Betstco Flail Missing Parts And Very Poor Quality Control.

[workinonit]

American made flails can't hold a light to the European made flails and for that matter, all of the European implements. Having said that, they are expensive. I happened upon the deal of a life on my Maschio or I probably would not have owned one myself. Now after owning one I wouldn't have anything else.

 

[TMGT]

Yea, pretty disappointing to lay out that kind of cash and end up with an implement you can't use because of the issues.
The only support the company has offered was to say " good luck with it and let us know how you make out". 2-year warranty is pretty meaningless.

I bought a AGL165 flail the beginning of this year from them, no real issues inherent then missing the pto shaft which they sent right out and a leaking cylinder which they also sent right out.
Assume anything you get from China is going to have less then great hardware (I was actually surprised that the hardware on mine was better then expected).
Didn't have any problems with warrantied items, they didn't ask for any order info when I called, guess they had what they needed from my phone number and name.

Hopefully your service will be as good as mine getting everything sorted.

Sent from my SM-G715U1 using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[wirlybird]

I’d send it back and take the 15% hit. Those issues you cited will plague you forever and be a constant reminder of its lack of quality.
The go find yourself a small John Deere flail made decades ago.
It’ll run forever, can be repaired and compliment your tractor. I had a big JD390 flail and loved it. They make smaller ones. Even a 30 year old one is better than a cheap new one.
I avoid anything Chinese made.

I actually have a Deere 25A I rebuilt but it is a monster! It cuts excellent for field stuff and very light brush.

 

[bullbreaker]

Anybody with a Bestco Flail Mower Unhappy with anything at all??

I am looking at their 68" flail mowers. Leaning towards the medium duty or up to the HD. Anything you were disappointed in or ???? should I move on to another brand. THANKS!!!

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[Williy]

Would this manual be of any help???

https://content.toolots.com/media/attachment/file/F/l/Flail%20Mower%20EFGC%20Operation%20Manual%20.pdf

https://static.agroinform.hu/data/forum/documents/agroinform_20170609165551_geo_efcg_efgch_manual.pdf

https://betstco.com/Betstco_Manuals/FH-EFG%20Series%20FLail%20Mower.pdf

willy

 

[d2butler]

I ordered a flail from Betsco several years ago. It was in stock but didn't ship because parts were missing. After waiting over 3 months I cancelled the order. Never been back.

 

[denjen]

I have had a Betstco medium duty 175 for about 2 years. Initially, they shipped the unit with a fill plug vs. a vent plug. I would agree the documentation leaves a lot to be desired. As an example they show in 2 places the gearbox takes either 1 qt or 3 qt of oil; neither of which is right since if you attempt to put in 1 qt it overflows (don't ask how I know LOL). Also, it describes how grease fitting can take a lot of grease... Finally, my copy of doc showed my mower was to take 3 belts (which is inaccurate).

Assembling was not an issue, the doc was adequate; but not great. Some things to look out for, make sure the swellable sleeves allen screw are tight, they come already on the shafts; but the screws may need tightened, same with the belts. Check the shear bolt to make sure it is tight, mine was loose after period of time.

I recently started to feel a vibration and mower getting very loud. I tried swapping the pto shaft, still there so I had support ship me the bladeshaft bearings (in fact they shipped the bearings in the flanges); but their QA was not good as the seal they sent was not right size.

The bearings/flanges took care of the issue.

Overall, for the price I paid ~1,300 I can't complain as their support has actually been very responsive and good to work with. I mow ~25 acres with it at most twice a year and pasture edges every other week during summer.

I have heard they are changing manufacturers, so you are looking at them you might ask them.

 

[leonz]

I ordered a flail from Bestco several years ago. It was in stock but didn't ship because parts were missing. After waiting over 3 months I cancelled the order. Never been back.

If you do not have a flail mower yet a US made standard Vrisimo, John Deere or a Del Morino or Maschio boom mounted vineyard and orchard flail mowers are the flail mowers of choice for quality of build and longevity of service.

 

[the old grind]

After 3 years I've been extremely satisfied with my EFG 135 Med Duty 53". Initial setup was to me a lesson on maintenance steps, things to check between uses. (something I do with my tiller too) That's just part of operating once we have a PTO attachment. IMO it's too easy to fix little things vs sending something back for what I can.

 

[wirlybird]

I have had a Betstco medium duty 175 for about 2 years. Initially, they shipped the unit with a fill plug vs. a vent plug. I would agree the documentation leaves a lot to be desired. As an example they show in 2 places the gearbox takes either 1 qt or 3 qt of oil; neither of which is right since if you attempt to put in 1 qt it overflows (don't ask how I know LOL). Also, it describes how grease fitting can take a lot of grease... Finally, my copy of doc showed my mower was to take 3 belts (which is inaccurate).

Assembling was not an issue, the doc was adequate; but not great. Some things to look out for, make sure the swellable sleeves allen screw are tight, they come already on the shafts; but the screws may need tightened, same with the belts. Check the shear bolt to make sure it is tight, mine was loose after period of time.

I recently started to feel a vibration and mower getting very loud. I tried swapping the pto shaft, still there so I had support ship me the bladeshaft bearings (in fact they shipped the bearings in the flanges); but their QA was not good as the seal they sent was not right size.

The bearings/flanges took care of the issue.

Overall, for the price I paid ~1,300 I can't complain as their support has actually been very responsive and good to work with. I mow ~25 acres with it at most twice a year and pasture edges every other week during summer.

I have heard they are changing manufacturers, so you are looking at them you might ask them.

I had the same issue with the oil. Went to get the second quart and as I was putting it in I looked and oil was going everywhere.
When I mentioned this to support he said "oh yea" the manual is wrong. He also told me not to go by the check plug but to fill the gear box until the shaft you can see through the fill hole was covered. So the manual was wrong on multiple things just for filling the gear box.
Also the oil fill threads are so messed up I can't thread a plug or vent into it.
Gearbox will have to come off to get rethreaded. Another expense on this thing.

What are the "swellable sleeves"? Are these what holds the pulleys one?

I checked belts and they were very loose.

Mine was ~$2400 and is still inoperable.
I was able to talk to one person last week and now calls and emails are unanswered.

 

[denjen]

I had the same issue with the oil. Went to get the second quart and as I was putting it in I looked and oil was going everywhere.
When I mentioned this to support he said "oh yea" the manual is wrong. He also told me not to go by the check plug but to fill the gear box until the shaft you can see through the fill hole was covered. So the manual was wrong on multiple things just for filling the gear box.
Also the oil fill threads are so messed up I can't thread a plug or vent into it.
Gearbox will have to come off to get rethreaded. Another expense on this thing.

What are the "swellable sleeves"? Are these what holds the pulleys one?

I checked belts and they were very loose.

Mine was ~$2400 and is still inoperable.
I was able to talk to one person last week and now calls and emails are unanswered.

Sorry about spelling; but yes those are the sleeves that when tightened hold the pulleys on the shaft. Now, if the belts are loose that is the bolt on top; 1st have to loosen the 4 bolts that anchor the top pulley to the mower.

 

[wirlybird]

Sorry about spelling; but yes those are the sleeves that when tightened hold the pulleys on the shaft. Now, if the belts are loose that is the bolt on top; 1st have to loosen the 4 bolts that anchor the top pulley to the mower.

That's what I thought.
On mine it is 4 bolts on the gear case and two behind the pully.
Similar to one of my other flails.

 

[MossyDell]

I'd like a flail but issues of cost, availability, shipping, and service have held me back.

For what it's worth, I lean toward the Italian flail: Del Morino Funny Top series. Partly because Messicks and Good Works are both selling them, which indicates parts and support may endure. No guarantee, as both those dealers could phase them out down the road. But maybe not, and maybe they'd still help out.

 

[wirlybird]

I'd like a flail but issues of cost, availability, shipping, and service have held me back.

For what it's worth, I lean toward the Italian flail: Del Morino Funny Top series. Partly because Messicks and Good Works are both selling them, which indicates parts and support may endure. No guarantee, as both those dealers could phase them out down the road. But maybe not, and maybe they'd still help out.

Just for info, I have an Italian finish mower. A Muratori and I deal with a place in California that I think is the only US parts place.
One issue is that if they don't have a part in stock it can take 6+ months for them to get it from Italy unless you special order and then shipping is pretty high.
They are a good place to work with however.

 

[wirlybird]

Thank you to everyone for the opinions, support and suggestions.
The purchase of this flail has been a big disappointment and very frustrating.
I still do not have an operational flail, but Betstco finally reached out last night.
We addressed the various issues, and they say they will correct them. Remains to be seen but I will remain hopeful!

I'm going to put this thread to rest now and start a new one to discuss things I've learned in hopes it might help others and get info from other users.
Betstco did say they would like to know about issues and concerns from users so I hope I can compile some good info to pass their way.
Thanks again to all.

 

[leonz]

Hello Whirlybird,

It's time to make a phone call to get the comsumer affairs officer
in the State of Oklahoma Attorney Generals office involved to obtain
a full refund as they are just playing you.

1-405-521-3921

 

[Lee Robinson]

I got the AGL-145 and am happy with it...but I am seeking to make a few minor mods on flow restriction and a PTO extension possible for additional shaft clearance when at full extension. I almost got a Machio, but noticed that their "Italian" made flail mowers are only the larger units. The Macho flail mowers small enough for compact tractors are apparently made in China...so I didn't see a reason for longer wait time and more expensive cost over the AGL...and mine seems to be very well made despite the "need" (preferences more like) for my soon to come mods. I am only posting this video because it was hard for me to find this out, as I was led to believe they were made in Italy...which apparently isn't the case.

 

[wirlybird]

Hello Whirlybird,

It's time to make a phone call to get the comsumer affairs officer
in the State of Oklahoma Attorney Generals office involved to obtain
a full refund as they are just playing you.

1-405-521-3921

We'll see. It has been very frustrating, but I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt for now.
If they come through, then great. If not, then I'll see what the best course of action is.

 

[wirlybird]

I got the AGL-145 and am happy with it...but I am seeking to make a few minor mods on flow restriction and a PTO extension possible for additional shaft clearance when at full extension. I almost got a Machio, but noticed that their "Italian" made flail mowers are only the larger units. The Macho flail mowers small enough for compact tractors are apparently made in China...so I didn't see a reason for longer wait time and more expensive cost over the AGL...and mine seems to be very well made minus the despite the "need" (preferences more like) for my soon to come mods. I am only posting this video because it was hard for me to find this out, as I was led to believe they were made in Italy...which apparently isn't the case.

I think I read your post. Interested to see how it goes.

 

[5030]

I will say my new 2021 Kubota round baler was built in Italy as was my rotary rake and if the baler performs as good as the rake has, I'll be happy. Itallians are noted for good farm implements.