Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[shackmaster]

I'm a new member but a long time reader. How is the ground speed with a flail mower vs. a rotory cut of the same width? I do a lot of cutting for food plots and normally they are cut once per year, so vegitation can sometimes be tall.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm a new member but a long time reader. How is the ground speed with a flail mower vs. a rotory cut of the same width? I do a lot of cutting for food plots and normally they are cut once per year, so vegitation can sometimes be tall.

I've never actually measured but I tend to go a little slower with flail because I'm looking for a better cut. With a rotary I'm just knocking stuff down.

 

[Alien]

There are a number of videos on you tube that may give you some idea. The first vid is examples of what the mower is capable of.

Clicking the link will take you to the you tube site with more vids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caHg2FvF3SM

 

[PRCWI]

I've found for me ground speed is pretty similar but my rotary mower is 5' and my flail is 7'4" and the result of my cut and the forgiveness in rough terrain means I almost never use the rotary mower.

 

[smilinjak]

Well, managed to lose my detailed response

Still original belts, still in great shape.
Replaced the two rear roller bearings a couple years ago, only one went bad. No zerk for lube.
Last year replaced the bearing on shaft from gear box. My fault as I hadn't checked the lube in a while.
Main shaft bearings tight and true, couple shots of grease and broken hammers/blades replaced ASAP.
All originals bolts and nuts.
3rd set of blades. I used the first set of hammers as ground engaging to even out wild pig rooting.

Betsco has been great support. Reason I bought from them again.
David Sent from my iPad Air using TractorByNet

Thanks for the response Dave. I think that clinches it. Sounds like a quality machine, I will get my order in as soon as the money accumulates.

Smilinjak

 

[Fallon]

I've found for me ground speed is pretty similar but my rotary mower is 5' and my flail is 7'4" and the result of my cut and the forgiveness in rough terrain means I almost never use the rotary mower.

Same here, my travel speed is lower with the 7' flail, but I get a better cut in about the same time or less than my 5' rotary cutter.

 

[Alien]

The flail mower arrived for my panther finally.

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It arrived in a nice steel frame. Here I am setting it up.

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Tried it but it was a bit low so I raised it up one notch and wow. I have already mowed a paddock with it. Fantastic job.


All Dirty

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[Hoochy]

Nice mower Alien.:cool2:

 

[Alien]

Thanks. There is a small fault. If you look at the assembly photo you can see several yellow plastic plugs. These are removed if you want to fit a hydraulic side slip assy.
However, after a half hour mowing, they were all gone. Yep, down the paddock somewhere. Obviously debris drove them out from underneath. Doesn't appear as if anything comes up through the holes though. Not an issue. I am just surprised by the fact. I may put some little dome head bolts in the holes.

 

[Alien]

Well, after a couple of days of use I must say I am extremely impressed with the mower. I have thrown everything at it from Lantana, saplings, dried up stick debris, dirt, stones, and even some small stumps that were hard to see in the grass.
The mower has come through with flying colours so far.
I did regular inspections of the hammers and they look as good as new so far.
I re-checked the tension on the belts and greased it a couple of times so far. The only other minor thing was I re-positioned my 3PL so it sat better.
My paddocks never looked better. Still got a ways to go but......

I even got my chainsaw out and cut a lot of low branches off some trees so I could drive in under them easier. My place is starting to look like a city park.
I would have no hesitation recommending this mower.