Flail versus rotary

[fredhargis]

Thanks to all for the help...understanding the difference in usages is very helpful. I have a 60" MMM I use on the lawn, but I'm thinking the tillable is just a bit too rough for that. It looks like if I have to spring, it will be a bush hog. Another advantage to buying one of them is that used ones show up for sale every once in awhile, don't think I've ever seen a used flail around here. This info here (and what I found when I searched) does have me wondering if I should have got a flail for the yard instead of the MMM. Thanks again, great place for info......

 

[Builder]

I would ask yourself what you want the finish product to look like. I just did 4 acres with a bush hog and a week later, I had windrows sticking up. Probably should go hit it again.

A flail would most likely chop it to the point where you wouldn't have as much windrows sticking up again later.

I also like the lesser amounts of flying debris. I'm looking real hard for a 8' flail. Just lost out on an incredible deal on a Deere 930 flail for $1000. :confused2:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I would ask yourself what you want the finish product to look like. I just did 4 acres with a bush hog and a week later, I had windrows sticking up. Probably should go hit it again.

A flail would most likely chop it to the point where you wouldn't have as much windrows sticking up again later.

I also like the lesser amounts of flying debris. I'm looking real hard for a 8' flail. Just lost out on an incredible deal on a Deere 930 flail for $1000. :confused2:

Builder, as you have found, there are deals on flails, just have to be looking all the time. I bought a heavy duty 102" flail that had been used a few times at the most for $1000 along with an 84" flail that needs bearings and drive belt for $400. I think that in reality the $1000 flails are the better deal, buy them and use them.

 

[TripleR]

Builder, as you have found, there are deals on flails, just have to be looking all the time. I bought a heavy duty 102" flail that had been used a few times at the most for $1000 along with an 84" flail that needs bearings and drive belt for $400. I think that in reality the $1000 flails are the better deal, buy them and use them.

I have never used a flail; are there any problems using them while backing?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have never used a flail; are there any problems using them while backing?

None that I can think of. There is a roller at the back that is the full width of the mower and it would push everything down before the flails got to it. So there would be a chance that it would not mow as well.

 

[TripleR]

None that I can think of. There is a roller at the back that is the full width of the mower and it would push everything down before the flails got to it. So there would be a chance that it would not mow as well.

Thanks, I noticed the rubber cover in the back one one and didn't know if it was susceptible to damage or being pushed into the knives.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks, I noticed the rubber cover in the back one one and didn't know if it was susceptible to damage or being pushed into the knives.

The rubber on mine is 1/2" thick, it does not flex much. I did rip off about 35% of the front rubber though when I mowed an old roll of barbed wire that someone had left out in the field. That was no fun to get it out of the mower, a lot of wire cutting to get it all out.

 

[flusher]

Builder, as you have found, there are deals on flails, just have to be looking all the time. I bought a heavy duty 102" flail that had been used a few times at the most for $1000 along with an 84" flail that needs bearings and drive belt for $400. I think that in reality the $1000 flails are the better deal, buy them and use them.

Wish I could find a deal like your's on an 84" flail for my Mahindra 5525. Don't think I could handle that 102" flail with only 45 pto hp. The quest continues for the elusive flail.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Wish I could find a deal like your's on an 84" flail for my Mahindra 5525. Don't think I could handle that 102" flail with only 45 pto hp. The quest continues for the elusive flail.

Ray, there are flails for sale quite often down here. It's only a 12 hour drive, 10 if you drive fast.

 

[flusher]

Ray, there are flails for sale quite often down here. It's only a 12 hour drive, 10 if you drive fast.

Brian-thanks for the info.

I'll have to enlarge my present 250 mile craigslist search radius to include SoCal to find one of these neat flails. The ones that I generally find up here (usually along Hwy 99 with a for sale sign attached) are the 8ft and up monsters that have been used for decades in the orchards and are pretty well ready for the scrap heap.