flail vs finish mower

[IslandTractor]

So what you are saying is it's ok to use the flail mower a foot or two off the ground?
The reason I ask is that I'm not done clearing the stumps, roots and limbs yet and the grass is already starting to grow and the ground is nowhere near level to cut with a mower.......

I suppose you could raise it but flails are really designed to be on their rear roller. If the grass is very high, I just slow down.

 

[Sub-Cadet68]

I've been looking at the Value Leader flails.... YES they're made in China... but the company has been in business since 95 (I believe) and the implements come with a two year warranty... 4 years for an extra 100 bucks.

60" Flail Mower EF155 - Value Leader Implements

 

[IslandTractor]

I've been looking at the Value Leader flails.... YES they're made in China... but the company has been in business since 95 (I believe) and the implements come with a two year warranty... 4 years for an extra 100 bucks.

60" Flail Mower EF155 - Value Leader Implements

The Caroni flail is wider (75" vs 60") and costs only five hundred more. That plus it is made in Italy by one of the largest implement manufacturing companies in Europe and has had a very stable distributor here in the USA for many years (AgriSupply). Honestly I have nothing against trying Chinese made products but there has to be a really good financial reason to take the risk when compared to something like a Caroni flail. Flail Mower, Caroni, Rear Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 30837, TM1900 The somewhat lower cost for a smaller mower just doesn't do it for me. I'd buy another Caroni tomorrow if a sinkhole ate mine tonight.

 

[Sub-Cadet68]

My little Cub Cadet 5264D probably won't handle much more than the 60".

I looked at the Coroni for a while.

I think that the 4 year coverage I can get for an extra hundred bucks is what's swaying me towards the Value Leader flail.

Looking at the Coronis' again now. Haha

 

[IslandTractor]

My little Cub Cadet 5264D probably won't handle much more than the 60".

I looked at the Coroni for a while.

I think that the 4 year coverage I can get for an extra hundred bucks is what's swaying me towards the Value Leader flail.

Looking at the Coronis' again now. Haha

I believe I recall that someone went through AgriSupply to order the 60 (59" actually) version of the rough cut flail (B type rotor) a couple of years ago. You might search TBN to see if you can find out more. If my memory serves, it took a few months but he did get one.

Not sure how much horsepower you have or the type of cutting you need to do. I would hesitate to do serious bush hogging with with the Caroni TM1900 on less than a 40hp tractor but cutting fields would be fine for a 30hp tractor so long as you cut regularly or are willing to slow down. I have a 40hp and for routine cutting run about 1800-2000rpm when full PTO power is 2500. No problem except when the grass is wet or very lush or very high and then I either slow down or up the RPM to full PTO.

 

[Sub-Cadet68]

My CC has a 23 hp diesel.
I use a Sitrex finishing mower for my entire property... But some sections are just too rough. I've plugged it & burnt through 2 belts this season alone. Going slow. Haha.
I want to be able to cut all the property with one implement.
****, if you know anyone looking for a nice 48" deck... I'm looking for $750.00... haha.

 

[greg_g]

So what you are saying is it's ok to use the flail mower a foot or two off the ground?

Sure. The rear roller does in fact ensure a more even cut, but the main purpose is to take the weight of the mower off the hitch. There's nothing wrong with occasionally cutting in the raised position, but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis. Too hard on the tractor.

//greg//

 

[IslandTractor]

My CC has a 23 hp diesel.
I use a Sitrex finishing mower for my entire property... But some sections are just too rough. I've plugged it & burnt through 2 belts this season alone. Going slow. Haha.
I want to be able to cut all the property with one implement.
****, if you know anyone looking for a nice 48" deck... I'm looking for $750.00... haha.

23hp would be a bit shy. I ran a 48" bush hog and 60" finish mower with my CK20. Seemed about right. 48-60" flail does seem more appropriate.

 

[Jack Yuan]

Hi, I have been reading up on past threads about flail mowers, some very good info, but I am getting a bit conflicting info. Some say that the flail is "almost" as good as a finish mower, and some say "as good, or better" I have several acres to mow which is mostly pretty level. Most is lawn, but I have some more rougher areas.

I just want to do all my research and get what's best now, before I buy and wish I did something else.
If the flail mower does do as good a job as a finish mower, than I think I should get that, although I tried looking at some videos, and all I see are flail mowers going very slow, do you need to go that slow?

according to my sale record, flail mower is the trend, flail mower is better than finishing mower.

 

[IslandTractor]

according to my sale record, flail mower is the trend, flail mower is better than finishing mower.

I think it varies by country. Europe has relatively few rotary style brush mowers but flails are common. Rotary mowers are more common than flails in the US however. It may well be related to population density in areas where the mowers are used. Flails are safer and are often used in the US for applications near people (athletic fields) or automobiles (roads) as there is significantly less danger of ejecting high speed projectiles while mowing.

 

[Guesseral]

The Caroni flail is wider (75" vs 60") and costs only five hundred more. That plus it is made in Italy by one of the largest implement manufacturing companies in Europe and has had a very stable distributor here in the USA for many years (AgriSupply). Honestly I have nothing against trying Chinese made products but there has to be a really good financial reason to take the risk when compared to something like a Caroni flail. Flail Mower, Caroni, Rear Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 30837, TM1900 The somewhat lower cost for a smaller mower just doesn't do it for me. I'd buy another Caroni tomorrow if a sinkhole ate mine tonight.

The Caroni through AgriSupply would be great except you have to pay freight shipping and the Value built are shipping included that would make the Caroni way more expensive. I have been pricing 72" tillers lately between AgriSupply and TSC and now through the Value built site (found here) and I am finding that the TSC is less money and there tillers are made in the US. I know tillers and flails are a totally different animal but I am just referencing them for a comparison. I am a frugal man (cheep) and I ways shop to pricing and include shipping if required into my cost analysis (heck I love ebay but I very seldom buy something there unless it is free shipping) and from what I am finding is that TSC Country Line Implements seem to be the best bang for your buck and they are made by Tarter now how can you go wrong. I'm just sayin!

 

[IslandTractor]

The Caroni through AgriSupply would be great except you have to pay freight shipping and the Value built are shipping included that would make the Caroni way more expensive. I have been pricing 72" tillers lately between AgriSupply and TSC and now through the Value built site (found here) and I am finding that the TSC is less money and there tillers are made in the US. I know tillers and flails are a totally different animal but I am just referencing them for a comparison. I am a frugal man (cheep) and I ways shop to pricing and include shipping if required into my cost analysis (heck I love ebay but I very seldom buy something there unless it is free shipping) and from what I am finding is that TSC Country Line Implements seem to be the best bang for your buck and they are made by Tarter now how can you go wrong. I'm just sayin!

I'm with you. I'll always try to find a bargain and more than half my implements were sourced on CL or eBay. I own a TSC sourced and Countryline labelled tiller made by King Kutter. I also bought my Kioti when Kubota dealers were still trying to convince people they were made of pot metal. Finding a bargain is all about research and taking a calculated risk.

That said, shipping is definitely a big consideration. I always ship to a freight terminal and pick it up there rather than paying extra for a lift gate truck.

I would bet the Chinese made flails are all from the same factory with different importers. I believe "Befco" or something like that imported Chinese flails they sold via eBay starting at least 4-5 years ago. It might be interesting to search TBN archives for members who bought the Befco version and see what their experience has been over the years with service, parts and reliability.

I bought my Caroni before the Chinese versions were available. I've been happy with it and feel it is the same quality as various implements I have from Woods, Bush Hog, Rhino and King Kutter. I was reassured buying the Caroni sight unseen because I could see from their website and marketing materials that Caroni was not a fly by night operation. Same with AgriSupply as a distributor. Not sure how close the Chinese import flail and distributor are to that standard. Don't want no orphan flail sitting in the weeds while I try to track down parts. An extended warranty isn't worth much with Ag implements as shipping the device back for service is prohibitive. Much rather just know that the parts will be available from a reliable distributor.

The Chinese can put a rover on the moon so it is not a question of whether Chinese factories can make good equipment, it is just a question of whether the distributor/marketer has specified good quality and whether they have a robust supply chain and business stability. I was able to check all those boxes on the Caroni. Haven't researched the ValueBuilt.

 

[sugarloafguy]

Hi,

After several months of searching, I decided on a leftover New Holland/Maletti 918L flail to mow 2.5 acres of grass field w/o rocks, brush etc that I previously used to bush hog and finish mow. This mower is 60" and has 4 rows of fine cut "Y" blades for a total of 96 and spins at 2700 rpm. The 918L mower produces a cut quality that far exceeds my Woods RM 550 and New Holland 310 GM finish mowers on my lawn as well. Smooth, quiet, zero clippings left behind with a full width rear roller that produces striping that is the envy of my neighborhood. I would rate the finish golf course, Fenway Park quality and the paint color even matches by Boomer TC 29DA as well lol. Since these are no longer made (Kubota bought Maletti/Kaverneland), I would buy the $2800.00 Del Morino Flipper 158C with the same "Y" blade configuration. Nearing the end of funeral directing school, I am a perfectionist when it comes to grass and you will be equally pleased. If you go with the finish mower, put Oregon Gator blades on it as they mow better with significantly less clipping residuals.

Brian

 

[leonz]

Hi,

After several months of searching, I decided on a leftover New Holland/Maletti 918L flail to mow 2.5 acres of grass field w/o rocks, brush etc that I previously used to bush hog and finish mow. This mower is 60" and has 4 rows of fine cut "Y" blades for a total of 96 and spins at 2700 rpm. The 918L mower produces a cut quality that far exceeds my Woods RM 550 and New Holland 310 GM finish mowers on my lawn as well. Smooth, quiet, zero clippings left behind with a full width rear roller that produces striping that is the envy of my neighborhood. I would rate the finish golf course, Fenway Park quality and the paint color even matches by Boomer TC 29DA as well lol. Since these are no longer made (Kubota bought Maletti/Kaverneland), I would buy the $2800.00 Del Morino Flipper 158C with the same "Y" blade configuration. Nearing the end of funeral directing school, I am a perfectionist when it comes to grass and you will be equally pleased. If you go with the finish mower, put Oregon Gator blades on it as they mow better with significantly less clipping residuals.

Brian

Hello Brian,

I want to welcome you as the newest member of the Flail Mower Nation.

 

[Green Acres Homestead]

Anybody know anything about a Kuhn bke180 flail mower

 

[nova3930]

What are some brands/models of flails that are considered finish cut? I was thinking about getting a 72" finish mower to maintain my place but if I could accomplish the same thing with a flail plus cut some heavier stuff that would be a greater option if the price is right.

 

[SmallTrac]

Island Tractor, nova3930

Just to make things clear, BEFCO is not a Chinese importer. All of their equipment is made in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. They do have an international presence in Italy, but what you buy here in the US is made in the US. As for their quality, I am quite certain that I could hit it with a hammer and not damage it (not recommended though). The steel is 3/8 inch thick. I was surprised/impressed with the solid feel and overall quality mine had when I got it. I bought mine with paddle blades that do a great job at both mowing and low-to-mid level bushhogging.

nova3930,

If you are seriously thinking about using a flail mower as a do-it-all device, consider the BEFCO line. I only run a 4' model, but 6' models are available and their finish cut quality is excellent yet they will still take on heavier brush. If you are thinking of using a flail mower for cutting tall grass, it will do this superbly.

Obviously, I am a new immigrant to the Flail Mower Nation, but these really are remarkable machines.



Smalltrac
SubCompactTractorWorld

 

[IslandTractor]

Island Tractor, nova3930

Just to make things clear, BEFCO is not a Chinese importer. All of their equipment is made in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. They do have an international presence in Italy, but what you buy here in the US is made in the US. As for their quality, I am quite certain that I could hit it with a hammer and not damage it (not recommended though). The steel is 3/8 inch thick. I was surprised/impressed with the solid feel and overall quality mine had when I got it. I bought mine with paddle blades that do a great job and both mowing and low-to-mid level bushhogging.

nova3930,

If you are seriously thinking about using a flail mower as a do-it-all device, consider the BEFCO line. I only run a 4' model, but 6' models are available and their finish cut quality is excellent yet they will still take on heavier brush. If you are thinking of using a flail mower for cutting tall grass, it will do this superbly.

Obviously, I am a new immigrant to the Flail Mower Nation, but these really are remarkable machines.

Smalltrac
SubCompactTractorWorld

I was obviously misremembering the name of the Chinese made flails sold via eBay. I recall it sounded something like Befco but obviously that is not the name. Sorry for causing confusion. Mea culpa.

I just did a search on eBay. Betstco is the name of the seller I was referring to. Looks like it might be the same operation that sells Value Line.

 

[SmallTrac]

Island Tractor,

No Mea Culpa necessary. When I set out to get suppliers for my business, I went to great lengths to make sure that as much as possible I was selling items made in the USA. I took a bit of a gamble on BEFCO as I had never owned a BEFCO anything before and I only heard brief comments about them. All my fears were dead and buried once my BEFCO flail mower arrived and I felt how heavy and solid it is. I just got in from mowing my trails through my grassland & taking pictures of it freshly mowed with the flail mower. About the only aspect that keeps those paddle bladed from being called finish blades is that the grass does not have quite the "cut" appearance, but honestly, I have seen worse cuts from a dull finish mower blade.

OK, I rambled. But seriously, no worries and no confusion. Just me chiming in now and then.



SmallTrac,
SubCompactTractorWorld.com

 

[trktrman]

As a resident of NC, I am familiar with Befco. I think that most all of the equipment that they sell is actually made in Italy. If someone could tell me differently with facts, I would stand corrected.

They may make their rotary cutters, phd frames and scrape blades in house.

I strongly believe that their finish mowers, flail mowers, tillers, chippers, fertilizer spreaders and hay equipment is imported.