Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[RoyJackson]

Being in California my dealer was recommending a Vrisimo for about $4k. They look like a well built piece of equipment but they are 2x as much as a Caroni. I haven't seen the Caroni but am curious if a machine built in Italy and shipped to the US can be 1/2 the price and near the same quality. Obviously I would much rather spend 2k than 4k but not having the experience of using a Caroni vs a premium brand I am unsure of what my extra 2k is getting me.

I can't comment on the Vrisimo...and one would really need them sside by side for a true comparison.
I do have the Caroni...is the Vrisimo worth twice the price...for the same mowing width...dunno, but I doubt it. I guess it's like comparing a King Kutter to a Woods or Land Pride.
The Caroni is a pretty simple, but robust piece of equipment. I'd like a mower that was more Quick Hitch compatible and the skid shoes/roller separate adjustments.
Build quality...very good, no complaints there...cut quality, same thing...no complaints. Durability...we'll see. IT has had his Caroni for 10 years and I expect mine to last just as long.

 

[leonz]

The Caroni flail mowers have the benefit of having many of the frame parts that the Caroni family uses for its rotoillers so there are cost savings there.

The Vrisimo flail mowers are flail mowers from the ground up and are very heavily built so if your dealer recommends the Vrisimo to you, you will not be making a mistake as a Vrisimo flail mower will also be easy to mount on a bigger mule with no trouble.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've never seen a Vrisimo flail but know they are highly respected and commercial quality. I've always considered my Caroni to be a medium duty mower comparable to my mid range Woods BrushBull 600 in quality. Personally I don't mow enough to justify a heavy duty commercial/highway dept flail. I mow perhaps a total of 40-50 acres of pasture/field per year. Most of the mowing is of two to three foot grass, weeds and briar. Though I did clear bigger brush with it originally I now only mow half an acre or so of brush per year. Just not enough work to justify twice the cost for a better mower especially since I have had no problems with mower integrity after ten years. Bottom line for me is that I find Caroni to be just like the quality of Woods or Landpride medium duty equipment.

 

[D2Cat]

I have two flail mowers. One is 6', one is 5' and both have the Y shaped knives.

I have a field I would normally mow with a brush mower and leave 8" high for cattle to graze. It's grass with a few weeds and about 2' tall in places.

Would a flail do what I want done? If so, how would I set it up?

 

[ericm979]

Which Vrismo is only $4k?

 

[leonz]

I want to welcome you as the newest member of the Flail Mower Nations.

Side slicer knives which are what you have are the best flail mower knife.

A flail mower will work well for you but you will have to decide if you want a shorter cut(2 inches tall or less) or to leave the rear roller at its lowest point being the highest cut(6"+)

The higher the cut the lower the pressure gradient(suction) to lift the clippings over the flail mower rotor.

I guess most of it is how many feed burners you have to graze and whether you want to mow every couple of weeks to create fresh growth for them rather than have woody stemmed grass plants during the season.

I have to do chores so I will be back after a bit.

 

[sidecarist]

I have two flail mowers. One is 6', one is 5' and both have the Y shaped knives.

I have a field I would normally mow with a brush mower and leave 8" high for cattle to graze. It's grass with a few weeds and about 2' tall in places.

Would a flail do what I want done? If so, how would I set it up?

Its tough to set up a flail to cut 8" high, impossible on some. Mine will cut at 5-6" reliably. The cut isn't as pretty as it is at lower heights, but its still nicer than a rotary. Maneuverability is much improved with the shorter length.

As you have a mower already set it up with the roller as far down as possible, and adjust your top link to get the height you want as long as there is no roller scraper or anything on the back that drags you should be ok. Give it a shot you have noting to loose.

Before you start give the mower a good once over grease, gearbox oil, belt condition, etc.

Good luck.

 

[DavesTractor]

Which Vrismo is only $4k?

They make a MiniMax now in 48, 60 and 72 inch sizes and the smaller one is around that price. I really prefer the Mighty Max, but the smallest is a 70" cut, but it's a touch over $5k in price. They are very, very good mowers but certainly are priced like something built very well right here in America, in fact right here in California. They are so smooth and quiet.

I do realize that most folks can't justify the cost unless they mow a ton or mow commercially.

 

[audsp98]

Anyone have any experience with the WoodMaxx Flail Mowers?

http://www.woodmaxx.com/FM_78H_Flail_Mower_p/fm-78h.htm

 

[sidecarist]

Anyone have any experience with the WoodMaxx Flail Mowers?

FM-78H Flail Mower | Flail Mower Attachment | Tractor Mower | PTO Mower | -WoodMaxx?

I have a 78H and like it a lot. With the exception of the roller scraper which they have redesigned its been top notch all the way. I'm using the duck foot knives and don't have any regrets on the purchase. With about 40HP at the PTO the tractor handles it fine even in tall thick weed growth.