Buying a flail is tough, it's all about timing for many. I say this after trying to buy the Caroni but none available in 60 inch for another season so not wanting to wait long I got the
Woodmaxx with not much waiting plus got free shipping to the west coast, a huge thing out here as others charge about $700.00 to ship from the east. I felt lucky really as they had only one not accounted for in their current shipping order. So far, it has been great but still low hours so time will tell us. Had I bought JD or Kubota the price was about double thru local dealers and perhaps better made too but twice as good for twice the price I don't buy it. My
woodmaxx is very heavy telling me it has lots of steel at 700 lbs and runs very smoothly with no vibration, none, so balance is good. Quality upgrades on their bearings plus Gates belts is good too so other than the automatic belt adjusters I can't think what will go bad sooner than JD or Kubota unless the cutters are poor quality but if so, I'll buy better ones when needed. Were I mowing commercially I might have bought JD/Kubota but for something I'll use maybe 50 hrs during the summer the Chinese stuff should be fine for me. If
Woodmaxx has raised prices it's because of high sales and demand, every business in America does it when feeling they can survive price hikes. Too bad really, and I haven't had a raise in 10 years. There are a couple Verizmo mowers around here, both look really well made and are highly thought of, would not hesitate owning one. Isn't Kubota/Land Pride made by Verismo? think I read that someplace. Can't imagine tariffs raising prices 20-25% - but with huge imbalance in trade I think Trump had to so something least we all become unemployed besides, all we have had the past 50 years is sellout politicians stealing our money and Corp America getting fat off their off shore business partnerships for cheap labor. Have patience, the Euros and Asians will come around.
good Luck with your decision.
Ricn