Flail Mower Flail Mower Issue

[Mike5252]

I recently picked up a TL1500 Caroni Flail mower. All in all love the mower.

I'm using the mower to mow 1.5 acres of generally manicured lawn. There are a few areas of brush that will be converted to lawn shortly, which was one of the justifications for the flail mower.

My issue is that when I turn sometimes one skid will make a very sizable gash in the yard. I believe I have the roller and skids set up appropriately (both are at same height per instructions). I can minimize this by slightly lifting the 3pt as I turn, but that isn't ideal either as my cut height is increased in corners.

Are others running into this issue? How are you guys dealing w/ this? It seems a different skid design would avoid this issue.

 

[Nuru]

Mike, you might want to submit this question over on the raging thread where we are talking about Flail mowers bigtime

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/118882-lets-talk-flail-mowers.html

 

[DirtHauler]

I own and have used the TL1500 for a couple of years now on many a job and have only had the problem you discribe when I'm on very uneven ground etc.

The roller should slightly lower then the "shoes" and your draft arms should be adjusted so the mower is level side to side. When mowing, the draft arm height should be so it is riding on the roller. The shoes are to keep the side plates from being damaged or digging into the ground. Most people (me included) tend to want to drop the mower and let it run on the shoes that's when it digs in on turns.

 

[IslandTractor]

As Dirthauler pointed out, if it is always one skid (the same skid) that gouges, make sure your 3PT arms are level.

I have the Caroni TM1900 and have not noticed this problem.

 

[DirtHauler]

IslandTractor.....I just got my TM1600 (shoter version of TM1900) last week finaly and just used it on a couple of jobs, I noticed the belt cover gets pretty darn warm and was woundering if this may be normal for a three belt system? My TL1500 (two belts) gets warm but not as warm as this, have you noticed this with your TM1900 after running for a hour plus? I checked the belt tension thinking maybe they were a little loose and slipping but were fine and I re-greased everything just in case. Just like to know if this normal.

 

[IslandTractor]

IslandTractor.....I just got my TM1600 (shoter version of TM1900) last week finaly and just used it on a couple of jobs, I noticed the belt cover gets pretty darn warm and was woundering if this may be normal for a three belt system? My TL1500 (two belts) gets warm but not as warm as this, have you noticed this with your TM1900 after running for a hour plus? I checked the belt tension thinking maybe they were a little loose and slipping but were fine and I re-greased everything just in case. Just like to know if this normal.

This is New England and the grass hasn't grown enough for me to mount the flail yet this year. Until I read IronHorse's post on the other thread about bearing, grease and heat I was unaware of the bearing and heat issue so I have never put my hand on the belt cover. I will from now on and I may be able to give you an answer in another couple of weeks.

 

[dynasim]

Soft rear tires will cause the tractor to shift on the corners. Optimal air pressure changes with situation.

Chris

 

[Mike5252]

Thanks for the suggestions. I spent a little time adjusting after I mowed last and I hope I've solved the problem.

I fixed two things. First I wasn't quite level right to left, and second my top link was adjusted too short so the fronts of the skids were significantly lower than the rears. I think the combination of these two things was causing my problem. I'll know for sure this weekend.