I've been lurking on this thread since I'd really like to run a flail mower on the back of my little BX24. I think you all have me about convinced I would be OK with a 5ft, which I'd certainly prefer over a 4ft. I have the same concern, if my SCUT 3pt limitations will not allow it to hook up.
Put a call into my local Kubota dealer that also carries Befco, and he's going to contact Befco to see what they have to say. I'll let you all know what I find out. (SI2305: I know my SCUT is not the same as yours, but I'd think we are pretty close dimension-wise with the 3pt.)
IslandTractor, I don't have a price yet on the Befco, but I've seen in the other thread that Caroni is like half the price. The only place I find on the web that handles Caroni is AgriSupply. Is that who you dealt with?
GolfAddict,
Glad to hear that I am not the only SCUT owner out there seriously considering a flail mower. I would love to hear what info you can find, especially as you have a dealer selling flails. While JD sells flail mowers, they are basically out of my price range, HP range, etc. I agree with you, I do not really see a problem with the 3pt, but then your dealer should be able to help you out there if there is an issue. When I started this thread I never imagined it would grow so large, but I am glad that others could benefit.
Good luck on your search and keep us informed.
SI2305
JD 2305
200CX, LX4, 60" Grader blade, 60" LandPride finish mower that replaced our old lawn mower, middlebuster, home made grass rake for long field grass collection, and now a specialized trailer to move heavy logs
Well,
Now that both of you are at the throw
the cow poop at the wall stage to
see if it sticks there are a couple
of things.........................
1. overall utility versus cost.
a. Manually sideshifting a flailmower and then mowing
the purchase of a 48" hydraulically side shifting flailmower
Seppi flailmower in this example
Vrisimo 48 inch flailmower with manual side shift
b. Available power at the Power Take Off
of the prime mover at recommended speed.
c. knive count/side slicer count per foot of mower width
d. Rotor diameter as a function of mowing height/larger rotor diameter allows you to have greater knive count as the flail mower
rotors outside diameter is larger than the rear roller and permits you to double your side slicer pairs to mow more efficiently and
effectlvely IF desired.
d1. side slicer knive length
d2. The diameter of the rear roller of said flailmowers
e. purchase a new propeller shaft for said flailmower
2. cost versus desired overall utility for
using one flail mower for everything
(which many of us do)
a. adjustable mowing height for multiple passes down
to the sod to control invasives.
3. new versus used.
a. The verifiable fact that any width of
cut flail mower is going to outlive your
current mule and be useable for each
subsequent mule you buy with 70-90
horsepower as a plateau.
4. actual weeding needs- undersand that there are weed killers available
including flame weeders that can be used safely around trees to reduce
mowing OR the use of Weed Control Fabric in long rolls which is
econoomical to purchase as it has an extremely long life span
once installed.(from FarmTek as an example)
Its fine to manage what "you" want to manage BUUUUUUUTTTTT,
your life and time and the lack of it are going to get in the way.
which is why high quality weed fabric that lasts for 20 years and
is sunlight proof should be examined as an option.
Been there done that, have fabric.
The weed control fabric WILL NOT get sucked into the flailmower as
long as it is properly installed with the pins/fabric nails.
The one time installation a roll of weed control fabric and pinning
it in place would allow the quick mowing to occur with either size
but the elimination of the mowing under the hedgerow would allow
you to purchase a 4 foot P.T.O., powered flailmower from any retailer
and reduce your mowing to an absolute minimum.
Many of us have used flail mowers that are in good condition,work very well,
are able to obtain parts (as most parts and hangers except for the knives are generic) and many of the mowers are 30 plus years old.
ANY 4 foot width like a Seppi or Vrisimo or Caroni or Loftness will out last your mule or successive mules as long as you maintain it.
I use my motorised finish flailmower for everything as I keep the cutting height very low to control invasives. I have to purchase 64 new thatching blades to replace the 32 year old ones now.
My father used his first 36 lawn genie finish mower to knock down 10-12 foot tall goldenrod in old pasture and this allowed my mother to jog for exercise on a clean smooth path with good footing
rather than on the county road.
A 48-60 inch fine cut flail mower will shred
faster and the clippings will degrade faster for you
and if you drive too fast or have to low a throttle
setting you will tear up belts and accomplish nothing
as you are not properly operating the mower at its
optimum speed for the task at hand.
Examine the issues completely then decide using the Ben Franklin closing argument where you draw a line down the center of a piece of paper and then place a positive sign on the right side and a negative sign on the left side and then continue with the algebra problem until you have a conclusion/answer
Unless you are willing to examine it in detail the debate is pointless as you alone know what some of your variables are:
Being;
Cost of New flail mower
Cost of used flailmower in good condition (yes they are out there and you can get parts)
Banded double or single B size V belts
Spare hangers and knives are a must for any flailmower during mowing season:
Saying that/the heat treated knives/side slicers are best for longevity
A wet well knive grinder for scizzors/kitchen knives used only for the flailmower is your friend as the temper and hardening will not be ruined by a wet well grinder as it cools as it sharpens the edge.
Time available
Actual time available!!! which is what is needed to cut a second time to control invasives to god turf as they wil become more prevalent with thinning and brush clearing.
Life span of a 60 inch mower = X- (A flailmower hood will outlast a rotary mower as it stronger in construction)
Life span of a 48 inch mower= X same as above
My motorised flail mower was bought new and is 32 years old and has been well cared for with only main bearing changes (first set after 28 years, new tires and wheels replace wheel bushings with heavy roller bearings and replacement engine parts,fan hoods/starter clutches,recoil springs, starter rope, throttle springs, throtle levers and throttle cable controls.
As far as ground conditions:
traction/adhesion available MEANING HIDDEN MUD ISSUES!!!!!
Tire size and type is a moot POINT!!!!Dont over think this part as I have been using turf tires for 32 years.
Cost of 6 foot wide weed fabric and fabric pins and your time to install it AS A ONE TIME WEED STOPPER IN PROBLEM AREAS!!!
DO you have deluxe seat on the 2305 or a fender radio? Back ache is a huge factor.
_________________________________________________________________
Once you go flail you never go back:thumbsup::licking::drool:
Pronovost or not at all!!!:thumbsup::licking::drool:
