Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[IslandTractor]

Leonz, do you have a specific model of wet sharpener in mind? Grainger's cheapest model is $754. I found a Woodtek for $130 on Amazon. Would this work?

I hate to disagree with flail whisperer Leonz but IMO, unless you are running a commercial mowing operation or maintaining your private putting green, there is little need or economy in sharpening flail knives. Yes flail knives dull with use but the hassle and time in sharpening the buggers just ain't worth it. Unless you buy an expensive device that can be used pretty much only for sharpening flail knives in situ, you need to remove all 50-100 of them anyways. That by itself is a major PITA (unless you have one of the few flails where a single rod controls a dozen or more blades). For me it would be a 4-5 hour job just to remove and replace all 56. Plus time to grind them all. Most air wrenches don't have the power to back off nuts from damaged and dirt encrusted bolts. Manual wrenching with cheaters is what I usually need for at least half. Putting them back on is just about as hard unless you replace them with new.

Unless you only finish cut, the knives are going to lose their fine edge within a few mowings anyways. I just treat mine like a bush hog and accept that the grass will be more "ripped" than cut. From 10 feet away I can't tell the difference in grass cut by rough flail versus standard Craftsman lawnmower with fresh blade either.

I replace blades when the clevises break (more common with Caroni metric clevises). Otherwise the blades do their work with a dull edge. They still cut fields and brush just fine.

 

[leonz]

You are right Island Tractor, My fussiness for good sharp side slicer knives gets in the way.

 

[KenB2920]

I hate to disagree with flail whisperer Leonz but IMO, unless you are running a commercial mowing operation or maintaining your private putting green, there is little need or economy in sharpening flail knives. Yes flail knives dull with use but the hassle and time in sharpening the buggers just ain't worth it. Unless you buy an expensive device that can be used pretty much only for sharpening flail knives in situ, you need to remove all 50-100 of them anyways. That by itself is a major PITA (unless you have one of the few flails where a single rod controls a dozen or more blades). For me it would be a 4-5 hour job just to remove and replace all 56. Plus time to grind them all. Most air wrenches don't have the power to back off nuts from damaged and dirt encrusted bolts. Manual wrenching with cheaters is what I usually need for at least half. Putting them back on is just about as hard unless you replace them with new. Unless you only finish cut, the knives are going to lose their fine edge within a few mowings anyways. I just treat mine like a bush hog and accept that the grass will be more "ripped" than cut. From 10 feet away I can't tell the difference in grass cut by rough flail versus standard Craftsman lawnmower with fresh blade either. I replace blades when the clevises break (more common with Caroni metric clevises). Otherwise the blades do their work with a dull edge. They still cut fields and brush just fine.

I agree 100%.

Leonz, no disrespect at all as you've given Lots of great information to me making me learn and learn.

I understand your fussiness gets in the way but it just seems I'm always sharpening or doing something else higher in priority at the time. I wish I could cut everyday with a new set of sharp blades but it's just not possible in today's time. Maybe when I grow up.

 

[LarJea]

I believe this was her way of telling you to order a new flail mower!

I wish....The flail mower is new.

 

[whirly]

I wish....The flail mower is new.

Wifey .... GIVE ME A BIGGER BUDGET!!!!

 

[Alien]

I like to think my hammers are sharp. I bought a new cordless angle grinder and gave them a touch up the other day, however it occurred to me that I have an air grinder that would probably be even better.
The reason I 'sharpened' mine was really just to check out how they were holding up after cutting up many thousands of small sticks etc while mowing. They looked really great but I gave them a touch up while I was 'under' there. Hopefully after the first couple of cuts I have it mostly tamed now.
Still over the moon with the job the flail does. :thumbsup:

 

[Weedy Fields]

Gentlemen, I have joined Flail Nation with the purchase of this used Flail Mower.
Seems to be in real good condition.
Its a 74" fine cut mower.
Now to get it to use!!

 

[KenB2920]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=466459"/> Gentlemen, I have joined Flail Nation with the purchase of this used Flail Mower. Seems to be in real good condition. Its a 74" fine cut mower. Now to get it to use!!

That's used? Wow.... Great condition

 

[IslandTractor]

View attachment 466459

Gentlemen, I have joined Flail Nation with the purchase of this used Flail Mower.
Seems to be in real good condition.
Its a 74" fine cut mower.
Now to get it to use!!

That flail's not used, it's just dusty. Nice find.

And, I think you deserve an award for your screen name.

 

[leonz]

View attachment 466459

Gentlemen, I have joined Flail Nation with the purchase of this used Flail Mower.
Seems to be in real good condition.
Its a 74" fine cut mower.
Now to get it to use!!

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Hello Weedy Fields,

I want to welcome you as the newest resident member of the flail mower nation.
That Alamo flail Mower looks sharp.

Be sure to chain the dog to the mower(if you have one) attach a motion alarm and lock the doors as that mower is north of 7K new!!!



Just be sure to read the manual, ask questions, adjust properly, ask more questions, operate the engine at the speed @ 540 rpm and have spare parts like belts(kevlar) and knives on hand.

The slower you mow the finer the cut, and the sooner the clippings dissolve. Take That ROTARY CUTTERS AND BUSH HOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!