OP
80sDweeb
Bronze Member
It's been a while, so I thought I'd update this thread. I ended up getting an Alamo SHD74 flail mower (6 ft wide) from a Highway Department auction, I think they sold it because they mostly use offset and hydraulic units now, and this was a PTO unit centered on the 3 point hitch. It isn't as good at the heavy brush clearing as a rotary cutter would be, but it really mulches up the cuttings and has done a great job so far. I'd say I cut up to 1-1/2 inches comfortably, and bigger than that with effort. Once I sucked up a bunch of wire fencing (DOH!) and while cutting/battling that out of there, I noticed some missing cotter pins underneath the mower. Lucky thing, because I hadn't lost any knives yet, but if I hadn't inspected I would have.
Now that winter weather is just about here, I will try to get back out there and continue what I started. I was only able to work out there for a couple partial days so far. The mower power seems fine, the only real issue is that I could use some weight on the front of the tractor. I will see about loading the front tires on the tractor (it has some old 15 inch car radials on it now, unfortunately, but they don't tear up the lawn, so I may keep them) and I will look for a deal on weights to go on the front end (tractor has the mount.) I guess I should look while scrap prices are down!
Thanks for all the tips, they are exactly what I needed! Also, I may end up getting a rotary cutter if I find the right deal, as I know they are much faster through the rough stuff. I love having the flail for most work, because I have lots of kids, and keeping them completely away while the tractor is running isn't easy, and the flail is far safer for bystanders.
Oh, and the house? You know, the one they were saying they'd start on "any day now" back in July and August? They should start the foundation work tomorrow, but I'll believe it when I see it! After zoning boards, appeals, thousands in environmental permit fees, haz-mat air quality monitors, etc. etc. etc., my frustration level is beyond comprehension. So much that I had to choose between having a brain aneurism and throwing my hands up and saying "who cares", which is where I'm at now.
Scott in Penfield NY
Now that winter weather is just about here, I will try to get back out there and continue what I started. I was only able to work out there for a couple partial days so far. The mower power seems fine, the only real issue is that I could use some weight on the front of the tractor. I will see about loading the front tires on the tractor (it has some old 15 inch car radials on it now, unfortunately, but they don't tear up the lawn, so I may keep them) and I will look for a deal on weights to go on the front end (tractor has the mount.) I guess I should look while scrap prices are down!
Thanks for all the tips, they are exactly what I needed! Also, I may end up getting a rotary cutter if I find the right deal, as I know they are much faster through the rough stuff. I love having the flail for most work, because I have lots of kids, and keeping them completely away while the tractor is running isn't easy, and the flail is far safer for bystanders.
Oh, and the house? You know, the one they were saying they'd start on "any day now" back in July and August? They should start the foundation work tomorrow, but I'll believe it when I see it! After zoning boards, appeals, thousands in environmental permit fees, haz-mat air quality monitors, etc. etc. etc., my frustration level is beyond comprehension. So much that I had to choose between having a brain aneurism and throwing my hands up and saying "who cares", which is where I'm at now.
Scott in Penfield NY
