Flail Mower Just received Betst Flail Mower

[davrow]

It was a hard decision, flail mower or brush hog. But I want the stuff shredded, not just chopped down in big pieces. No experience with either, so I'm hoping this will do what I want.

There is a long flail thread here that had me thinking a 73" Caroni might be the one I want. But I only have 21.5 PTO HP and I would rather take longer without working the tractor as hard. So I went with a 48" Heavy Duty. Since I'll only be cutting 2-3 acres of brush



and this is kind of experimental, I wanted inexpensive (vs quality). So it was kind of between Betst (on eBay) and Woodmaxx. For no particular reason I chose the Betst.

First, it arrived in less than a week via free FedEx shipping (Betst is in Oregon, I'm in Southern California). Sadly, only half the PTO shaft arrived with it. I've emailed (it's after 5:00, wouldn't expect phone to be answered until morning). I'll let you know their response. I'm a little worried as I wanted to order extra hammers before I got it, just in case. Phone went to voice mail. After a week no response to phone or email.

There is more 'some assembly required' than I was expecting.



Which isn't bad, except they say you need a hoist to do the assembly. Okay, well I've got a tractor and chain... but they don't show where any safe hoist points are.

A little bummed, so I came in for dinner and some TBN. Will finish flail tomorrow.

 

[5030]

Much as I'm not fond of either company I think I would have went with Woodmax, at least they answer their phone. I bought a Caroni hay tedder from ASC and the delivery was timely but they too left off a part. One call during normal working hours and the part was sent overnight to me. About to buy another Caroni implement. I think the quality is very good. Will also be from ASC.

 

[KeithT]

There is a lifting point and I used an additional chain around the shaft goes to the pulley just for stability. I lifted it with my bucket and that made it easy to get to where I needed for assembly.

So far I have used it 10 plus hours cutting heavy brush (mountain laurel and rhododendron) and have been very pleased. I have no complaints with the Betstco Flail mower.

 

[davrow]

KeithT, thanks for the encouraging words. I need them. Still no response to my several phone calls and emails. I also have no complaints with the mower, just with Betst.

5030, I didn't mention that I went to the Agri website and placed an order for the 73" Caroni only to be told Agri is not shipping to California. I hate California politicos, but losing a sale over them seems counter-intuitive for any business (except Barrett).

And I would have gone with the Woodmaxx but didn't find they offered approximately same product until after I ordered the Betst. I researched Woodmaxx chippers, but had not thought of them for a flail mower.

I admit I did not do due diligence on this purchase. Blame is more on me than the company I bought from. Should have called BEFORE I gave them my money.


Update: Perseverance pays off, as does calling early in the day apparently. I got through and they are overnighting me a replacement PTO shaft (plus 6 spare hammers).

I am very pleased with this response... just not how hard it was to GET a response. Still, all's well that ends well.

I am happy at this point.

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[KeithT]

Glad you got your PTO shaft! And the extra hammers was a nice gesture. Sorry for your trouble, I honestly have not had any, and no
Trouble contacting Betsco. I am sure there are better quality flail mowers, but I am very pleased. I have smoked the belts a couple times from running over small stumps that get pulled up into the housing and get wedged. But no belt failures. I have an extra set in case and members on here can recommend easy replacements that can be found on amazon.

I adjusted the belt one time, very easy and quick. You will love it!

 

[Milo]

It should be a nice unit for your use. I was pondering the same as you only my use is mostly 4' weeds, grass, and typically 1" and under saplings which I cut down once a year in September. I decided on a Woodmax 62 (58" cut) with Y knives. Called them to order but they were out of stock, however they happened to have just what I wanted coming in a week AND it was orange , so I waited on it. Only a few pieces to bolt on and the provided driveshaft fit my L2501 with LP quick hitch so I went right to work. I will say that in low, wet areas where the weeds/grass is very dense and high, I have to slow down or take a smaller bite but everywhere else I utilize the entire width. Happy so far with it, I'm sure you will be with your Betsto.