Flail Mower Caroni TM1900 flail mower vs. Woodmaxx FM-78 flail mower, which to buy, any others?

[TractorToolsDirect]

Parts availability is complete. No problems there. This mower does not use the shackles like the Caroni, which also makes blade replacement much cheaper. I don't think I can put a link in here so you'll need to Google it. As far as similarities/differences, the DM has a little bit better skid design that is not as likely to get caught on something and bent. The mounting points for the blades are different, you'll want to check out the pictures in the listing. Weight is about the same, physical dimensions are about the same. The DM has a stand, which keeps it at a better height for mounting. Both use 3 belts. Tensioning is easier on the DM from an accessibility standpoint, but similar in design.

 

[Z-Michigan]

After considering the various options, I decided to go with the Woodmaxx FM-78. Incidentally, my second call to Woodmaxx reached a different person (Jim) who was extremely helpful. I'm on the May-delivery backorder list and will probably have it by the first week of June. Once I have it I plan to do a detailed and occasionally updated thread so others have a reference. I will also compare it to my memory of the Caroni I previously had, as much as I can.

Incidentally, the people I spoke to at Tractor Tools Direct and Vrisimo were also extremely helpful.

 

[crreed67]

"In my opinion, the 'Flail' thread should be shut down and restarted. It is a behemouth which has lost its ability to actually impart knowledge. I've read it... and purchased a flail... and I'd STILL recommend locking it and beginning a new thread. About 1/2 of it is non-informational commenting and 500 pages of thread, sorting through that mess, is just not a reasonable endeavor any longer. I purchased mine at around page 250. I'd hate to try to read it now.

Its kind of like the Library of Congress... without a card catalog. The information is there... but almost impossible to find."



Definitely.

 

[Aaron L]

I'm sifting through the BIG flail thread now. Am at page 62. At that point (in 2008....Good Lord) a bunch of fellows had recently purchased various FM's. For now I'm plodding along........in hopes of seeing some long-term reviews of the various options. This is going to take a while...

 

[Fallon]

Same... want to hear some longterm reviews as well. My ancient Ford 917 flail is beatup & in need of retirement soonish.

 

[morgart40]

Any update on how you liked the Woodmaxx?

 

[Z-Michigan]

I'm still waiting to get it. Supposedly it should be here within a week... or something? My credit card has been charged so I certainly hope it arrives soon, otherwise I'll be making a call to Woodmaxx.

 

[gbw]

I'll be interested too, my tractor is a JD 4320 eHydro 48hp, love it. I use a 72" rotary cutter on about 25 acres mix woods / pasture, I hate the rotary cutter. Noisy, shaky, dangerous, fair cut at best, clumps everywhere.

I tried the huge flail thread but gave up. I seems to be in very good company.

Some basic specs for the Woodmaxx FM-78, Caroni TM1900bsc, and TTD T73:

All are about the same cutting width, 73-74".

Woodmaxx FM-78 is about 10% heavier, so on the surface seems somewhat 'heavier duty'.

But the Woodmaxx has 6 fewer shackle points (22 v. 28), so WM has 44 blades v. 56 blades for the Caroni TM1900BSC and TTD T73 (not counting center blade on the WM). Will this matter much in how smoothly the cut or how finely mulched the material is left?

The 'heavy duty commercial grade' TTD T73 weighs the same as the Caroni and has the same number of blades, 56.

The T73 costs nearly $1000 more delivered than the other 2 based on their ebay price. Hard to know what the extra money is buying.

All have 3 belts.

None of the models listed have hydraulic offset option, I can't use that feature anyhow.

'Quality'?? Who knows. Defined as conformance to requirements, I guess that's reliability, maintenance, cutting power/quality, and ease of use, to the extent those are quantifiable.
​

So, like many out there I'll e interested to learn of any actual experiences and impressions.

It IS interesting that at least 2 of the 3, Woodmaxx and Caroni, are not available now in stock. Could be for the T73 too, I'm not sure. Anyway, perhaps flail mowers are finally really catching on.

 

[leonz]

I'll be interested too, my tractor is a JD 4320 eHydro 48hp, love it. I use a 72" rotary cutter on about 25 acres mix woods / pasture, I hate the rotary cutter. Noisy, shaky, dangerous, fair cut at best, clumps everywhere.

I tried the huge flail thread but gave up. I seem to be in very good company.

Some basic specs for the Woodmaxx FM-78, Caroni TM1900bsc, and TTD T73:

All are about the same cutting width, 73-74".

Woodmaxx FM-78 is about 10% heavier, so on the surface seems somewhat 'heavier duty'.

But the Woodmaxx has 8 fewer shackle points, so WM has 44 blades v. 56 blades for the Caroni TM1900BSC and TTD T73 (not counting center blade on the WM). Will this matter much in how smoothly the cut or how finely mulched the material is left?

The 'heavy duty commercial grade' TTD T73 weighs the same as the Caroni and has the same number of blades, 56.

The T73 costs nearly $1000 more delivered than the other 2 based on their ebay price. Hard to know what the extra money is buying.

All have 3 belts.

None of the models listed have hydraulic offset option, I can't use that feature anyhow.

'Quality'?? Who knows. Defined as conformance to requirements, I guess that's reliability, maintenance, cutting power/quality, and ease of use, to the extent those are quantifiable.
​

So, like many out there I'll e interested to learn of any actual experiences and impressions.

It IS interesting that at least 2 of the 3, Woodmaxx and Caroni, are not available now in stock. Could be for the T73 too, I'm not sure. Anyway, perhaps flail mowers are finally really catching on.

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Please read the entire flail mower thread you will be a better informed consumer of information regarding them.

My father used a Ford Jubilee to run his John Deere 25A finish flail mower installed with side slicer knives with a 7 foot cut to reclaim pasture with heavy brush and 12-15 foot golden rod so perhaps a JD290 or JD390 would be a better fit for you as your mule would have more than enough power. My father also kept his pasture mowed down to 2 inches during the mowing season where he mowed 4 acre blocks each time he mowed.

The JD290 or JD390 would handle what you have to mow with zero issues as your mule has plenty of horsepower for either finish flail mower.

I would suggest that you look at tractor house and other publications for flail mowers as many dealers sell new inventory across state lines using tractor house and other publications.

Municipal auctions are also a good place to purchase used flail mowers as these units only saw seasonal use. and can be purchased for much less money than new AND parts can be purchased locally. they also have many hours of use left in them before they need major work as they were only used seasonally.


There are a lot of municipal auctions in the summer months and flail most of the flail mowers put on the block are Alamos and have very low hours.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Looks like my Woodmaxx flail finally arrived at the local delivery point this afternoon. I'll be bringing it home tomorrow and will follow up with comments once I have it in use.