Flail Mower Flail Mower

[tdenny]

Hello all,

I have found a 4 foot 3PH mount John deere flail mower for sale and am wondering if this would be a good addition to my current implement arsenal:

1) Would my JD 855 handle it Ok?

2) He's asking $325 for it in "Good Condition". I haven't seen it yet but it is close to home. Is this a good price if the unit is in fact in good shape?

3) I haven't investigated these type of mowers before - what are the benefits as opposed to other types of mowers? My 5 acres are pretty rocky underneath the grass/clover/brush.

4) He says the flails are in good shape does anyone have any idea how much these cost to replace?

5) Is there anything specific I should look for when looking at the unit?

Thanks All!![img]/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Golfgar4]

Here's a thread <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&amp;Board=genbuy&amp;Number=13004 5&amp;page=&amp;view=&amp;sb=&amp;o=&amp;vc=1>Wh y More People Don't Use Flail Mowers</A> that ran earlier that pretty much answers your questions. There are some others if you want to do a Search for "Flail Mowers". [img]/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[looch]

I'd either jump on it or be extremely wary - that's freakin' cheap for a flail mower.

New, their worth about double of an equivalently sized rear finish mower. They don't launch rock missiles at unsuspecting bystanders. Also, as I understand it, orchard operators prefer them for their "stick-munching" attributes.

Not too familiar with anyhting other than Kubota, so not sure if your 855 will handle it. The lowest recommendation on JD's web site for their 58" model is the 4300.

Paul

[tdenny]

Thanks for the responses guys,

I'm still not sure whether or not my 855 will handle the mower but the owner seems to think it will be no problem.

[DDT]

If it's close enough why wont the seller let you try it first since it is not new.

[tdenny]

DDT,

I think that is a good suggestion and I think I will offer that suggestion. THe current owner of the mower is only a couple of blocks away - in fact I think I'll drive the tractor over to actually pick it up if I decide to purchase it. I am most definitely going to take your suggestion and see if I can test it first. Thanks - great idea.