Problems using our flail mower.

[stravis]

As for tensioning the belt, there should be a shield cover on the side of the mower that houses the pulleys and belt. Under the shield, one of the pulleys will likely be on a mount with a slotted bolt hole (or two). Loosen those bolts (you might have to take the shield cover off for that) then there will be a long bolt with a one or two nuts on it that when tightened, it will slide the pulley along the slotted bolt hole. Tighten that up good and then retighten the bolts that were in the slotted holes, put the shield cover back on and give it a go.

If it would help, I will gladly take a picture of mine with the cover off and show you how it is done on mine. Yours could be different, but I imagine they are close to the same. Let me know if you want me to do this.

 

[spo307]

what make flail? what size is the flail? what gauge blades? as stated by others 5hp pto per foot of mower, and max rpm, my flails suck up leaves, rodents snakes etc. my cut height is 3"

 

[tommaple]

I seem to remember a thread on flail mowers that mentioned some rotors rotating clockwise and some counter-clockwise. Could there be a chance that an old flail mower is designed to be driven by a pto that turns in a different direction than your newer tractor? Just trying to think out of the box.

 

[ukjim]

Hi thanks for all the help - much appreciated. I am going to try tightening the belt and get some pics on Monday, both of the flail and the grass it's cutting (or not cutting). Hopefully that might help shed some light on the problem.

Buying a zero - turn isnt really an option, we have a local farmer who cuts the paddock twice per year for approx $500, to spend $6000 or so on a zeroturn (even used they are approx 3000GBP over here). just wouldnt be cost effective. The tractor is already here so $1000 on a flail mower makes sense, anymore and it would work out cheaper to "outsource" it.

Thanks
Jim

 

[jonc00k]

Is it any better if you go in a lower gear?

Also are the tractors revs high enough to spin the flail fast enough?

Have you adjusted the length of the top link? If I shorten mine then the flail cuts the grass shorter and if I lenghten it then it leaves the grass longer.