Flail mower for MX5100 (42hp PTO machine) thoughts

Code54 · Jul 12, 2015

I was wondering if anyone is running a flail mower on a MX5100 (or close to it) and wondering how it does with whatever size you are using.
I found an 90" Motts/Alamo flail I am interested in and didn't know how my machine would run it so I was looking for some real world experience (I have a hydro so my PTO is 42.5hp I believe)
Thank you

motownbrowne · Jul 12, 2015

I run a 72" Mott flail mower with my mx4700. It runs it great. Of course it depends on what you'll be cutting, but I think a 90" on your tractor would be just fine. That's the beauty of a hydro tranny in my opinion. Sure you lose a little HP, but if the grass gets a little thicker, you can just slow down to where the engine is keeping up with the material you're cutting. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to run a 90" flail on mine and you have about 5 more ponies than I do.

Code54 · Jul 12, 2015

Good info - thanks. I thought I could run it and for the most part I can can just not cut as wide if needed. I mostly mow about 3 times a summer so nothing over 20-24" and mainly just weeds mixed with grass. - not sure dense.
What kind of knives/hammers do you use and how does it work on brush?

motownbrowne · Jul 12, 2015

Mine has grass cutters on it. Each flail is two pieces side by side about 3" long that bend out 90 degrees at the end. So the effect is like an inverted "T" when it's cutting. It cuts grass and weeds pretty good. Almost a finish mower cut, but not quite. Better than the bush hog, though. It's not real good for stemmy weeds or brush, at least not with the cutters that are on it. What's the price tag like on the one you're looking at?

Code54 · Jul 12, 2015

They want 850 but think I can get it for less. It is in fair shape cosmetically but seems mechanically sound. Every once and a while one comes up at auction around here and they sell CHEAP - often $300ish but I have not seen anything recently (of course)....

kwbretired · Jul 17, 2015

I had a 72" flail several years ago, I thought it cut very well. Don't remember the brand. One thing you need to look for is if the drum is balanced. I didn't & it cost me a $1000 for a new drum. If you start getting into brush, be carefully as you will start knocking off blades, another real world experience. I pulled it with a 45 PTO HP Case which I still have. Wound up selling flail for scrap when it was more trouble / maintenance than it was worth.