Buying Advice Flail mower advice

[Tanasigrl]

I've made my choice of tractor and ordered an LS XR4140. Already own a rotary cutter but I'd like to get a flail mower. Any recommendations on size or brand would be appreciated.
On another subject, should I put weight on rear tires? What do you use and amount? My land is mostly sloping pasture. I'll be using the tractor for general farm chores. No haying.

 

[metalbender]

As a rookie to this tractor ownership and acreage living, I can only speak from limited experience. Bought a Chinese verge mower for my new Massey 1742 to cut where I dare not go with the Bush Hog. As one gets older, the buy once, cry once philosiphy gets clearer. Rather than purchase something that "will do", I went for the option of " will do so much more". Pics are in the oh so long, very informative, flail mower thread. Good luck in your search.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

For flails they say a "rule of thumb" is about 5HP per foot of flail. That rule can go either direction, depending on what you intend to mow. Seeing that you have a rotary (brush cutter I assume) you won't need the flail to handle brush. That puts you lower on the HP/foot rule. At 40HP you could easily handle a 8ft if you don't go crazy trying to cut trees down. From what I've seen flails over 6ft are hard to come by in the medium duty manufacturers, so you'd have to step up to the higher end manufacturers and spend quite a bit more. Depending on what you're doing, 6ft is a popular size. Alot of the size question relies on what you intend to do with it.

Caroni makes a good flail that many on this forum own and are very happy with. I bought an older Ford 917 and I like it, but it did need work when I got it. Others have Woods flails and like them. There are also Chinese built ones that people have had good luck with as well.

Link to the Caroni: Flail Mower, Rear Flail Mower TM19 | Caroni 3837

As said above, check the "Let's talk about flails" thread for TONS of information.

 

[Granthol]

I have a 6 foot Titan flail I use with my Branson 2910. It’s all the 29hp tractor can do. It would be ideal with your 40hp LS.

 

[Tanasigrl]

Thanks for the help. I'll also look at the other thread. Using it for 21 acres of pasture. Better but than bush hog but not too fine like finish mower.