Minimum HP for Flail Mowers

[KennJ]

I have a new Branson 2515H, and I am trying to decide on a ditch bank flail mower for it. My question is, when I look at a mower they will say "Minimum HP 20" or 25 or 30 etc. My tractor is 25 hp, 20 hp at the PTO. What does that minimum number REALLY mean? Is it a suggestion?

The tractor is 57" wide and I want to be at least as wide as my tire width, but most of the 56-60" models call for 25 or 30 hp. It seems to have to do with the number and weight of the hammers. I can get one that says 18-20 hp, but they are 40-48"... it would be a shame to have a smaller cutting swath than my Cub Cadet!

To make matters more confusing, the equivalent brand and size of pull behind flail mower is powered by a 13 hp Briggs and Stratton! Yet they want 25 hp at the PTO for a 3 point model?

My land is level, lots of grass, but also lots of Blackberrys and some brushy, willowy areas that I will eventually want to clear. I also have ¼ mile of driveway with ditches and side growth to keep beat back.

Appreciate any insight and experience you can share!

 

[BukitCase]

I have this flail (NOT a ditch bank mower tho)

Flail Mower, Rear Flail Mower TM1900

Agri Supply has a Satisfaction Guarantee on all of your farm, agriculture, cooking, and outdoor needs, including this Caroni 3-point flail mower.

www.agrisupply.com

They say 30-60 horse; my usage sounds basically the same as you (except for ditches) - both of my PTO equipped tractors are 40-45 horse, and I wouldn't want any LESS than I have. Some of the tougher areas will make me lower a gear or bog down a bit.

Mine uses the "Y" knives, duckbills would probably want MORE HP but for mine I wouldn't go lower than 6 HP per foot of width.

You might have more patience than I do and might be OK with a little less HP/foot, but I wouldn't expect too much. My "guestimate" is that you can either go real slow and cover your tire track or stay with a 4' and travel a bit faster... Steve

 

[Halftrack]

I think the limiting factor in your situation is the side load placed on your tractor by the ditch bank flail. Your tractor would easily handle a 5 ft 3 pt flail, but hanging that same flail off the right side of the tractor is a whole new ball game.

And welcome to TBN

 

[RjCorazza]

I have done a lot of reading on the subject of ditch bank flails, but have yet to buy one.
For my application (Kubota L4060) with fluid loaded rears I weigh in at 6400lbs. A 5' ditch flail is about the largest my machine will be able to safely handle when extended off to the side. The flail I intend to eventually buy is about 800 lbs, or 650 lbs for their lighter duty version of the same width. The manufacturer confirmed that either mower would be acceptable for my tractor.

Some manufacturers give minimum tractor weight requirements for their ditch bank flails. After a cursory view of your tractor specs, I would think you will be limited to a 48" ditch flail.

 

[TerryR]

I have a JD 870, which weighs around 2600 lb plus four loaded tires and a full set of suitcase weights on the front, and is rated at 28 hp, 25 on the PTO. I run a five foot Peruzzo Fox Cross 1600 ditch and bank mower, which runs only 640 lb.

I mow twice a year, so the grass can be heavy, and much of my land is on fairly steep hills. As far as power goes, it's a full load going up steep hills in heavy grass, but the tractor handles it in 3rd gear, as fast as I'm comfortable driving.

But the weight is on the edge. With the mower extended, the tractor is definitely light in the front, especially on the hills. I try to keep the mower on the ground when it's on the downhill side of the tractor, either running across the hill or going up it. I failed to do that once last year starting up a steep area and it was more exciting than I care for.

Your tractor is a tad heavier than mine, but I'd still watch the weight of the mower you choose carefully. That's one of the reasons I chose the one I did.

 

[K5lwq]

I have the same frame as you but more HP. I bought a Victory ditch bank mower and it has been working fine. No real issues except I had a cylinder fail that they replaced under warranty. The tractor handles it fine but I should widen the tires out. Not a real issue as I am careful and most of my ground is flat. Only have 1 ditch that has steep banks that the mower handles nicely.

Here is a link to the review thread I did on this mower. Hope it helps.

Victory Ditch Bank Flail or Bush Hog 216 Rotary Mower?

I posted this in the Let's Talk Flail Mowers thread but thought a new post might get better feedback. I need a little advice from the flail mowing community. Has anyone dealt with Victory Implements out of California? I am looking at their ditch bank mower. The reason I am interested is they...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[KennJ]

I have a new Branson 2515H, and I am trying to decide on a ditch bank flail mower for it. My question is, when I look at a mower they will say "Minimum HP 20" or 25 or 30 etc. My tractor is 25 hp, 20 hp at the PTO. What does that minimum number REALLY mean? Is it a suggestion?

The tractor is 57" wide and I want to be at least as wide as my tire width, but most of the 56-60" models call for 25 or 30 hp. It seems to have to do with the number and weight of the hammers. I can get one that says 18-20 hp, but they are 40-48"... it would be a shame to have a smaller cutting swath than my Cub Cadet!

To make matters more confusing, the equivalent brand and size of pull behind flail mower is powered by a 13 hp Briggs and Stratton! Yet they want 25 hp at the PTO for a 3 point model?

My land is level, lots of grass, but also lots of Blackberrys and some brushy, willowy areas that I will eventually want to clear. I also have ¼ mile of driveway with ditches and side growth to keep beat back.

Appreciate any insight and experience you can share!

Thanks for the quick feedback and the link to the Caron!.

I see on their site (Caroni) that they have a 59" suitable for 20-40 hp, but when you go to an adjustable model they call for 30 hp. The upper HP limit is, I think, due to the AGMA standards for gearbox loading; they limit you from using a power/reduction combinations that could destroy the gearbox if you encounter a situation that would completely bind up the machine (I know this from my day job). So when you go to a higher upper hp rated unit you are also getting a heavier duty gearbox, and those also require more power to operate. I'll definitely have to stick with a standard duty models, because all of the intermediate and heave duty machines require higher hp.

 

[KennJ]

I think the limiting factor in your situation is the side load placed on your tractor by the ditch bank flail. Your tractor would easily handle a 5 ft 3 pt flail, but hanging that same flail off the right side of the tractor is a whole new ball game.

And welcome to TBN

I think there is definitely something to that.

The 2515 is the heaviest tractor in it's class, the same frame that is used all the way up to the 48 hp model. I had the tires filled with beet juice and with that and the loader attached and me on board we should be weighing in at 4800 lb. the heavier duty mowers can get pretty heavy, but I would think it could handle one of the lighter machines as far as side loading.

 

[KennJ]

I think the limiting factor in your situation is the side load placed on your tractor by the ditch bank flail. Your tractor would easily handle a 5 ft 3 pt flail, but hanging that same flail off the right side of the tractor is a whole new ball game.

And welcome to TBN

Hey, thanks for the welcome too! So glad I came across this forum; there is a wealth of good stuff here and, it seems, a lot of great folks! The cumulative experience is invaluable.

 

[KennJ]

I have done a lot of reading on the subject of ditch bank flails, but have yet to buy one.
For my application (Kubota L4060) with fluid loaded rears I weigh in at 6400lbs. A 5' ditch flail is about the largest my machine will be able to safely handle when extended off to the side. The flail I intend to eventually buy is about 800 lbs, or 650 lbs for their lighter duty version of the same width. The manufacturer confirmed that either mower would be acceptable for my tractor.

Some manufacturers give minimum tractor weight requirements for their ditch bank flails. After a cursory view of your tractor specs, I would think you will be limited to a 48" ditch flail.

Thanks for that feedback. I think I should pick a model and chat with them and Branson. I'll report back what I hear.

 

[KennJ]

I have a JD 870, which weighs around 2600 lb plus four loaded tires and a full set of suitcase weights on the front, and is rated at 28 hp, 25 on the PTO. I run a five foot Peruzzo Fox Cross 1600 ditch and bank mower, which runs only 640 lb.

I mow twice a year, so the grass can be heavy, and much of my land is on fairly steep hills. As far as power goes, it's a full load going up steep hills in heavy grass, but the tractor handles it in 3rd gear, as fast as I'm comfortable driving.

But the weight is on the edge. With the mower extended, the tractor is definitely light in the front, especially on the hills. I try to keep the mower on the ground when it's on the downhill side of the tractor, either running across the hill or going up it. I failed to do that once last year starting up a steep area and it was more exciting than I care for.

Your tractor is a tad heavier than mine, but I'd still watch the weight of the mower you choose carefully. That's one of the reasons I chose the one I did.

 

[KennJ]

That makes me hopeful! With the loader, filled tires and me on board I'm about 4800 lb.

I like that Fox Cross mower! wish it was a tad less expensive, but I'm sure you're getting what you pay for with Italian equipment.

I mow my front field twice a month, and have to rent equipment to do the brambles and brush. So glad to be able to stop doing that!

 

[KennJ]

I have the same frame as you but more HP. I bought a Victory ditch bank mower and it has been working fine. No real issues except I had a cylinder fail that they replaced under warranty. The tractor handles it fine but I should widen the tires out. Not a real issue as I am careful and most of my ground is flat. Only have 1 ditch that has steep banks that the mower handles nicely.

Here is a link to the review thread I did on this mower. Hope it helps.

Victory Ditch Bank Flail or Bush Hog 216 Rotary Mower?

I posted this in the Let's Talk Flail Mowers thread but thought a new post might get better feedback. I need a little advice from the flail mowing community. Has anyone dealt with Victory Implements out of California? I am looking at their ditch bank mower. The reason I am interested is they...

www.tractorbynet.com

Great review! The victory is one of my considerations for sure, so I appreciate your feedback on it. One of the things I like is the relatively low price and one of my biggest concerns is the relatively low price! Isn't that the way it goes.

I really appreciate all the feedback I got here so quickly! I need to pull the trigger on something pretty soon. I take delivery on the tractor end of this week, so I'm anxious to put the old Cub Cadet on light duty!

 

[TerryR]

That makes me hopeful! With the loader, filled tires and me on board I'm about 4800 lb.

I like that Fox Cross mower! wish it was a tad less expensive, but I'm sure you're getting what you pay for with Italian equipment.

It is well made. See my review at Peruzzo Fox Cross 1600 Ditch & Bank Mower Review

I have since sold my rotary mower, and use just the Fox Cross for mowing the field. The issue of poor cut quality of stout weeds is caused by my only mowing twice a year - they get pretty tough by the end of the summer. The only fix I've found is to remove the front guard so it doesn't bend them over. I chain guard would be a better solution.

You mention the weight of the loader being helpful. Do you have remotes to run the mower? I don't so use the FEL outlets, which isn't a problem because I don't like the loader on when mowing because of getting around trees in and around the field.

 

[bullockcm]

On the topic of mowing with loaders... While the loader does add weight to the overall package and might help offset the mower I find my setup feels more stable with the loader removed. I have a Kubota L4240 with loaded tires, so around 5200lbs give or take without the loader and a Del Morino 60" ditch bank mower.

 

[KennJ]

It is well made. See my review at Peruzzo Fox Cross 1600 Ditch & Bank Mower Review

I have since sold my rotary mower, and use just the Fox Cross for mowing the field. The issue of poor cut quality of stout weeds is caused by my only mowing twice a year - they get pretty tough by the end of the summer. The only fix I've found is to remove the front guard so it doesn't bend them over. I chain guard would be a better solution.

You mention the weight of the loader being helpful. Do you have remotes to run the mower? I don't so use the FEL outlets, which isn't a problem because I don't like the loader on when mowing because of getting around trees in and around the field.

Thanks for the link!

Actually I just bought the tractor and take delivery later this week. I did add extra remotes front and back, so there will be a learning curve for sure! I added the hydraulic top link and hydraulic right side on the 3 point and a 4-in-1 bucket up front. I can't wait!

This isn't my first tractor, but it's been 20 years since I had one. I had an old international B-212 or B-232... can't remember the middle number anymore for sure, but the hardest thing I did when I moved to town was to sell my tractor! It had a 6' rototiller and an 8' flail... WAAAAAY heavy on that tractor, but it came with it and I ran it, no questions asked, lol! It also had no FEL... it had a forklift tower! So bizarre, but I cant believe how much I used that thing. Could lift so much since there was no extension. They also had it set up with an extra generator with four 110v electrical outlets! She was one of a kind, and I loved her!

 

[KennJ]

On the topic of mowing with loaders... While the loader does add weight to the overall package and might help offset the mower I find my setup feels more stable with the loader removed. I have a Kubota L4240 with loaded tires, so around 5200lbs give or take without the loader and a Del Morino 60" ditch bank mower.

I'll have to give that a try. Terry R mentioned the same thing. Thanks!

 

[PatentGuy]

I have a Kubota lx2610 so 20 pto hp, operates a del morino ditch bank flail with hammers just fine. Loaded tires and 0.5" spacers. The flail is the 52 or 54" model, can't remember which. It is the middle one they make of the light weight ditch bank mowers, funny super I think.

It can handle up to 2" if you go really slow, probably rated at 1", which it can handle in a single pass. Hydraulic flow reducers are needed for the extension and tilt or the tail will wag the dog.

Minimum size tractor I would attempt with it, bigger would of course be better, but it is fine. Just keep mower uphill if going sideways on hill.

 

[KennJ]

I have a Kubota lx2610 so 20 pto hp, operates a del morino ditch bank flail with hammers just fine. Loaded tires and 0.5" spacers. The flail is the 52 or 54" model, can't remember which. It is the middle one they make of the light weight ditch bank mowers, funny super I think.

It can handle up to 2" if you go really slow, probably rated at 1", which it can handle in a single pass. Hydraulic flow reducers are needed for the extension and tilt or the tail will wag the dog.

Minimum size tractor I would attempt with it, bigger would of course be better, but it is fine. Just keep mower uphill if going sideways on hill.

Thanks, that sounds hopeful. Like I said, everything on my place is flat. I'll have to look into the flow reducers.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Check out Tony's Tractor adventure on youtube, he has a TYM T25 that he uses a ditch flail mower, It seems to work rather well if you get the correct size.