Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[jimgerken]

Since you guys are all tuned up on flail techology, let me ask you a couple questions. I have a grass runway of two acres to mow, its all flat (no hills), and is like a really tough lawn. It is somewhat thick and sort of growing in clumps. I need it mown to about 3 inches tall, but don't want to mow it every week to keep it that way. In the past, mowing with a lawn tractor, if I didnt get over there every week, or less, it would overgrow and cause me a lot of stress on the tractor trying to get it hacked back down. So, there are no tree saplings, or tall brush, just thick probably overgrown turf, sometimes 8 inches tall and I want it mown to 3 inches. I have 22 pto hp. I have been considering buying a RFM. Does this sound like a good job for a FLAIL MOWER instead? Can I run the 59 inch Caroni with my 22hp, in these conditions? Thanks!

 

[KentT]

There's currently a used 5-foot Ford flail mower on eBay in Illinois for $300 Buy It Now -- if anyone is interested. At that price, it would be a relatively inexpensive test drive...

 

[Nuru]

Since you guys are all tuned up on flail techology, let me ask you a couple questions. I have a grass runway of two acres to mow, its all flat (no hills), and is like a really tough lawn. It is somewhat thick and sort of growing in clumps. I need it mown to about 3 inches tall, but don't want to mow it every week to keep it that way. In the past, mowing with a lawn tractor, if I didnt get over there every week, or less, it would overgrow and cause me a lot of stress on the tractor trying to get it hacked back down. So, there are no tree saplings, or tall brush, just thick probably overgrown turf, sometimes 8 inches tall and I want it mown to 3 inches. I have 22 pto hp. I have been considering buying a RFM. Does this sound like a good job for a FLAIL MOWER instead? Can I run the 59 inch Caroni with my 22hp, in these conditions? Thanks!

Does not sound like you will get out of mowing it weekly, that is the growth pattern of the grass. The flail will be stronger than your current mower apprently and that is what you want. Some of the guys were tossing around a number like 5 hp per foot of flail mower, but i do not know how accurate that is.

 

[IslandTractor]

Some of the guys were tossing around a number like 5 hp per foot of flail mower, but i do not know how accurate that is.

I think the rule of thumb posted by Dave (Mahindra and flail dealer) was 4hp at PTO per foot of flail as a general guide for mowing pasture and lawn. A bit more hp for bush hogging brush etc.

A 22hp at PTO tractor should have no trouble with a 5ft flail.

 

[sunspot]

I just got off the phone with Beverly at Agri. The mowers are at Agri and are getting ready to ship. Mine should go out Monday.

 

[CurtC]

I cancelled mine just before it shipped, so if someone wants one just off the boat, now is the time.

I had buyer's remorse on 1800 bucks for a mower I don't really need for 3-4 acres of mowing. Maybe in a year after some more bills are paid and the economy firms up in Michigan.

 

[Nuru]

I cancelled mine just before it shipped, so if someone wants one just off the boat, now is the time.

I had buyer's remorse on 1800 bucks for a mower I don't really need for 3-4 acres of mowing. Maybe in a year after some more bills are paid and the economy firms up in Michigan.

that is kinda why i decided to take a chance on the BETST as the one I wanted was only $975 and another $250 shippping

 

[Grapeman]

Thanks CurtC! I called and ordered a new Caroni Tm1900BSC from Agri Supply this morning. Spoke with Bev, (nice lady), and it should arrive here late next week. Tailgate drop here at farm. Probably got your cancellation. I will let everyone know how it works out.

 

[Grapeman]

As mentioned, I'm getting a new Caroni mower. I'd like to throw out another point for discussion. I have several rotary cutters and a 5' Kuhn flail chopper. I have used a chain toplink for several years and feel its the best way to go for general mowing. It seems to protect the tractor from having the toplink try to drive itself thru the tractor when the rear wheels are in a dip or lower than the front and tail wheels. Also allows the mower to flex if it hits something. Any thoughts?

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

.....hmmm...that's a good idea.....i wondered why i saw that in some pics.....

thanks!

As mentioned, I'm getting a new Caroni mower. I'd like to throw out another point for discussion. I have several rotary cutters and a 5' Kuhn flail chopper. I have used a chain toplink for several years and feel its the best way to go for general mowing. It seems to protect the tractor from having the toplink try to drive itself thru the tractor when the rear wheels are in a dip or lower than the front and tail wheels. Also allows the mower to flex if it hits something. Any thoughts?