Flail Mower Creating fires

[dmiletich]

I have an 8' Rears flail mower and my friend told me the problem with flail mowers is they tend to start fires a lot easier than rotary mowers. Is there any truth to this?

 

[moored4]

I can see the reasoning of the statement, flails striking the ground more often and causing sparks. I have never seen any proof of it.

 

[gwdixon]

I have an 8' Rears flail mower and my friend told me the problem with flail mowers is they tend to start fires a lot easier than rotary mowers. Is there any truth to this?

Maybe, maybe not.

Here in CA the vegetation dries out in spring and the highway department uses rotary cutters along the freeways and roads. They don't seem to start any fires.

I use both rotary and flail on several properties but have never had or heard of a fire caused by tractor mowers. However, there is usually a fire or two caused by someone with a push lawn mower or ride-on mower and they are rotary.

Clearing as many rocks from the area to be mowed is the key.

Farmwithjunk, a contracted mower, has a lot more experience so maybe he will drop by and chime in.

 

[leonz]

The issue is sparks from exhaust and has been which is why the EPA rules that spark arrestors are needed on most small engines.


Flail mowers are safe mowers in all conditions, the issue is one of mowing when its safe to mow.

Its possible to start a forest fire from mowing with a garden tractor because of the exhaust in many cases but a flailmower or brush cutter by itself will not do that.


If your out there mowing ground that has brush so dry that it crumbles in your hand you need to have your head examined and stop mowing as the heat radiating off the engine would be enough too start a grass fire and forest fire.

The other issue is maintenance wherein if a rotor bearing catches fire thats a problem involving lack of maintenance and cleaning if you are clearing tall stringy dry brush.



if the brush is kept short it offers less fuel for the fire triangle and many fewer potential problems.

So flailmowers are fine for mowing once again.:thumbsup::drool:

 

[dangerdoc]

I have an 8' Rears flail mower and my friend told me the problem with flail mowers is they tend to start fires a lot easier than rotary mowers. Is there any truth to this?

A big problem in the Flint Hills.