Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[DieselBound]

Caution, "manufactured in the US" seems to be applied to "engineered" or "assembled" in the US. Heavy steel commands a hefty shipping cost in which case such US manufactured (in the real sense of the word) items can be fairly competitive with products manufactured overseas (Europe, Britain, India or South Korea, as well as China).

I went with a Nova Tractor MXZ after doing a ton of research. It'll push my NX5510's abilities a bit (they say min HP of 60, my NX is 55), but I wanted a seven-footer that was stout (and could handle some good bit of wood debris). I thought the equiv Titan was pretty good, but just not as good as the MXZ (for my requirements).

 

[Rockit350]

Caution, "manufactured in the US" seems to be applied to "engineered" or "assembled" in the US. Heavy steel commands a hefty shipping cost in which case such US manufactured (in the real sense of the word) items can be fairly competitive with products manufactured overseas (Europe, Britain, India or South Korea, as well as China).

I went with a Nova Tractor MXZ after doing a ton of research. It'll push my NX5510's abilities a bit (they say min HP of 60, my NX is 55), but I wanted a seven-footer that was stout (and could handle some good bit of wood debris). I thought the equiv Titan was pretty good, but just not as good as the MXZ (for my requirements).

 

[Rockit350]

DB you make a good point about steel, and the quote "engineered" Etc. Thanks for your reply including your choice. I may be over thinking because I don't mow fields, more like areas needing fire breaks in CA., and for friends where I can assist doing the same. But I am tired of repairing old stuff.
MXZ looks doable, and hopefully lasting, but it is China made. Decisions, decisions, and dollars. Thanks for yours and Daves response.

 

[leonz]

You should also look at the Vrisimo Flail Mowers that are built and welded together in California while you are shopping for flail mowers.

 

[Rockit350]

Leonz, I did get a quote of 10k for their 72" Minimax, which is way more money than the others, but they are very good mowers here in the orchards.

 

[leonz]

Hello Rockit350,

There are a large number of American made flail mowers that
you could look at and a lot of good used ones.

One option would be to look for a John Deere 25A 7 foot flail
mower which is the model 290 now.

AuctionTime, tractorhouse, ironplanet are a few auction rags you
could check on as well as the Lancaster Farmer.

If you have time you should look at the HINIKER six foot shredder/mower as well.
The Hiniker 6 foot shredder is a towed flail mower equipped with a parking stand
and it can be equipped with either a ratchet jack height adjuster or a hydraulic
cylinder for height height adjustment to mow down to 2 inches in height.
The 6 foot shredder mowers towing hitch and constant velocity universal joint allows
for very tight turns at the end of a mowing row to quickly begin mowing again without
backing up.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Hello Rockit350,

There are a large number of American made flail mowers that
you could look at and a lot of good used ones.

One option would be to look for a John Deere 25A 7 foot flail
mower which is the model 290 now.

AuctionTime, tractorhouse, ironplanet are a few auction rags you
could check on as well as the Lancaster Farmer.

If you have time you should look at the HINIKER six foot shredder/mower as well.
The Hiniker 6 foot shredder is a towed flail mower equipped with a parking stand
and it can be equipped with either a ratchet jack height adjuster or a hydraulic
cylinder for height height adjustment to mow down to 2 inches in height.
The 6 foot shredder mowers towing hitch and constant velocity universal joint allows
for very tight turns at the end of a mowing row to quickly begin mowing again without
backing up.

John Deere still makes the 25A. I don't know of a John Deere 290. Did you mean 390? (also 360 and 370 available)

You can also find decent used Ford 917 (although parts are not as readily available aftermarket), or a good used Alamo (parts very readily available aftermarket). Of the two I would recommend the Alamo just for the parts availability. I've had a Ford 917 and now have an Alamo. Only reason I sold the Ford is because I went up in tractor size and needed a bigger mower.

I also hear good things about the Woodmaxx flail mowers. Worth a look, and price is reasonable. Had I not found my used Alamo I likely would have bought a Woodmaxx.

And the Hiniker is more of a field shredder for use in corn fields or the like to wipe out stalks prior to tilling or no-till planting. It can be used as a mower, but it's design is more geared toward agricultural use. Tow behind is not ideal for most people here as it adds an extra element to the whole operation having a trailer behind. Backing up and turning tight are not as easy as with a 3 point mower.

 

[Rockit350]

Caution, "manufactured in the US" seems to be applied to "engineered" or "assembled" in the US. Heavy steel commands a hefty shipping cost in which case such US manufactured (in the real sense of the word) items can be fairly competitive with products manufactured overseas (Europe, Britain, India or South Korea, as well as China).

I went with a Nova Tractor MXZ after doing a ton of research. It'll push my NX5510's abilities a bit (they say min HP of 60, my NX is 55), but I wanted a seven-footer that was stout (and could handle some good bit of wood debris). I thought the equiv Titan was pretty good, but just not as good as the MXZ (for my requirements).

DB, I want to hear how that unit has worked for you in cutting and mowing on your site. There is a big difference in costs on those two different units.
I am thinking that the Titan is 50% more than the Nova, which is hard to compare.

 

[DieselBound]

Rockit350, will do!

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Just wanted to let everyone here know some good news: Flailmaster is back in business! I was always my favorite place for mower parts. I was disappointed when I saw they were closing down, but I just saw that they are once again open!

 

[jthibodeau89]

Just wanted to let everyone here know some good news: Flailmaster is back in business! I was always my favorite place for mower parts. I was disappointed when I saw they were closing down, but I just saw that they are once again open!

Yes, great to hear they are back. I drive past their location in my daily commute. Stocked up on several years worth of flail blades and sttaps during their closure sale, but now need some greasable bearing housings for my JD mowers. Will call today

 

[Ford850]

Here's their website link:

Flail Master - Your BEST Choice for Quality Mower Parts

Your BEST Choice for Quality Mower Parts

flailmaster.com

And their catalog:

https://flailmaster.com/Flailmaster_Catalog0412.pdf

 

[jonsstihl]

thats great news. I have shopped from them too for my Mott 72".

 

[mangler]

This my new flail mower, an AG-140. 54" cut, hydraulic side shift, 24 800g hammers. It strains the CK2610 a bit on startup, and I have to go slow in the thick stuff, but I am glad I went with the heavy duty version. I have "plowed" some not so flat areas, and while I have no rocks on the property, the hammers don't even look like they have been used.


At 705lbs she also makes for nice ballast

 

[leonz]

Hello Mangler,

I want to welcome you as the newest resident member of the "Flail Mower Nations"
from the province of Ontario, Canada.

Happy mowing.

 

[milesvdustin]

I found a ford 907 flail 6' wide for 150 bucks. Seller says it needs a bearing and the belt is a little worn. Looks to be complete except for one of the knife assemblies. Its rusty so would need a good cleaning and paint job or minor restoration. Worth picking up? Its been for sale for a long time so I think i could snag it for under a hundred.

 

[leonz]

If you have the time and tools to work on it you will be fine with a great flail mower.
I believe you can still obtain parts and manuals from messicks for it.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

I found a ford 907 flail 6' wide for 150 bucks. Seller says it needs a bearing and the belt is a little worn. Looks to be complete except for one of the knife assemblies. Its rusty so would need a good cleaning and paint job or minor restoration. Worth picking up? Its been for sale for a long time so I think i could snag it for under a hundred.

That's a good price, even if it does need bearings. Make sure the rotor isn't bent and the roller is somewhat straight.

 

[milesvdustin]

I'll go have a peek this weekend. I am actually wanting to get a rhino tw25 to cut the nasty heavy brush I have at the new place. But a cheap flail would be fun

 

[Fallon]

I found a ford 907 flail 6' wide for 150 bucks. Seller says it needs a bearing and the belt is a little worn. Looks to be complete except for one of the knife assemblies. Its rusty so would need a good cleaning and paint job or minor restoration. Worth picking up? Its been for sale for a long time so I think i could snag it for under a hundred.

Been there done that. $100 917, missing knives, cracked hood, missing PTO shaft, ended blowing rotor bearings. I used it for a side gig for a few years before retiring it. I keep it around hiding in the bushes in case my new $7k flail has issues. I'd buy it again just the same if I had it to do over again. No issues with the new flail vs lots with the beat to hell 917, but can't beat the bang for the buck on the beater.