Offset Flail Ditch Bank Mower

[RoyJackson]

Anyone have experience with an offset flail mower such as this one:
Titan 65" 3-Point Offset Flail Ditch Bank Mower

Here's a video of a similar unit:
Maschio Giraffa Offset Flail Mower - YouTube

This is not an implement I would use daily, or weekly...maybe once or twice a month. I have an embankment on the edge of the property that is way too steep to mow with the tractor or zero-turn (the weed growth would be too much for the zero-turn mower anyway), so I'm considering something like this, but not necessarily the brand(s) shown.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!
(BTW, my tractor is a Deere 4520...about 55 engine HP, 46 PTO HP)

 

[art]

Heck of a price on that unit! I would have thought it to be nearly double! Better get it Roy!

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm not going to buy for a few months...probably late Winter.
The unit I want is a Del Morino:
Tractor Tools Direct | TM62 Hydraulic Offset Flail Mower

Quite a bit more expensive, but I think a better unit.
I am open to suggestions from folks who have these implements.

 

[murse72]

I have the 210si. It was not cheap but it is a time saver when it comes to mowing around my ponds. My maschio is built like a tank. It really surprised me on what it would mow down.

 

[TerryR]

Very interesting idea. I've got some banks, and also areas under trees around the edge of the field that would be much easier with one of these.

Looks like good prices on the Titan, but even the Titan 48" says it needs a min of 30HP, which would be a push for my JD 870, which is rated at 28 HP.

Here's another one: Iowa Farm Equipment -- Peruzzo Fox Cross Ditch Bank Flail Mowers

They claim their 47" can be used with 20HP. Suppose that's a real difference?

Both these require two remotes. Could I use the two outlets for my FEL if I got enough hose to reach, or is there something different about the FEL outlets that would be an issue?

 

[murse72]

Also talk to the guys a Iowa farm equipment. they were realiy helpful. I said I wanted the most mower my tractor could handle and I got what exactly I ask for. Another positive thing for the maschio is that they told me they could get maschio parts for stuff made 30years ago

 

[LarJea]

I have a smaller version of the Titan mower, (different brand but looks identical) that I use to mow ditches and trails with but with the side slicer knives. Used it the last two summers with no problems what's so ever. I have hit all kinds of rocks and gravel with it and the blades still cut well. Before I used it I checked all the bolts and a few were cross threaded and had to be retapped. Seems to be built well, no vibration and the belts still look new.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a PERFECT 3ph Boom Flail mower by Van Wamel. It has the duckfoot blades. I had a customer whom I did his ditches for once a year, and then did some of my own stuff, but that property was sold and the new people aren't interested. So, it never left the shed this year. Hitting stones will destroy the blades and any profits in the job! Having got the new hydraulic sickle bar, it may have even less to do in future.

It's kind of a difficult thing to keep at the right level. You basically have three adjustments, the 3PH height, the mower angle and the distance it is out. A lot to do, along with watching where you are going. Definitely best used with a hydro, although I don't.

Considering it will shred 4" material, it works surprisingly well on grass too.

Not the greatest picture:

 

[LarJea]

Very interesting idea. I've got some banks, and also areas under trees around the edge of the field that would be much easier with one of these.

Looks like good prices on the Titan, but even the Titan 48" says it needs a min of 30HP, which would be a push for my JD 870, which is rated at 28 HP.

Here's another one: Iowa Farm Equipment -- Peruzzo Fox Cross Ditch Bank Flail Mowers

They claim their 47" can be used with 20HP. Suppose that's a real difference?

Both these require two remotes. Could I use the two outlets for my FEL if I got enough hose to reach, or is there something different about the FEL outlets that would be an issue?

I was also worried about 30 HP for the 48" size so I bought a 41" one for my B2601 but I am reasonably sure I could have got by going with 48" as far as horse power goes.
What I was worried about is all that weight hanging over the side of the tractor and probably is why the vender specifies a heavier 30 HP. tractor.
Yes on two remotes plus you need to have a float function on the valve you are using for tilt. I tried it without float on the tilt the first year and had a hard time keeping the tilt right on the constantly changing angles.

 

[TerryR]

I was also worried about 30 HP for the 48" size so I bought a 41" one for my B2601 but I am reasonably sure I could have got by going with 48" as far as horse power goes.
What I was worried about is all that weight hanging over the side of the tractor and probably is why the vender specifies a heavier 30 HP. tractor.
Yes on two remotes plus you need to have a float function on the valve you are using for tilt. I tried it without tilt the first year and had a hard time keeping the tilt right on the constantly changing angles.

Thanks, LarJea,

My 870 at 2600 lb. is nearly 1000 lb. heavier than the B2601, so that should help. I see Purezzo claims you only need a 1700 lb. tractor weight for their 48" model. But Betstco, whose mower looks almost identical to the Titian, says you need 3400 lb.

Any reason one couldn't use the existing outlets for the FEL? One of them already has the float function.

 

[RoyJackson]

Any reason one couldn't use the existing outlets for the FEL? One of them already has the float function.

Not sure about the others, but the Del Morino does require use of the FEL outlets and joystick. It's on the website (linked on post #3) which has a video of the loader controls being used to control the mower.

 

[LarJea]

Thanks, LarJea,

My 870 at 2600 lb. is nearly 1000 lb. heavier than the B2601, so that should help. I see Purezzo claims you only need a 1700 lb. tractor weight for their 48" model. But Betstco, whose mower looks almost identical to the Titian, says you need 3400 lb.

Any reason one couldn't use the existing outlets for the FEL? One of them already has the float function.

Yeah, I don't see why you can't go either way.

 

[powerscol]

Anyone have experience with an offset flail mower such as this one:
Titan 65" 3-Point Offset Flail Ditch Bank Mower

Here's a video of a similar unit:
Maschio Giraffa Offset Flail Mower - YouTube

This is not an implement I would use daily, or weekly...maybe once or twice a month. I have an embankment on the edge of the property that is way too steep to mow with the tractor or zero-turn (the weed growth would be too much for the zero-turn mower anyway), so I'm considering something like this, but not necessarily the brand(s) shown.

Comments and suggestions are welcome!
(BTW, my tractor is a Deere 4520...about 55 engine HP, 46 PTO HP)

I have the Maschio Giraffetta 160 SE (outboard gear box). Running it with my Bobcat CT 235 at 26.5 HP. Its a good match and when things get heavy I just slow down. It is very well built and has the hammer knives.

Now for a ditch bank mower to work, the pivot point of the head needs to be outside your rear tire track by a few inches at least to correctly swing down the slope. For my tractor with the GP tires I needed to find a model with an outboard gear box. This is critical as otherwise you will be driving on the ditch bank to mow. Also critical is the weight of your tractor. I have filled tires which helps a lot at full extension.

Talk with Iowa Farm Equipment about your tractor and rear tire distance. They were a big help for me and actually mounted up two units and measured offset to the pivot point on a similar tractor to verify it would work for me..

Titan does not list the offset dimensions that others do (makes you wonder), so it might be worth giving them a call and find out.

Good luck in your choice. Once you have one you will find many uses for it.

 

[TerryR]

Not sure about the others, but the Del Morino does require use of the FEL outlets and joystick. It's on the website (linked on post #3) which has a video of the loader controls being used to control the mower.

Thanks, Roy,

I missed that the first time I looked at that link. It looks like a good unit at a fair price, but I don't see anything smaller than the 62". I think that would be a bit much for my tractor.

Now for a ditch bank mower to work, the pivot point of the head needs to be outside your rear tire track by a few inches at least to correctly swing down the slope. For my tractor with the GP tires I needed to find a model with an outboard gear box. This is critical as otherwise you will be driving on the ditch bank to mow. Also critical is the weight of your tractor. I have filled tires which helps a lot at full extension.

That may be an issue for me. I have my tires set wide because of our hills.

 

[LarJea]

I have the Maschio Giraffetta 160 SE (outboard gear box). Running it with my Bobcat CT 235 at 26.5 HP. Its a good match and when things get heavy I just slow down. It is very well built and has the hammer knives.

Now for a ditch bank mower to work, the pivot point of the head needs to be outside your rear tire track by a few inches at least to correctly swing down the slope. For my tractor with the GP tires I needed to find a model with an outboard gear box. This is critical as otherwise you will be driving on the ditch bank to mow. Also critical is the weight of your tractor. I have filled tires which helps a lot at full extension.

Talk with Iowa Farm Equipment about your tractor and rear tire distance. They were a big help for me and actually mounted up two units and measured offset to the pivot point on a similar tractor to verify it would work for me..

Titan does not list the offset dimensions that others do (makes you wonder), so it might be worth giving them a call and find out.

Good luck in your choice. Once you have one you will find many uses for it.

I understand that a outside gear box will get the mower out past the wheel more but as far as mowing 30 degree? sloped ditches I am still able to keep my R/R tire out of the ditch with 2 1/2" wheel spacers. I haven't tried to mow any of the really steep ditches cause there isn't much grass on the ones around here but I don't doubt they could be a problem. Next summer I will check how steep I can mow without driving off the edge.

 

[RoyJackson]

Now for a ditch bank mower to work, the pivot point of the head needs to be outside your rear tire track by a few inches at least to correctly swing down the slope. For my tractor with the GP tires I needed to find a model with an outboard gear box. This is critical as otherwise you will be driving on the ditch bank to mow. Also critical is the weight of your tractor. I have filled tires which helps a lot at full extension.

Talk with Iowa Farm Equipment about your tractor and rear tire distance. They were a big help for me and actually mounted up two units and measured offset to the pivot point on a similar tractor to verify it would work for me.

Good suggestions and something to think about. My tires are set pretty wide





and I will have to do some measuring and investigation.
Since where I mow is pretty flat, I may not need them set that wide, unless the backhoe boom requires it.
I'm glad you brought this up...I don't think I would have thought of it...

 

[powerscol]

Not sure about the others, but the Del Morino does require use of the FEL outlets and joystick. It's on the website (linked on post #3) which has a video of the loader controls being used to control the mower.

Im not sure it requires the use of the front loader remotes, but you will need two sets of rear remotes to run one Also in looking at the measurements they provide I think the offset is not far enough.

 

[RoyJackson]

Im not sure it requires the use of the front loader remotes, but you will need two sets of rear remotes to run one Also in looking at the measurements they provide I think the offset is not far enough.

As I'd written, and as shown in the Del Morino website, and linked video, the mower does use the FEL QDs and joystick. Look at the website and video.
The wheels of the Deere have several positions...they're currently set at the widest. As I'd written, I'll have to do some measurements to see if it will work. I have no problem spending the money, but only if the mower fits and does what I need.

 

[powerscol]

As I'd written, and as shown in the Del Morino website, and linked video, the mower does use the FEL QDs and joystick. Look at the website and video.
The wheels of the Deere have several positions...they're currently set at the widest. As I'd written, I'll have to do some measurements to see if it will work. I have no problem spending the money, but only if the mower fits and does what I need.

I looked at the video and the rear remotes can do the same job as the joystick, just not as convenient. (give them a call to confirm). Maybe the ship with the long hoses. For me I need the loader on for counter balance. I took the time to look up you tractor on Tractordata.com and from the widest wheel setting with the R4 tires you have, the Maschio Giraffa 185SE will clear. I think you have the PTO power (40 to 46) to run it, but a call to Iowa Farm Equipment would be wise.
Just my 02 - Happy Researching.

 

[RoyJackson]

I looked at the video and the rear remotes can do the same job as the joystick, just not as convenient. (give them a call to confirm). Maybe the ship with the long hoses. For me I need the loader on for counter balance. I took the time to look up you tractor on Tractordata.com and from the widest wheel setting with the R4 tires you have, the Maschio Giraffa 185SE will clear. I think you have the PTO power (40 to 46) to run it, but a call to Iowa Farm Equipment would be wise.
Just my 02 - Happy Researching.

I'd leave the loader on, most likely. Otherwise, I have a couple hundred pounds of suitcase weights. All it is would be disconnecting the loader hoses and connecting the mower hoses. One thing to consider though, if leaving the loader on, is leak down (of the loader).

Thanks for the info about Maschio Giraffa. That's another unit I've looked at on line