Flail Mower flail mover vrs finishing mower

[Lefty_Kubota]

which one do i need , and what are the pro's and cons between the two?
We have about 5 acres that we want to keep the grass cut low on..

And what size could this tractor safely pull 22.5 HP

 

[RickB]

You could probably run a 60" RFM if the grass didn't get too far ahead of you. I prefer a RFM over a flail. A flail tends to strip the leaves from taller broadleaf weeds and leave tall stems among the nicely cut grass.
A flail may take more HP than a RFM of the same width.

 

[Lefty_Kubota]

thanks Rick...

 

[radman1]

Your field seems a little rough and not exactly a yard. Might consider a bush hog type rotary mower rather than a finish mower. If you let the grass get too tall, a finish mower won't mow well. With a finish mower, you will need to mow it freqently. A rotary mower can mow it down to 2" but I leave mine closer to 3-4". On my open, prarie grass fields, I prefer to mow 2-3 times per year. The more frequently I mow, the more the weeds and broadleaf plants take over. I like the look of the taller, 1-1.5' native grasses.

 

[steveoutdoorrec]

I'd go with a bush-hog type rotary mower. I used to mow all my lawns and around the garden's with one. It was great for every week mowing and if rain stopped me for a couple of weeks it would cut the knee high grass just as well

 

[CCWKen]

Use that thingamajig on the back and put up some fence. Then get 4-5 goats. They'll keep it clean and cut low. Just keep your vehicles outside the fence--They do like to climb.

 

[jgrreed]

After sifting through the 70 page thread on Flail mowers, I chose one over an RFM or a Bush Hog. I used my FIL's bush hog, and although it did a pretty good job, it was like walking around with a 12' long 2"x 4" over your shoulder. I was banging into all kinds of stuff when I'd turn. The flail's like a tiller on the back of the tractor, so much easier to maneuver.

I've read there are some significant safety advantages to a flail over a Hog as well.

I've also read that by changing the hammers on the flail you can decide what type of finish you'd like - ie "Y" type hammers for tall grass and saplings, and spoon type for a nice finish.

The PTO on mine hasn't actually turned yet, so I'm no expert. I thought this would save you scanning the "let's talk flail mowers" thread, thus leaving you more time to read War & Peace, or this years Encyclopedia Brittanica instead.....

If you're interested Agrisupply sells Caroni, which is what I bought, and it's a really solid machine.

-Jer.

 

[two_bit_score]

Hey, Phil...go with a good bush hog. That flail or finish mower is too prissy for what I see in the background there. Odom is a great place to be anytime, take care!

 

[Eagleview]

I think i would go with a sickle mower myself . There are a few reasons i say this . The paddock is very clean and level , the sickle mower takes little horsepower to drive and is quiet . And as you have no cab , dust and the danger of thrown objects is a real concern . The sickles produce little dust and don't throw debris . They are also easy to find in good condition for little money . They are also good in the fact that they cut beside the tractor so issues with the tyres flattening the grass is not a concern .

 

[LBrown59]

I think i would go with a sickle mower myself . There are a few reasons i say this . The paddock is very clean and level , the sickle mower takes little horsepower to drive and is quiet . And as you have no cab , dust and the danger of thrown objects is a real concern . The sickles produce little dust and don't throw debris . They are also easy to find in good condition for little money . They are also good in the fact that they cut beside the tractor so issues with the tyres flattening the grass is not a concern .

Something I like about them is you can mow out over banks and across ditches with them.