Flail Mower flail mowers...need some answers

jimg · Apr 30, 2004

In another forum, here in TBN, there was some discussion of flail mowers and most of the feedback was very positive. I've looked thru the archives here and the feedback is generally negative. I think the most quoted negative is high cost of up keep. I cant figure that one out. What would cost any more than a rotary mower? The second would probably be high initial cost. From what Ive seen they arent any more costly than a good rotary mower. I think also theyre supposed to give as good a cut as a rotary mower (finish or otherwise) when properly equipped. I have no experience to back that though. I suppose its hard to understand why flail mowers are so much 'maligned'. I *think* if I had to do it over I might have gotten a flail mower instead of a rotary.

pekabu · Apr 30, 2004

I think I am a bit confused. From what little I have read, it appears to me that a Flail mower is somewhere between a Rotary cutter, and a finish mower (quality wise and utility wise). I would like to buy a Finish mower, but I also need to a Rotary Cutter for some larger stuff (small saplings and such). After hearing some things on the safety forum, I would prefer not to go that route. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

jimg · Apr 30, 2004

Hi Dave,
Ive read some about them and it depends on configuration. The cutters look to be easily changed and go from 'hammers' for heavy brush to lighter Y shaped cutters for finish mowing. From what Ive read they can do it all and the quality of finish cutting (if properly configured) is very good. Theyre also smaller than a rotary mower so theres less hanging off the back of the tractor. Im not sure how well/poorly they do as far as scalping goes. I think it might be on the better side b/c of the roller at the back of the mower. Then again its hard to tell.

DocHeb · May 1, 2004

From my Internet exploration, I've found that to get a flail mower that uses hammers (used to shred brush and saplings), you'll need a tractor with a minimum of 35 PTO hp. The hammers weigh a lot, and it takes a larger tractor to offset the generally heavier unit.

The blades on a rotary mower can get a touch-up sharpening while still mounted on the mower, and will last quite a long time. Flails, being made of thinner metal, will wear away faster and will need to be reversed or replaced sooner than a rotary blade. This is also a bit labor intensive since there are multiple flails on a mower.

Depending on the flail configuration, you can get a rougher cut (with "Y" blades), or a more finished cut (with "T" blades).

Generally, flail mowers are more expensive to purchase and maintain, so rotary cutters and finish cutters are more popular. They are, however, less likely to throw material long distances, and are smaller, making them more maneuverable than rotary cutters.