Let's talk flail mowers

[sunspot]

Allen
Have you tried cutting in reverse? If so, how was the cutting quality. The Caroni don't cut so hot in reverse.

[IslandTractor]

Originally Posted by sunspot

Allen
Have you tried cutting in reverse? If so, how was the cutting quality. The Caroni don't cut so hot in reverse.

I find mine cuts in reverse but it doesn't cut as close to the ground and may push over but not cut a few medium sized canes such as raspberry or equivalent. That is not really much of an issue for me as whenever I am cutting in reverse it's because I am backing into heavy brush and I will need to drive out forwards again anyway. Therefore everything gets cut once in reverse and again in forward. Clean as a whistle after the double pass.

[allen in texas]

Originally Posted by John861

What's your definition of with or against the direction of travel? My old Ford 917 turns the rotor in the same direction as the tractor tires turn, so the knives swing down in front, cut the grass and eject material right at the rear roller. This, as I understand it, is the common rotation for flails, although some cut opposite (or can be switched). In theory, rotating in the same direction as the tires is beneficial, as it will help pick up the grass that has been flattened by the tractor tires.

it turns the opposite direction from the tires. It ejects material downward, behind the roller.

[allen in texas]

Originally Posted by sunspot

Allen
Have you tried cutting in reverse? If so, how was the cutting quality. The Caroni don't cut so hot in reverse.

Didn't try cutting in reverse, because on this job, I had no need to do so so I can't really address the question.
If I ever do, I'll post about it. This thread should still be alive.

[bucmeister]

Seems I read somewhere that the reverse to tire rotation would tend to mulch the clippings more thoroughly when compared to the with tire rotation.

[GinNB]

Reverse is for mulching. And for firing rocks forwards underneath the mower guard.

[Iron Horse]

In regards to filling the gearbox , you simply remove the plug at the front which is about halfway up the case . It is usually accessed through the front shaft protector . Then fill the box via the tube untill oil emerges from the front hole . And yes it is very important to not pump in to much grease into the rotor bearings as it will dislodge the seals and the bearings will fail within hours . I did go into detail about greasing and feeling the bearing temps with your hand but i do'nt remember the post number , you will need to do a search .

[Nuru]

Originally Posted by GinNB

Reverse is for mulching. And for firing rocks forwards underneath the mower guard.

Yep that is correct. I saw that first hand on mine.

[Mike5252]

I'm selling my 59" Caroni TL 1500 if someone is interested. I live just outside Cleveland.

Its just too big for my 1.5 acre lot.

Its probably mowed for less than 10 hrs.

[yekrut]

Originally Posted by Mike5252

I'm selling my 59" Caroni TL 1500 if someone is interested. I live just outside Cleveland.

Its just too big for my 1.5 acre lot.

Its probably mowed for less than 10 hrs.

Mike,

How much offset could I get with a 60 inch rear wheelbase. Looking to mow up close to 2 sides of a creekbank without getting the tires to close.