Flail Mower Confusion

SpaceRage · Sep 22, 2019

Hey folks, I'm looking at getting a flail mower for my B26 TLB.

I have been looking through the manual and am really confused, there appear to be different allowable lifting weights for the 3PL (either 760kg or 360kg)?

The flail mower I'm looking at has weight of 360kg, will the B26 be able to lift and operate this mower?

FLAIL MOWER PREMIUM 14 MECHANICAL SIDESHIFT - Hayes Products - Tractor Attachments and Implements

Thanks from Australia!

Roadworthy · Sep 22, 2019

You may wish to talk with your dealer. Permissible loading is also dictated by how the loading arms are connected to the tractor.

diesel85 · Sep 22, 2019

I've got a Woodmaxx 62" Flailmower that I use on my little BX2200 and it lifts and turns it just fine.

I just don't expect to use it to knock down tall grasses -- for obvious reasons.

I use mine to compliment my rotary finish mower if life gets in the way and I miss a couple mowing sessions. WAY better than clumps!

However, I am going to be getting a bigger machine (L3901 or equiv.) down the line.

CurtisC · Sep 23, 2019

Space Rage,
Since the 1st and 3rd charts are in the implementation limitation section of the manual and I'd go with them. The middle chart from the general specifications section talks to max pump output which presumably does not take into account structural limitations in the arms, links, and frame. I must admit I never looked close at that number and 760 KG (1676 lbs) seems pretty high - I guess if there's ever a 3PT failure it won't be the pump!
You're 360 kg mower weighs in at the max lower arm end weight with a cg that's probably about a foot behind the end of the arm. While the hydraulics should pick up the mower just fine the more important concern at least to Kubota, is that it's 6 inches wider than allowable max width. Its interesting that they feel flail mower width is the key limiting factor - my walking around sense says the mower weight and CG should be more of a factor than width. I have to assume Kubota factors in typical implement weight & cg estimates along with worse case dynamic loading on all their ratings which should make their implement limitations pretty conservative.

Bottom line is you'd probably be OK but if you read the first paragraph of the Implement limitation section, since you'd be exceeding the max width any resultant failures would invalidate the warranty (if that still matters).

diesel85 · Sep 23, 2019

From experience running a larger (wider) implement on my machine, when you make turns, the implement kind of pulls the machine a little bit. That is partly the reason with the width limitation. I also don't know if you are suppose to be turning with a flail mower down either.

Like CurtisC said above, it has a lot to do with dynamic loading to keep everything in check within a "safe" zone in case of failure.

Also the 760 KG (1676 lbs) is at the holes on the 3 point hitch. Normally loading is measured 24" behind those holes, which usually breaks down to about half the weight.

I know, and totally understand that if my 62" Flailmower breaks my little BX2200, it's because I overloaded it and I take responsibility. However, I'm just careful and mindful using it.

I've used my flail quite a few times without any issues.

Do I agree it was meant to be put on a larger machine - absolutely.

In relation to all this, you can go on Woodmaxx's website and you'll see they are using what appears to be a B2650/3350 attached to a 62" flail mower.

For what it's worth my Woodmaxx 62" flail weighs about 650 lbs and the max capacity 24" behind the holes is 680 lbs. So the lift capacity is right around ~1,100 lbs at the holes on the 3 point hitch. Again, this is for a BX2200.

SpaceRage · Sep 24, 2019

diesel85 said:
I've got a Woodmaxx 62" Flailmower that I use on my little BX2200 and it lifts and turns it just fine.

I just don't expect to use it to knock down tall grasses -- for obvious reasons.

I use mine to compliment my rotary finish mower if life gets in the way and I miss a couple mowing sessions. WAY better than clumps!

However, I am going to be getting a bigger machine (L3901 or equiv.) down the line.

Thanks for the info diesel85, I reckon if the BX2200 can handle the Woodmax 62" then my B26 should be ok with the 360kg mower I liked even if the figures are quite close. Key is probably to take it easy when mowing like you said.

SpaceRage · Sep 24, 2019

CurtisC said:
Space Rage,
Since the 1st and 3rd charts are in the implementation limitation section of the manual and I'd go with them. The middle chart from the general specifications section talks to max pump output which presumably does not take into account structural limitations in the arms, links, and frame. I must admit I never looked close at that number and 760 KG (1676 lbs) seems pretty high - I guess if there's ever a 3PT failure it won't be the pump!
You're 360 kg mower weighs in at the max lower arm end weight with a cg that's probably about a foot behind the end of the arm. While the hydraulics should pick up the mower just fine the more important concern at least to Kubota, is that it's 6 inches wider than allowable max width. Its interesting that they feel flail mower width is the key limiting factor - my walking around sense says the mower weight and CG should be more of a factor than width. I have to assume Kubota factors in typical implement weight & cg estimates along with worse case dynamic loading on all their ratings which should make their implement limitations pretty conservative.

Bottom line is you'd probably be OK but if you read the first paragraph of the Implement limitation section, since you'd be exceeding the max width any resultant failures would invalidate the warranty (if that still matters).

Thanks for great reply CurtisC,

Yes I found it strange that the width is limiting factor.........B26 has pretty narrow wheelbase, especially at the front so they might be concerned about COG etc...? My warranty is void now so not much of an issue anymore. B26 seems to be pretty sturdy bit of kit so I'll probably just go for the 360kg mower.....also considering buying a bigger tractor down the line as well so would be good to be on the upper margin in terms of width for future possibilities.

Smokeydog · Sep 26, 2019

Had a B20 for over 20 years with a 6’ finish mower. Over 800#. Upgraded to B26. Run Pat’s quick hitch that puts the hitch point 3” back. I liquid ballasted the rear tires. 2” spacers on the rear tires. Runs good on our hilly ground with different equipment including the backhoe.

For an offset fail mower the weight straight behind shouldn’t be a problem. Offsetting May require ballast or wheel extensions.

Cheers to our down under friend!