Flail Mower Just bought a Nova-tractor Ditch Mower

[Unwiredone]

Wow- I need to check my spam folders more often. No, this unit doesn't come with a joystick. You will need to use your rear remotes for this machine. Originally I had planned to use my FEL control for it, but in truth, the rear remotes are the appropriate controls. I just don't need to move the machine as frequently because I'm not traveling fast when mowing.

 

[Apeman426]

I was wondering if you tried that ditch bank mower again on the hedges with the guard removed? I am interested in one but would really like to trim the overgrowth on my trails. Thanks.

 

[Matt VA]

David -

Good read. I took the plunge on their medium duty flail. MD175 they call it now. Same 1.75 hammers, just no hydro shift. They only seem to offer that for their HD line with 3lb hammers and the bank mowers. I figured 28 1.75 lb hammers are going to a little cleaner job on grass than the 3 pounders while still letting me tackle brush. Nova says up to 1" sapplings, and other manufacturers with same size hammers say 2 or even 3. Your comments that you were destroying logs suggests they are being conservative at 1 inch. What has your experience been with hitting rocks? Is that an instant trip to re-sharpen a hammer or will they hold up for a while?

 

[Oakfield1862]

bumping this as I am considering one of these. @Unwiredone is it still humming along?

 

[RjCorazza]

Nova was on my short list after deciding against the lower quality Chinese models. In the end I opted for a Del Morino, which is very well built, but expensive.
I can confirm that using these mowers vertically isn't all it's cracked up to be. The mower pushes material out of the way, and when it does shred material it comes right back at the tractor and operator. It's only a matter of time before I shatter my rear glass, so I stopped using it vertically.

 

[Oakfield1862]

Nova was on my short list after deciding against the lower quality Chinese models. In the end I opted for a Del Morino, which is very well built, but expensive.
I can confirm that using these mowers vertically isn't all it's cracked up to be. The mower pushes material out of the way, and when it does shred material it comes right back at the tractor and operator. It's only a matter of time before I shatter my rear glass, so I stopped using it vertically.

Thanks for the info. I have been looking hard at the Del Morino's, but the cost difference is almost double and I will likely not be gentle. The Super Centurion quote was $7195 plus shipping, the
BCRM Middle Duty Ditch Mower listed price is $3,300.00. I also looked at the Peruzzo Elk Cross and Acma DB160E, but those were $8k plus $650 for shipping. The Ironcraft / Cosmo FRF165 best quote was $4295. I am leaning toward the BCRM.

 

[RjCorazza]

That's about what I paid for the Del Morino, delivered from PA to MD. I looked at the Peruzzo's hard too, but the shipping from Iowa became a factor to consider.
The BCRM mower appears well made and gets good reviews, so I suspect you'll be happy with it!

 

[Oakfield1862]

That's about what I paid for the Del Morino, delivered from PA to MD. I looked at the Peruzzo's hard too, but the shipping from Iowa became a factor to consider.
The BCRM mower appears well made and gets good reviews, so I suspect you'll be happy with it!

did you happen to look at the John Deere Flails? FL1163S is the one I'm considering. It's comes in around $5500 with the equine discount. It appears to be made by Maschio (Italian) in China. I'm between that and the Nova


Update: the equine discount is a joke and only works out to saving about $200. Going with the BCRM