Flail Mower flail or rotary rough cut?

   / flail or rotary rough cut? #21  
I have a 7 foot flail there is pictures posted on here. i run it behind a 45 hrs kubota, if you have rocks or un even ground the flail is the way to go. my neighbors brush hog bearing went after repeated rocks and burms, jmo. email me questins or 4 pics
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #22  
I have both and use both. The rotary cutter can be faster but greatly prefer the cut of the flail and the way it leaves what it cuts. The flail mowers are made at least some are, to cut in both rotation directions and those you need to use the proper rotation of cut for what you are cutting. Not sure any pto models offer the change of rotation direction. As to Carioni, really agree Argi Supply is great in support but don't miss they sell model for grass cutting and one for brush. The grass cutter has more but lighter weight "Y" blades which leaves "Y" cut grass or little rows which looks odd for a lawn and not great for brush.
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #23  
Something that needs to be explained , when the manufacturers say a flail can handle 3" material , they don't mean standing . Flails are used in Europe to chop up prunings in Orchards and Vineyards . The prunings are thrown into the rows and then mulched , the mulcher can handle 3" material in this fashion . If you are cutting saplings , they should be pushed over with the blade first . Pushed flat , not just bowed over as the tractor passes over them . The leading edge on a flail is not designed to push over a 3" tree at the base . This will bend the edge and put great strain on the linkage mounts .
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut?
  • Thread Starter
#24  
Looks like I'm getting a rotary. going to look at a 7' hd howse. It has a 150hp gear box, thick stump jumper and dual rear wheels. :cool:
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #25  
After reading all of the responses to your original post, it appears that you are making the correct decision for you. A rotary will serve you far better for grooming long neglected grounds. I own a Howse myself. It is a decent choice for the money. I, also, own a Caroni flail that is only used to mow on previously cleared land. By the way, this flail will not grind stumps - it will only be ruined in very short order. After a couple of years you may choose to acquire a flail for a better quality of finish on your maintained grounds.
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #26  
I agree, I'd like to have a cheap beat up heavy duty rotary that I would use for initial clearing and discovery of engine blocks, stumps, rocks etc in tall grass then I would switch over to the flail for maintenance. I don't have the heavy duty rotary so I just use the flail but use it cautiously during the clearing phase and I also use my FEL and grapple to rip up bushes that I judge would be easier dealt with in that manner. If I had a heavy duty flail I would just use it like the rotary but mine is a medium duty so I can see the advantage of hitting some areas with the rotary first.
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #27  
I've used both and currently have a fail. What a surprise that my 7 foot flail can be used as finish mower. The hammers will handle 3" material. It was made by Seppi for Bobcat. Expensive to buy, easy to use.

jmf
 
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   / flail or rotary rough cut? #28  
From the reading of these posts it seems that the flails are a bit fragile and have to be babied. I do like the quality of the flail cut but don't want two mowers. I think I'll stick with my rotary cutter.
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #29  
From the reading of these posts it seems that the flails are a bit fragile and have to be babied. I do like the quality of the flail cut but don't want two mowers. I think I'll stick with my rotary cutter.

No they do not need to be babied. There are limits to what any piece of equipment can handle. In the case of the flail they can do 90% of what a rotary bush hog can do and 90% of what a finish mower can do. They overlap those other two mowers in a way that is very useful and practical. The discussion here just points out what the other 10% on either side is.
 
   / flail or rotary rough cut? #30  
The discussion so far points out bent rear rollers, inability to cut large saplings, burned belts, and increased maintenance over a rotary cutter. Not a criticism. Just an observation.
 
 

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