Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[KenB2920]

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]

New bearing installed

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[KenB2920]

 

[KenB2920]