Flail Mower Comments on Alamo flail mowers?

[RHughes]

I found a used Alamo flail mower at a local implement dealer. Anyone have comments or experience with these? I'd like to know what to look for in the way of wear or things that might need replacement, bearings, gears, pullies, etc.

 

[Taylortractornut]

Ralph they cut very well I bought one at a sale and put it on ads tractor a 3000 yanmar. It was 7 feet wide 1.5 feet of it hung more to one side for getting close to buildings. They doo good and your blae selection can be from fine to medium to heavy. My freind pulled his through a rotted pins stum easy with medium blades. I thing the blade kits are 40 cents each. I gave that one to myy neighbor because it was a bit much for the yanmar and bought one that had been mistaken as a tiller. Its a 5 footer with out teeth lol. I love the way they mow and dont chunk things around.

 

[just_toolin]

I don't have an alamo flail but I do have the ford 917 flail. Some things to look for would be the bearings on both ends of the cutting shaft and the end of drive shaft where it hooks up to the belt drive. I needed to replace all these bearings (used flailmaster parts, found on the web). I would also ask them to hook it up to a three point to allow you to run it. Check for excessive vibration and/or noise. With the mower lifted, PTO and tractor off, look at the blades are a lot of them broken or missing, more replacement parts. If you have a chance to demo it cut some thicker grass, does the belt start slipping quickly (poor or no cutting). Again parts that can be replaced, fixed, or adjusted but it is good to know what you are getting yourself into.
By the way, for my property the flail works great (6 acres of horse pasture).