Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[whirly]

Its a series 3. When you say above, you mean as in a higher number, right? Just being clear so what to look for and thanks again

Yes - series 4, 5, or 6. Going higher is a waste of money for you as is going lower. The series 4 PTO shafts are made for 35-60HP @ the PTO; Series 5 - 60-90HP and Series 6 is 90+HP. Different sellers post varying spreads but those are the standards stated the most by independent sources. FYI - the foregoing is for 540 RPM PTO operation, 1000 RPM operational HP is higher on each series.

Additionally, if your PTO HP is above the driven gearbox's rating a slip clutch is almost mandatory. However, the SHD 88's GB is probably rated above the PTO HP of your tractor.

 

[Cataclysm]

Thanks whirly!

 

[PRCWI]

I got a several hours of flailing today. I found a missing section of bob wire fence in the grass. It started spinning my 8' flail down and I slapped the pto switch off pretty quick. I looked back and there's bob wire sticking out everywhere! Had to disconnect the flail and roll it over on its back to get it all out. I re-attached the flail and kicked the pto switch and somethings wrong. The drive shaft guard is spinning but the flail isn't running. Then I see the ds yoke at the flail gearbox isn't turning. Ok, I shut it down and take the ds off and sure enough its twisted into. The inner/smaller section twisted off right at the aft yoke. The plastic guard did keep the ds from slapping around and damaging more stuff.

I was able to cut the twisted section off and drive it back into the yoke and drive the roll pin back in. I ran it for about 2 hours after and so far so good. Its not a big deal but I was under the impression that the belt would slip before anything would be damaged. I don't have a slip clutch but am considering one now.

Tractor is the 55 hp LS4155HC and the flail is the 8' Alamo SHD-88. The drive shaft is new (20hrs?) from TSC. The belt is the one that came with the mower. This was one of the rare times I was running at pto speed. Would a properly set slip clutch on the ds prevent this?

Thanks.

Interesting. I have the same mower, slightly less powerful tractor (Oliver 770 Diesel) and I've caught old wire with it several times, sometimes with essentially an immediate stop to the drive of the mower. Every time the belt has slipped/smoked. I've never had damage to the PTO or any drive components other than the belt.

I have no idea what the rating for my PTO shaft is.

 

[TurtleCreekFarm]

Here is a short video of my new flail in action. :thumbsup:

 

[kevinjd]

First wood max I have seen other than YouTube promo video. Hope you do a write up and more video. Looks great!

 

[powerscol]

Anyone know anything about this brand; Farmer-Helper Machinery Co, Light verge flail mower AGL -Changzhou Farmer-Helper Machinery Co.,ltd
The US dealer is http://www.value-leader.com/65-ditch-bank-flail-mower-w-hammers-installed-agl165/ same as Betst. I have tried to call them several times as their specifications are different than the manufacturer like the gear box HP rating and the power needed to run for the AGL models. However no one answers the phone. For some reason the AGF models (heaver duty) take more power.

Thoughts? Thanks - Keith

 

[TurtleCreekFarm]

However no one answers the phone.

Thoughts? Thanks - Keith

Generally I consider that a RED flag and look elsewhere.

 

[whirly]

For some reason the AGF models (heaver duty) take more power.

Thoughts? Thanks - Keith

Everything on the AGF models is heavier. The flail body is made from 5/16th plate and the hammers weigh almost a pound each. All of which takes more power to pick up and turn. In addition, the AGL 165 is 670# the AGF 160 is 1384#. The majority of the weight for both units is 48" behind the hitch point. Most manufacturers only state the lift capacity either at the hitch point or at 24". Trust me (I made the mistake) at 48" a tractor that can lift 2500# at 24" will pop the relief valve on the 3pth trying to pick up the AGF 160 - no damage but you won't lift the the AGF 160 off the ground when it is directly behind the tractor let alone if you want to use it to trim hedges.

Tip for teens - If any PTO powered equipment only comes in CAT II and you have CAT I make absolutely sure your tractor can handle the weight and power requirements before you buy.

-

 

[TurtleCreekFarm]

First wood max I have seen other than YouTube promo video. Hope you do a write up and more video. Looks great!

Yep, I bought the last non hydraulic shift one they had but no one has posted any videos. The one I got is their updated (new) model. The new models have welded boxes and new triple blades.


So far I'm very happy with it and the way it cuts. It looks heavy duty but time will tell.

 

[LarJea]

Anyone know anything about this brand; Farmer-Helper Machinery Co, Light verge flail mower AGL -Changzhou Farmer-Helper Machinery Co.,ltd
The US dealer is http://www.value-leader.com/65-ditch-bank-flail-mower-w-hammers-installed-agl165/ same as Betst. I have tried to call them several times as their specifications are different than the manufacturer like the gear box HP rating and the power needed to run for the AGL models. However no one answers the phone. For some reason the AGF models (heaver duty) take more power.

Thoughts? Thanks - Keith

I have one of these mowers. So far I have only used it one day to mow my roadside ditches and on the trails I made through the woods. It seems to do a good job, I will know more about it as I get used to the hydraulic tilt, (I know now I should Bought a control valve with float for the tilt part of it). I think the only difference between the AGL model and the AGF model is the AGL uses the scoop type of cutter instead of side cutters, but not sure on this. The mower I got is light duty with side cutters and I went with the 42" version.
I ordered my mower direct from the manufacture in China (LEFA Changzhou) If you want more details, let me know.