Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[Dan in MN]

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You won't find any pricing info online for a REARS as that's set by the dealer and you can't order it or parts directly from the manufactory in Oregon. That being said, their mowers are priced out by the foot (cutting width) plus shipping. I bought a 84" (7 ft.) SPF which out here worked out to be just a shade under $930.00 per foot! And in less than 6 months have had to replace the rotor ($1,400.00) due to it getting bent when a 3" diameter piece of tree branch got jammed, shipping & repair of original rotor ($980.00) . Now I've had to change out the rotor again because the "new" one has come out of balance. I've also had to weld the side plates due to cracking. Now unless your 20+ acres are like a golf course or a football field and totally rock and debris free, I'd suggest getting something like a Caroni 1900. I've used Caroni's since '04 and have mowed everything with them. Just got done mowing 250+ acres with the 1900 and with all kinds of debris....rock, concrete, metal, stumps, old fencing etc.. The Caroni will withstand a lot more "abuse" than most. The last "large" thing that I hit and jammed in the Caroni was what appeared to be a cap of some sort that looks like the military ('40's) used for target practice! Damage to the Caroni..... 3 bent clevises......total cost to repair.....$21.00! If I would have had the "other" mower on..........I can only imagine what the damage would have been!
So with this little bit of rant & rave, you decide where to spend your money

Well heck I'm glad I did ask, because when you first said that I thought you meant the Rears was much better... :laughing:

I wish Caroni made something bigger than 73", if I change I want something ~88-96". Here's a deal if someone is looking..

https://www.fastline.com/v100/Alamo...ail-bde7909b-ec5e-48e0-a698-bbca51d14ec5.aspx

I don't like that amount of offset for the way it would fit in my parking area, otherwise I wouldn't have posted the link... There's a New Holland 918h a couple hours from me that I'm very interested in if mine were to sell (which it won't in Nov in MN...lol)...

 

[docsfarm]

For what its worth... I didn't think I'd want much offset either... Until I started mowing some with my flail mower. Then I offset it as far as it can go and love it more!! Now I'm able to park it in my spot with full offset. I do with I could find a hydraulic offset kit for Landpride flail mowers though!

 

[powerscol]

For what its worth... I didn't think I'd want much offset either... Until I started mowing some with my flail mower. Then I offset it as far as it can go and love it more!! Now I'm able to park it in my spot with full offset. I do with I could find a hydraulic offset kit for Landpride flail mowers though!

I believe the Landpride units are made by Maschio - you could match up models and check with them. They show it as an option on the Brava series. I have also seen them for other brands that may fit. Someone here will probably know a lot more than me.

 

[docsfarm]

I believe the Landpride units are made by Maschio - you could match up models and check with them. They show it as an option on the Brava series. I have also seen them for other brands that may fit. Someone here will probably know a lot more than me.

I actually emailed Maschio a month or more ago and they never got back to me. Maybe I'll look closer at their website and see if I can just match something up. Maybe I'll email Landpride too.

 

[powerscol]

I actually emailed Maschio a month or more ago and they never got back to me. Maybe I'll look closer at their website and see if I can just match something up. Maybe I'll email Landpride too.

Try MCALLISTER Kristin <kmcallister@maschio.us>
or the manager
LAVELLI Filippo <flavelli@maschio.us>
or Italy
info@maschio.com

Hope this helps

 

[leonz]

Good Morning fellow Board members and resident members of the Flail Mower Nations,


I wanted to pass this along to all of you:


Micro Mark has a table top low speed water bath tool grinder for sharpening.
It is on page 87 of thier current catalog and the retail price is $99.00+tax and shipping

The tool rest is very large and will carry the weight of cast flail hammers to resharpen
them as well as the hardened flail mower side slicer and scoop knives.

The item number is #86566
Shop Small Hobby Tools & Miniature Tools from Micro Mark


LeonZ

 

[leonz]

I believe the Landpride units are made by Maschio - you could match up models and check with them. They show it as an option on the Brava series. I have also seen them for other brands that may fit. Someone here will probably know a lot more than me.

Yes they are made by Maschio, I just hope that Kubota does not kick them to the curb as that would be a huge mistake on their part as the Maschio Flail Mowers are very well built.

 

[powerscol]

Good Morning fellow Board members and resident members of the Flail Mower Nations,


I wanted to pass this along to all of you:


Micro Mark has a table top low speed water bath tool grinder for sharpening.
It is on page 87 of thier current catalog and the retail price is $99.00+tax and shipping

The tool rest is very large and will carry the weight of cast flail hammers to resharpen
them as well as the hardened flail mower side slicer and scoop knives.

The item number is #86566
Shop Small Hobby Tools & Miniature Tools from Micro Mark


LeonZ

Leon - do you have and use this unit? I have wanted one to sharpen knives and other tools too, but I think the 120 grit is too coarse and the stone is not changeable per tech support. Just wondering. I have been looking for a wet grinder, so this was a good reminder. I was hoping to find one that has lockable indexing on the table too.
Thanks - Keith

PS Confirmed delivery for my mower is Friday. Iowa Farm Equipment used Fedex to ship

 

[leonz]

About that table top wet grinder offered by Micromark,


I do not own that model, I have a 30 year old WEN wet well grinder that is no longer made.

There are a bunch of them on the market with a wide price range but I see nothing bad about this one.




The tabletop wet grinders slow speed and the water bath are what makes them shine as the water is a lubricant as well as a coolant. and from what I remember mine is that coarse and the edges were still beautiful. I have not needed to use it in along time.

The tool rest on my Wen wet well grinder is lockable with a small wheel just like the twin tool rests on the unit offered by Micromark on page 87 of thier catalog.

Did they happen to mention whether it was coming on a semi trailer with a drop deck gate????? I hope.
The reason I ask is because the Samsonite Guerillas were loaned to UPS the week I ordered the new starter for my mule and it took 2 tries to get on my doorstep in one piece-I called the dealer and asked if they wanted the broken one back and they said no. They have not called to have the broken one returned yet so its sitting in my scrap metal bucket.

I hope they do not have it loaded in a straight truck or box truck without a ramp.

 

[powerscol]

It being delivered to my local CoOp that has a full loading doc and lots of big loaders. They know not to accept if damaged and to not ant problems with the shipping container on the bill of lading. I can get there within about 1/2 hour if needed. The folks there are artist when it comes to being careful. Not sure the type of truck FedEx uses out of ABQ for delivery. However most I have seen around here have the hydraulic lift gate. However I will go get it from the CoOp with my deck over trailer. Its supposed to be on a sturdy pallet all wrapped up. Once on my trailer I can use my forks, or assemble it there and back the tractor on and hook up to take it off. We shall see. Thanks for asking.

 

[JimCan]

Hauler... Lucky bugger. I'd buy another paraglider if I had that slope. Good for you. Jim

 

[Dadnatron]

I've tried to read this entire thread. I think I missed around 50 pages somewhere in the middle.

Anyway,

Does anyone have experience with the Maschio 'swing arm' flails? I am looking at the Giraffa and Giraffona series. I think they would work well for the 'extra' things I have around my farm, such as roadsides, pond edges, etc... IF they work and are dependable. Given the extra 'swing', it does make me think, but there is no other option than a weed eater for these places otherwise.

This would be for mowing only. Not 'bush hogging'. I can't say it might not hit a small sapling every now and then, but it would be primarily for mowing of relatively smooth and groomed pasture edges etc.


John Deere 5100e (100hp) Cat 2

Iowa Farm Equipment -- Maschio GIRAFFA Series Ditch Bank Flail Mowers

 

[powerscol]

I am taking delivery of a Maschio Giraffetta 160SE today, so can let you know. With your 100 HP and 7K weight you can handle something a heck of a lot bigger than what I got. The SE stands for the outboard gear box which gives you a lot more reach. The SI is the inboard gear box. When deciding check you rear tire stance and be sure it will offset beyond the tire to pivot down the slope. My tractor is wider than most for its size due to the GP tires, so I had trouble finding a unit that would fit. The A-D dimension should be at least equal the distance from the PTO to the outside of you tire The 185SE and the 210SE are good assuming you have 35" from the PTO to the outside of you rear tire, that I got off of tractordata.com for width. I dont think either of the SI units will slide far enough to the side to clear and pivot down the slope with you staying on the flat.

Talk with Andrew at Iowa Farm Equipment, and mention me and the help he gave in figuring out what would work with my Bobcat CT235. Hope this helps. Happy shopping.

 

[Dadnatron]

Thanks Powerscol,

I look forward to your experience with it.

I hadn't thought about the offset in relation to my tractor wheel. I believe my tires are set out to 84" outside to outside, but I'll have to measure that again just to be sure. It never crossed my mind about the angle in relation to tractor width, I will have to do some figuring. My goal is to get the largest available that will work.

One question, that I just thought about, it has just passed me by until this moment.

Does the arm have to be completely (almost completely) extended in order to use the mower? As I think about it, with the flail in 'closed' position, directly behind the tractor, the angle of the PTO would be pretty severe. I had thought this could be used as a regular flail for mowing around the house, but I'm not sure that it would work in the 'closed' position.

 

[powerscol]

Thanks Powerscol,

I look forward to your experience with it.

I hadn't thought about the offset in relation to my tractor wheel. I believe my tires are set out to 84" outside to outside, but I'll have to measure that again just to be sure. It never crossed my mind about the angle in relation to tractor width, I will have to do some figuring. My goal is to get the largest available that will work.

One question, that I just thought about, it has just passed me by until this moment.

Does the arm have to be completely (almost completely) extended in order to use the mower? As I think about it, with the flail in 'closed' position, directly behind the tractor, the angle of the PTO would be pretty severe. I had thought this could be used as a regular flail for mowing around the house, but I'm not sure that it would work in the 'closed' position.

It can mow in any position, or is supposed to. Mine will see 95% behind my tractor - the rest on ditches. Get with IFE - they can work with you on the offset dimensions. If your at 84" you need the offset at about 42". The Giraffa 210 SE is right at that and as the pivot point is a bit further out should work. You also should have a few inches of play in the 3pt too. Andrew should be able to verify the exact measurements and offset for you. He did that for me to be sure mine would fit. They are good folks to work with. Good luck

 

[powerscol]

Its home. Packaging was undamaged. Now to get it off the trailer. Need to charge the tractor battery first, then get my rear ballast and forks put on.

Me things I need a bigger trailer though :confused3:



In case folks are wondering, under the cardboard are 6 metal tie straps, so I did not throw a strap over it, just secured the heavy pallet.

On edit
Got it off the trailer in good shape and after unwrapping 3 miles of shrink wrap :laughing: and a ton of cardboard I found this inside. I am reading the manual and parts book, but so far have not found the assembly instructions. Could still be buried in some of the packing. The manual and parts book along with some small assembly parts were in a white plastic sleeve, hidden under some shrink wrap.. I may need to get help to lift the 3pt frame off of the unit. I cant tell if it is attached, but I dont want to take a chance. I cant cut straps and hold at the same time....maybe I can use the tractor and lift it with a strap.

Here are the pictures on the pallet. Everything looks good and is very well made.

 

[JimCan]

Anybody care to confirm or comment on this piece about Hammers vs Y knives.. (I was searching for 'counter knives' when I saw this..)

Not just the right mulcher - Seppi M.


Jim

 

[sodamo]

I have used both over the years. Prefer hammers and don't anticipate switching.

 

[powerscol]

Well the sun is shining and I got my coffee, so went and took another look this morning, and cut a lot of zip ties. As everything was actually attached, I could do the work myself without much effort, even with my torn rotator cup, right shoulder. I have the swing are partially assembled - need to get some grease and borrow or get a castle wrench - dont want to put a pipe wrench on my new nuts (would need it for future maintenance if I ever tear it apart). I have most of the parts figured out except for the hose runs, but I am pretty sure it is straight forward. The more I look at this I am impressed with the build quality - welds are flawless and seams neat and equal. Good heavy metal everywhere. Here are a few more photos.

 

[whirly]

... I have most of the parts figured out except for the hose runs, but I am pretty sure it is straight forward. ...

This is how I did my hose runs and it works pretty good: