Caroni Flail Belt Failure

[sunspot]

My belts failed. I have 10-15 hours on the flail. Both the power and rotor shaft turn freely by hand. There was no noise or smell of burning rubber. After a few hours of first using the Caroni, I checked the belt tension and they were a bit slack. I tightened them up a wee bit. As there is a spring loaded tensioner it would be difficult to over tighten them.
I'll call Agri-Supply in the morning to see if they are covered under warranty. I was not able to find the belt number at Agri but the Caroni number is #2142. I think I need to find a US automotive belt that will work in place of the Caroni belt.

 

[Foozle]

Bummer -- I only have about 5 hours on mine so far, so I hope it isn't a common problem. Let me know if you determine whether there was a cause that might be able to be avoided somehow in the future.

The only issue I've had so far has been with finish mowing. It seems to leave a groove pattern (swim lane type) in the grass when cutting close. It may be how I have the height/roller settings, but haven't figured out if it is me or just the nature of the type rotor I got (not really made for finish mowing).

Dave

 

[texbaylea]

My belts failed. I have 10-15 hours on the flail. Both the power and rotor shaft turn freely by hand. There was no noise or smell of burning rubber. After a few hours of first using the Caroni, I checked the belt tension and they were a bit slack. I tightened them up a wee bit. As there is a spring loaded tensioner it would be difficult to over tighten them.
I'll call Agri-Supply in the morning to see if they are covered under warranty. I was not able to find the belt number at Agri but the Caroni number is #2142. I think I need to find a US automotive belt that will work in place of the Caroni belt.

I have about twice that number of hours with no problems. I have not had a chance to take off the belt cover to check anything so It is as shipped.

Vernon

 

[sunspot]

Agri had a power outage due to a storm when I called this morning. Now the line justs rings and goes to voice mail. I'll try tomorrow.

Guy's, I looked real close at the unit and I can't find what caused of the failure.????

 

[sunspot]

I called today and they are shipping me 2 belts, no charge. The Agri part number is 20992 and it's not on the web site.

 

[Gator6x4]

I called today and they are shipping me 2 belts, no charge. The Agri part number is 20992 and it's not on the web site.

Two belts? I thought the unit took three..............

 

[sunspot]

Two belts? I thought the unit took three..............

I think you are right
No biggie. I'm heading for NAPA for a few more once I have the new belt in hand.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

My belts failed. I have 10-15 hours on the flail. Both the power and rotor shaft turn freely by hand. There was no noise or smell of burning rubber. After a few hours of first using the Caroni, I checked the belt tension and they were a bit slack. I tightened them up a wee bit. As there is a spring loaded tensioner it would be difficult to over tighten them.
I'll call Agri-Supply in the morning to see if they are covered under warranty. I was not able to find the belt number at Agri but the Caroni number is #2142. I think I need to find a US automotive belt that will work in place of the Caroni belt.

Sunspot: I am the one that started the "Let's Talk Flail Mowers" thread that went on for several weeks. I followed the thread, and during that time, several guys bought flails. I am yet to buy a flail mower, but the thought is still there. Now that you have one, what is your current opinion? Was it a good decision? Has the early belt problem caused buyers remorse? Do you think Caroni is a good product? I would like to hear from you and others who bought flails. I know IslandTractor loves his and would like opinions from newer owners.

 

[Foozle]

Sunspot: I am the one that started the "Let's Talk Flail Mowers" thread that went on for several weeks. I followed the thread, and during that time, several guys bought flails. I am yet to buy a flail mower, but the thought is still there. Now that you have one, what is your current opinion? Was it a good decision? Has the early belt problem caused buyers remorse? Do you think Caroni is a good product? I would like to hear from you and others who bought flails. I know IslandTractor loves his and would like opinions from newer owners.

So - you're the guy who got us into this!!!

I am a Caroni owner also as a result of your orginal thread. I like the fact that I can do finish mowing and brush cutting with one implement, and that implement takes up less space in my barn than either a finish mower or rotary cutter. I also liked the prices at around $1800 versus more than that for either a 6' finish or rotary.

On the Con side, I'm not sure I can mow as fast as I could with a rotary (at least anecdotally compared to the speed I saw a friend run his rotary at). When I try to run a bit faster, the flail seems to not cut very well. Also, as mentioned before, I'm getting this groove pattern in the grass when finish mowing. Now both of these things might be related to how I have the flail setup, and if so, I'd be gratified to hear how to correct these issues.

As to reliability, time will tell, but the Caroni appears to be fairly sturdily made, at least.

Dave

 

[sunspot]

Jerry.
I do not have buyers remorse but the belt issue has caused me some concern. I have been whacking some branch pieces that are in parts of the pasture but nothing that I would hesitate to roll over with a brush hog.
The belt housing and gearbox has run a bit hotter than I expected right from the start. It had oil in it from the factory right at the dipstick level. I added more hoping it would help cool the gears. It did a bit. After I adjusted the belt tension, that cooled the housing just a mite.
I have to park the mower on blocks when I want to use another piece of equipment as it tilts too far forward to re-attach to my tractor (3pt pins too low). I could lower the skids to prevent that but I like then up high so I can turn without gouging the grass. That's just my preference, not a knock on the mower.
I like that it uses less space for parking and I don't have so much rear swing when turning around.
I like that it's quieter when mowing although I still use earmuffs when on my tractor.
The 6' roller helps to keep the unit somewhat level going over small dips and I don't have a tailwheel dropping into holes. There are very few scalps with the flail mower.
I can take it or leave it on the offset. It does help mowing next to a property line and under hedgerows but I was fairly good at slinging a RM sideways under trees and other overhangs. Ten years on a forklift helped me on that issue.

Dave, I saw the grove pattern on my last mowing. I had not seen it before. I kinda like it.
As to speed, I find I need to mow slower to get a good cut. On Bahia, it leaves stalks if I go too fast.
I was going to do a photo shoot at different speeds the same day my belts busted.

That's all for now. Overall, I am pleased with the Flail.