: 'In order to conduct a precise work, the machine shall be operated according to the recommended cutting height', :rolleyes: But it doesn't say what that is.

I'll see if I can get some pics of my mess
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #232  
IslandTractor said:
The BETST looks almost like a copy of the Caroni. I'm sure that whoever manufacturers it copied someone elses design as flail mowers are probably not a homegrown invention in China.

Looks like it cuts well. I don't see any photos of the lawn mess though. I agree that it may be a height adjustment issue if you are chewing up turf.

Probably not really in Italy either?:rolleyes:
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #233  
IslandTractor said:
The BETST looks almost like a copy of the Caroni. I'm sure that whoever manufacturers it copied someone elses design as flail mowers are probably not a homegrown invention in China.


All the way down to the bubbling oil :D
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #234  
davitk said:
First time out of the chute it was so low it was actually rototilling (dethatching? :rolleyes: ), then I raised it 2 notches (dropping the roller about an inch) and that helped, but the angle set via top link adjustment seems to effect the cut too; unfortunately the manual doesn't cover anything but the basics. Here is the "Height Adjustment Procedure: 'In order to conduct a precise work, the machine shall be operated according to the recommended cutting height', :rolleyes: But it doesn't say what that is.

I'll see if I can get some pics of my mess

Give that guy Keith a call and see if he has some tips?
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #235  
Well, i decided to call BETST and talk to Keith, seems like a pretty nice guy and so I asked him a number of questions about their EF-175 Flail mower (68" cutting width). Well by the end of the conversation, I decided to try this unit out. I think it is a gamble I can take. The unit should arrive next week, and if it works as I think it will. I will paint the outside GREEN:D

Datvik; I would advise anyone who has one of these to call Keith and he has some additional tips on how to adjust the unit for different cutting environments. He also indicate the manual is going to be redone for the flail and the Backhoes they sell. BTW, those are rather inexpensive too!:rolleyes: Based on the specs and what Keith was willing to commit to, I would imagine for the homeowner these might not be too bad. Don't try to kill'em and they probably will last - but I will be able to tell you more after I use it!:eek:

here is their website on eBay:

eBay Store - Betst Companies: Flail Mower, Backhoe, Wood Chipper


Call 1-541-895-3083, ext 312
Toll Free 1-877-876-7895 ext.312
Open Daily from 8am - 5pm Pacific M-F

 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #236  
OBTW, he also mentioned they are considering a color change, but they are still deciding what they will do - too bad they did not have Green already!
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #237  
The BETST looks nice but 56 inch is a bit small for my tractor. How many blades does the BETST have?
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #238  
sunspot said:
The BETST looks nice but 56 inch is a bit small for my tractor. How many blades does the BETST have?

This didn't copy well, but here's the specs, looks like the 56" has 50 blades:



Value Leader VL EF Series Flail Mowers Specifications
SPEC VL EF95 VL EF105 VL EF115 VL EF125 VL EF135 VL EF145 VL EF155 VL EF165
Working Width 37" 41" 45" 48" 52" 56" 60" 64"
Overall Width 41" 45" 49" 52" 56" 60" 64" 68"
Min. HP Req. 15hp 16hp 18hp 20hp 20hp 22hp 24hp 26hp
Hitch Cat.1 Cat. Cat.1 Cat.1 Cat.1 Cat.1 Cat.1 Cat.1
Cutting Offset 1" Offset 4" Offset 6" Offset 4" Offset 8" Offset 12" Offset 8" Offset 12" Offset
Grass Blades 32 Blades 36 Blades 40 Blades 42 Blades 48 Blades 50 Blades 54 Blades 56 Blades
OPTL. Hammer Blades 16 Hammer Blades 18 Hammer Blades 20 Hammer Blades 21 Hammer Blades 24 Hammer Blades 25 Hammer Blades 27 Hammer Blades 28 Hammer Blades
Housing Thickness 4MM 4MM 4MM 4MM 4MM 4MM 5MM 5MM
Rotor Dia. 4 1/4" 4 1/4" 4 1/4" 4 1/4" 4 1/4" 4 1/4" 4 1/2" 4 1/2"
No. of Belts 2 Belts 2 Belts 2 Belts 2 Belts 2 Belts 2 Belts 3 Belts 3 Belts
3pt. Conn. Width 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2" 19 3/4" - 27 1/2"
Weight 253lbs 286lbs 319lbs 352lbs 385lbs 418lbs 462lbs 517lbs
Crated Weight 273lbs 311lbs 344lbs 377lbs 410lbs 445lbs 492lbs 552lbs
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #239  
I closed the deal on the Rears.
SPF72 K960

It is to be built in about 3 weeks and then shipped direct to me from Rears.

I bought mine through Midland tractor.


I feel a pain in my backside...


right where my billfold goes.:D
 
   / Let's talk flail mowers #240  
The price is certainly good on the BETST and the design looks pretty standard. I'd be mostly concerned about long term parts availability for things other than knives which can probably be sourced from Caroni or other manufacturers. Still, as not much goes wrong with flail mowers it doesn't seem like a bad deal. No negatives on the eBay account of the seller either.
 
 
 
Top