Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[lostcreekranch]

I did that as well. Mostly to mount the 3 point boom pole w/ extension when we were building the house. Hitch didn’t weather well so I’d like to remove from quick attach plate and remount a new hitch. Found the landscape rake quite useful mounted in place of FEL
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David, is this the adapter you've got for your FEL?

Adapter To Convert Full Size Universal Quick Tach To Quick Hitch 3 Point Cat 1,2

I've also been looking at this one too.

3-Point Attachment Adapter for Universal Skid Steers, Quick-Attach Equipment

 

[troverman]

I'm assuming yours is an HST; these always lose more power through the trans to the PTO than a gear / shuttle / powershift style transmission. And even within that framework, some HST transmissions are a little less efficient than others. My Kubota MX4800 HST has 49 engine HP and 39PTO HP...slightly more efficient than your I guess, but pretty similar.

Interestingly, I pull a 6-foot flail mower with my tractor. I find it bogs in the thickest, tallest grass unless I am crawling. In normal, lighter field grass I can move alone at a reasonable speed. You do have 7 more PTO HP than me, but more than a foot more mower. I'm surprised it seems to operate so well. My work is all on slopes, so that doesn't help I guess.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Even the gear model only has 49 PTO HP. So the hydro only looses 3 HP comparatively. I was working on a slope for part of the mowing. I had it in the lowest range on the selector so that probably helped. I'm guessing when the test PTO HP they put some load on the drive train otherwise I can't see loosing that my HP just running without moving. It probably helps that my tractor is brand new (only 7 hours on it!). Try checking your air filter and fuel filter. Perhaps there's a little drag from those not letting as much through as they're supposed to. Also run in the lowest hydro range.

When I was looking for a new tractor I made sure I got the biggest hydro readily available. Everyone seemed to be around 60HP for their largest hydro. The MF 2706E just happened to be the best deal, the closest dealer, and in stock. It worked out perfect!

Apparently blade maintenance wasn't a priority for the Illinois Tollway mowers...

 

[troverman]

My tractor is a 2018, and my observations were from last fall's mowing. My machine only has 92 hours on it now, but it was brand new then. I always mow in low range.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

My tractor is a 2018, and my observations were from last fall's mowing. My machine only has 92 hours on it now, but it was brand new then. I always mow in low range.

What kind of blades do you have? I'm using the Y blades. If you're using the heavy hammers that might have something to do with it? Otherwise I have no idea. :confused3:

 

[troverman]

I am using the heavier hammers. I've run y-blades on my other mower and the cut quality isn't as good. It's OK with the hammers, better cut, just have to go slower. It's only field grass.

 

[dnw64]

Personally I wouldn稚 dump the bush hog. Use it for rough cut areas. Both types have their place.

Well my shop manager is interested in my old brush hog, so I may get the best of both worlds. He buys it, stores it, and if I need it I know he'll let me borrow it...

 

[Molalla1]

Well my shop manager is interested in my old brush hog, so I may get the best of both worlds. He buys it, stores it, and if I need it I know he'll let me borrow it...

Better yet . . .

 

[PatMcD]

Apparently blade maintenance wasn't a priority for the Illinois Tollway mowers...
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I think that's typical for any Government usage. I bought my Alamo SH88 at auction (Maine Turnpike Authority unit) and the blades look exactly the same as yours. Which new blades did you go with from Flailmaster? I'm trying to decide between the "Extreme duty" and the "heavy forged". I've got lots of ledge and boulders I zing over. Also thinking about getting rid of the clevis and cotter pin and going with the bolt and nut: just seems like it'd be a lot quicker.

 

[PatMcD]

duplicate post