Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[mojoinco]

Thanks. Was Mott distraught (mourning), not focused on the business after his son died?

 

[mojoinco]

I'm getting back to this project. Looking at the parts listed online for Alamo/Mott and Ebay as well. My machine looks a lot like the Mott model 88. Maybe it's really a 96? As in 96" long drum; I'll count the stations first and resolve the numbers. I found some likely parts on Flail Master, eyeing up the 5/16" diameter knives (min has a 5/16" through bolt instead of the clevis pin of the Mott). That would make it a fine cut drum. More to figure out, still haven't pulled a clevis and knife assy. A plus? They sell weld on lugs. I am missing one (or both, of one station; need to inspect), that would be convenient. Flail Master has the most thorough (or publicly accessible) web page of parts.

They do look like cross chain hooks.

Also, from what I’ve seen those light duty flail knives are typically mounted with a bolt to the tabs on the rotor.

https://avspare.com/catalog/case/54827/4927442/1298482/#one

 

[mojoinco]

It looks like the Mott model 88 or 96 is pretty close. Flail Master seems to have the most online information. I'll pull a set and then call them. I may end up buying an original IH knife from Ebay. Then there is no question what the dimensions should be. I also noticed that Flail Master has weld on mounting ears/lugs. I need one, so that would be a higher chance of matching the weight. Can't be too much to order one and see (obviously if I measure what I have and send pictures that would help).

The Flail Master 5/16" hole knives look like a good start. Mine has a clevis hanger. I'll have to add that length to these. They don't show an elongated hole to use what mine are. Something to do!

Fine-Cut Blade (MH 386)
(102086/02988196)
Pin Mounted
.087” Thick
1 1/4” Wide
4.7” Tall
5/16” Mtg. hole

 

[OldTrix]

Can anyone help Me ID this mower? It's for sale nearby, owner can't tell me what make or model (red flag #1). It's short money and he says it works, so it could fit the bill for a cheap pond bank mower for me. I just want to be sure it's not pure crap to begin with.

It looks a lot like many of the generic Chinesium units coming over. Brand ID will also help me determine actual value. ETA- 60" width

ETAA- It's a victory unit from what I can tell.

Any help appreciated!

 

[Sid Post]

Can anyone help Me ID this mower? It's for sale nearby, owner can't tell me what make or model (red flag #1). It's short money and he says it works, so it could fit the bill for a cheap pond bank mower for me. I just want to be sure it's not pure crap to begin with.

It looks a lot like many of the generic Chinesium units coming over. Brand ID will also help me determine actual value. ETA- 60" width

ETAA- It's a victory unit from what I can tell.

Any help appreciated!

View attachment 5829481

It has the general appearance of a Chinese unit. Does the flail rotate freely? Hard to tell if it is balanced sitting on the ground as well.

Why isn't it being used, or used recently?

 

[Sid Post]

Personally, for a general ditch bank mower, I find a classic rotary "bush hog" works well for me. YMMV.

 

[diesel85]

Here's a video on it:

 

[1 Old Man]

I just want to be sure it's not pure crap to begin with.


Any help appreciated!

View attachment 5829481

See if the seller is willing to hook it up and run it. Otherwise you may be buying a
"project" you don't really want or have time for.

 

[350c]

Here's a video on it:

I noticed there was no demo of mowing a ditch or bank ... ???

 

[bdhsfz6]

Pull the cover and check the belts. They are usually the first thing to go on these offset flails. Could be difficult to replace if worn or dry rotted.

 

[Tinhack]

I noticed there was no demo of mowing a ditch or bank ... ???

I also noticed they didn't grease the left drum bearing and it was squealing by the end of the video. That bearing is often over looked because it's hard to get to. Be sure to test any of these mowers before buying.

 

[LouNY]

I have one of these and it is a decent mower, I have mowed with it a a 45 degree drop below horizontal on ditch banks and at almost 90 degrees up trimming bushes.
It is a decent unit for the price in my opinion.

Mowing while tilted down;

mowing while tilted up;

and level mowing some lawn when my mower went down

 

[OldTrix]

Thanks all,

It's a victory. I haven't gone to see it yet, but the Poster is asking $3k for it. I looked up the unit online and I can buy a new one for $2800.delivered. Never mind.....another delirious FB market seller.

BCRL-155 Standard Duty 3 Point Offset Ditch Bank Flail Mower - Victory Tractor Implements

Tackle ditch, bank, and roadside mowing with the BCRL-155 Ditch Mower, designed for 30–45 HP tractors. With a 61″ cutting width, 33″ hydraulic side‑shift, a ...

etractorimplements.com

 

[Torvy]

Victory is almost (is?) the same as Nova Tractor. I have a BCRM 175.

The hydraulic lines on the swing out function tend to get pinched and split. They are heavy...mine is almost 1000 lbs.

With the hammers, they eat brush like Mikey eats Life cereal.

 

[rumwrks]

The hydraulic lines on the swing out function tend to get pinched and split. They are heavy...mine is almost 1000 lbs.

I might also note that the hydraulic fluid is also an extremely effective bolt lubricant. I sheared off the banjo bolt on my side shift (the cylinder has an unfortunate tendency to rotate up and put them in the line of fire from yoke - I really need to just put a like 1.5" stop collar on it which would 100% "solve" the problem) and sprayed down the 3pt yoke bolts with hydraulic fluid. Luckily I had some spare banjo bolts so easy out, replace.. good to go... except that the hydraulic fluid let the bolts start rotating and shifting and about 30m later 2 are gone and the other 2 are loose. Lesson learned, take the affected bolts out, spray down with brake cleaner/degreaser, and use red loctite..

 

[OldTrix]

Victory is almost (is?) the same as Nova Tractor. I have a BCRM 175.

The hydraulic lines on the swing out function tend to get pinched and split. They are heavy...mine is almost 1000 lbs.

With the hammers, they eat brush like Mikey eats Life cereal.

I've got a heavier tractor, A Mahindra 2665, which is north of 5000lbs with the FEL on it. The BCRM-175 is 985lbs, or about 20% of the tractor's weight. I've already reversed the rear rims for another ~5-6" of track width. I'd go narrower, but the 61" is only 40 lbs lighter, and I lose the reach down the bank I need. Anyone have a similar setup. weight-wise, and how did it behave? I want to hang the flail off the side down a 45 degree bank around my pond. Basically a flat-topped donut berm with steep banking on either side.

Victory is now selling Bowell branded flails, which I hear are more or less the same as Nova, which also seem to have favorable reviews. 800G hammer knives with a Comer gearbox (although one can put a brand name on anything these days) for $3300 delivered. I might take a flyer on it, as I can't justify an 8k Italian unit for the amount of use it will get.

 

[LouNY]

Mine is the 86" unit, on my Branson 8050 which tips the scales at 12,000 as she sits. That mower is the max I'd want on it. Getting on a side slope with the mower all the way it can bounce the up hill tire at times.

 

[OldTrix]

I went ahead and ordered the BCRM-175 yesterday. Added the belts and extra hammers for about $3500 all in.

Looking around, even the used Del Morinos available within a sane distance were twice that. Hopefully, I can use the collected knowledge here to avoid the more common issues.

 

[Torvy]

I went ahead and ordered the BCRM-175 yesterday. Added the belts and extra hammers for about $3500 all in.

Looking around, even the used Del Morinos available within a sane distance were twice that. Hopefully, I can use the collected knowledge here to avoid the more common issues.

My T574 is similar, but no cab. I'd load the tires if you haven't. Also, play around with the adjustments before you actually try the shift over an embankment.

Jack at Nova is a very responsive sales/service contact. He's on here sometimes, too.

If you look at the images on the Nova site, it's the Bowell unit with the Comer box. It's just manufactured in China.

 

[LouNY]

One thing that I need to add to mine is a CV joint to the pto shaft it gets some serious vibrations in certain mowing positions.