Wanted to get some thoughts on Flail vs Rotary cutter for my situation. I recently bought a 3033R (24 PTO hp near as I can tell). I also just bought 30 acres. 6 of this is currently open field. The remaining 24 is part marsh/wetlands, part hardwoods. I will be using the mower to mow about 4 of the 6 tilled acres (plan to plant alfalfa, clover, or other cover crop) a few times a summer. I will also be cutting some trails through the woods and up to the ponds in the back. Walking the woods, there's alot of 1-2" brush that I will cut trails through, but once cut it should be light cutting to maintain them. Soil is very gravely, lots of cobbles up to 6" that will have to be cleaned up eventually - but I'll probably find some the hard way.
I currently have a 20 year old 5' Howse brush hog - it's been beat to death and back on my last property. I've rebuilt it twice over the years (blades, gear box, mower body reinforcement/replacement). I could do it again, but i'm leaning toward finding one in better condition. With either cutter, I'd lean toward staying with the 5' width. Wider would be nice when mowing the field, but I think 5' is a nice compromise for trails. Open to suggestions though.
Budget - did I mention I just bought the tractor (bought used, but added a new 385a backhoe and 72D MMM), land, and will be building a house? Trying to keep this around $1500, which is going to push me towards used or light duty in either. I've looked at Titan flails, not sure I like what I hear on reliability. Are there other recommendations on a budget?
Other thoughts? Thanks!