Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

KenB2920 · Jun 15, 2015

Lol, yes new to me... The fresh grass was from a function test I performed and it does work.

The other one is suppose to be functional as well but I haven't tried it.

It appears the ford needs a bearing on the roller. The seller through in 2 bearings.

The Mott also needs a bearing. I'm sure new knives will be in order as well as paint and a belt.

I do know they aren't seized as the roll freely

GManBart · Jun 15, 2015

What's peeking out here? A Sicma TE220....87" cut. Shipping weight was 1095lbs

KenB2920 · Jun 16, 2015

How to remove this bearing?

I unbolted it with no issue. I pulled out the 2 hex set screws as needed. Now how do I get the rest of the bearing off to put the new one on?

Parkanzky · Jun 16, 2015

KenB2920 said:
How to remove this bearing?

View attachment 429986

I unbolted it with no issue. I pulled out the 2 hex set screws as needed. Now how do I get the rest of the bearing off to put the new one on?

Are those welds on the face of the ring?

KenB2920 · Jun 16, 2015

It kind of looks that way but I'm not positive. If they are, should they be ground off? Filed off? Best off? Or are this not an option either

Parkanzky · Jun 16, 2015

KenB2920 said:
It kind of looks that way but I'm not positive. If they are, should they be ground off? Filed off? Best off? Or are this not an option either

I'm no expert, but I'd try to break them with a chisel or cut them with a dremel. Then use a flap-wheel or similar to make the shaft smooth enough to get the new bearing over.

CTWright · Jun 16, 2015

Looks like the bearing inner race? If so grind off, use a chisel, hammer and heat to "persuade " it off.

KenB2920 · Jun 16, 2015

My thoughts too, just seeing if there was something special to be aware of .... Hopefully I get it set tomorrow

CTWright · Jun 17, 2015

KenB2920 said:
My thoughts too, just seeing if there was something special to be aware of .... Hopefully I get it set tomorrow

Just recently did this with my old Vemco Flail. The bearings are "insert" type, which means they are supposed to slide on and the be locked in with a collar or set screws on a collar thats part of the inner race. I had to clean the shaft up with a wire wheel and emery cloth afterward too.

CTWright · Jun 17, 2015

KenB2920 said:
My thoughts too, just seeing if there was something special to be aware of .... Hopefully I get it set tomorrow

Just recently did this with my old Vemco Flail. The bearings are "insert" type, which means they are supposed to slide on and the be locked in with a collar or set screws on a collar thats part of the inner race. I had to clean the shaft up with a wire wheel and emery cloth afterward too.

KenB2920 · Jun 17, 2015

CTWright said:
Just recently did this with my old Vemco Flail. The bearings are "insert" type, which means they are supposed to slide on and the be locked in with a collar or set screws on a collar thats part of the inner race. I had to clean the shaft up with a wire wheel and emery cloth afterward too.

Excellent, appears to be the same set up. Hopefully I can get this done this afternoon. That's the hope at least.

KenB2920 · Jun 18, 2015

New bearing installed

Poopdeck Pappy · Jun 18, 2015

Ok, here's a question since I've never had a flail. When you turn with a flail, do you raise the mower so that the roller is off the ground, and then set it back down after the turn? If not, does turning with the roller contacting the ground put a lot of lateral stress on the roller bearings?

IslandTractor · Jun 18, 2015

Poopdeck Pappy said:
Ok, here's a question since I've never had a flail. When you turn with a flail, do you raise the mower so that the roller is off the ground, and then set it back down after the turn? If not, does turning with the roller contacting the ground put a lot of lateral stress on the roller bearings?

No need to raise the mower to turn. The big rear roller prevents gouging. The roller is smooth so I cannot imagine tight turns put much if any stress on the bearings. Only problem initially is to get the side skids set properly so they are not low enough to gouge. Skids are there just for storage so don't set them too low.

CCWKen · Jun 18, 2015

Ditto on the no lift. The roller should have rounded ends similar to the top of a welding tank. Once you cut with a flail, you'll never go back to a rotary for grass. Even high grass. Mine cuts golf course smooth and no unsightly clumps of grass--Wet or dry.

KenB2920 · Jun 18, 2015

Tried out the 6' mott today (also with dull blades) (184 dull blades I believe). As for a function test it seemed to work great.

It also seemed to take less HP than the ford. Or maybe just ran smoother / quieter. I ordered the new blades / hammers / knives or whatever they're called today for the ford.

I was skeptical to even try the mott because of how crumby it looked only to be pleasantly surprised. Now I should order new blades for that as well.

It was so fun trying I just kept cutting and cutting away. These things are addicting. As horrible as they look they look and dull he blades are in happier with their finish than my rotary cutter with sharp blades.

leonz · Jun 19, 2015

KenB2920 said:
Tried out the 6' mott today (also with dull blades) (184 dull blades I believe).
As for a function test it seemed to work great.

It also seemed to take less HP than the ford. Or maybe just ran smoother / quieter.
I ordered the new blades / hammers / knives or whatever they're called today for the ford.

I was skeptical to even try the Mott because of how crumby it looked only to be pleasantly surprised.
Now I should order new blades for that as well.

It was so fun trying I just kept cutting and cutting away. These things are addicting.

(I have been addicted to them for 36 plus years and there is no antidote)

As horrible as they look they look and dull he blades are in happier with their finish than my rotary cutter
with sharp blades.

(wait until you see the knives after they have been wet ground)

Welcome to the Flail Mower Nations.

Happy Mowing

KenB2920 · Jun 19, 2015

Is this belt ok? It's what's on my Mott. Id like to have a backup in case the current one breaks. This is what's currently on it. More photos to come but I can only send one photo per post from my phone for some reason