Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,261  
Thanks. Was Mott distraught (mourning), not focused on the business after his son died?
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,262  
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.
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,263  
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
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,264  
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!

1779926597766.png
 
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/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,265  
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?
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,266  
Personally, for a general ditch bank mower, I find a classic rotary "bush hog" works well for me. YMMV.
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,270  
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.
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,271  
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.

Victory Flail Mower.jpg
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,272  
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 about 45 degrees down 1.jpg


mowing while tilted up;
mowing about 45-50 degrees up.jpg


and level mowing some lawn when my mower went down
lawn mower 4 reduced.jpg
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,273  
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.

 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,274  
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.
 
/ Let's talk flail mowers #8,275  
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..
 
 
 
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