Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[arto98607]

That's a lot of money to buy a project.

 

[Number15]

That's a lot of money to buy a project.

That's what I am coming around to thinking. Especially as I lack the experience to check it out because I don't know enough yet. I think I will bite the bullet and buy new. I already have a project ditch mower (kinda)

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Is this to rough? It's near me but I wonder if it is to much work to get it right

That's about twice what it would be here. I bought a used SHD88 for $1200 that had less rust, but more dents. I'd keep watching.

 

[DieselBound]

Okay thanks guys. I am in need of a heavy mower and from what I've read in this very long post a flail is a better investment than a rotary. There are a couple of deere 25As nearby but they are more money ($700 and 1000). There is also a Mott that looks in good shape but the guy is asking close to $3k for it.

"better investment" is a bit tricky to assess. RCs operate nearly maintenane-free; they last almost indefinitely; and, they can take a lot of abuse abuse. A flail is more delicate; not maintenance-free; they can't really take abuse (not in the way an RC can)- I jammed an 8" diameter chunk of wood in my flail and, thankfully, didn't hurt it (but it took me a lot of work to get it dislodged- had to resort to drilling to break it up): I could hit stuff like this with my RC repeatedly (though not looking to do so) with little concern (other than my nerves being rattled by the racket).

Flails can work well for mowing lots of grass (my requirements) as well as some light brush (also my requirements). If I had to go out to do battle and couldn't afford a break-down (if I were working for money with the equipment I have) I'd be running my RC: time will eat into profits, perhaps less so than equipment repairs would. I have hundreds and hundreds of hours running an RC. Only have about 20 hrs running a flail, but I can state that I am already quite aware of the differences in operation/care.

 

[Fixastuff]

Totally understand what your saying but why isn't a smaller lighter duty brush or flail mower manufactured for smaller excavators with lower flow rates using a smaller drum or or brush cutter blade hence being able to use a lower flow smaller hydro motor, and a lighter duty frame, Personally I'd never consider a smaller excavator or light duty mower attachment if my intended purpose was to clear land.
Thanks for the reply J

I've seen the smallest lipa run on a bobcat e10 with good results. Many people like to crap on the mini/micro excavators and say they can't do X, when they really have zero experience with it...everyone I've talked to that actually has one on a small machine thinks it was a great purchase.

 

[jjeff]

I've seen the smallest lipa run on a bobcat e10 with good results. Many people like to crap on the mini/micro excavators and say they can't do X, when they really have zero experience with it...everyone I've talked to that actually has one on a small machine thinks it was a great purchase.

I've rented quite a few I was amazed at the work I could do with one using just the bucket, a smaller mini would be perfect for my needs especially if I could find and use something for weed and small brush control, digging up small stumps in narrow tree rows, etc. thanks for your insight.
J

 

[Rebeldad1]

I've seen the smallest lipa run on a bobcat e10 with good results. Many people like to crap on the mini/micro excavators and say they can't do X, when they really have zero experience with it...everyone I've talked to that actually has one on a small machine thinks it was a great purchase.

I have a Lipa on my E26C and find its really bhandy to keep the growth away from the road. Try that with your kubota tractor. cuts down over the bank as well as up hillsides. about a 16' reach from the pin.

 

[arto98607]

"better investment" is a bit tricky to assess. RCs operate nearly maintenane-free; they last almost indefinitely; and, they can take a lot of abuse abuse. A flail is more delicate; not maintenance-free; they can't really take abuse (not in the way an RC can)- I jammed an 8" diameter chunk of wood in my flail and, thankfully, didn't hurt it (but it took me a lot of work to get it dislodged- had to resort to drilling to break it up): I could hit stuff like this with my RC repeatedly (though not looking to do so) with little concern (other than my nerves being rattled by the racket).

Flails can work well for mowing lots of grass (my requirements) as well as some light brush (also my requirements). If I had to go out to do battle and couldn't afford a break-down (if I were working for money with the equipment I have) I'd be running my RC: time will eat into profits, perhaps less so than equipment repairs would. I have hundreds and hundreds of hours running an RC. Only have about 20 hrs running a flail, but I can state that I am already quite aware of the differences in operation/care.

By "RC" do you mean brush hog or rotary cutter?

 

[jjeff]

I have a Lipa on my E26C and find its really bhandy to keep the growth away from the road. Try that with your kubota tractor. cuts down over the bank as well as up hillsides. about a 16' reach from the pin.

I learn something new everyday Lipas a specific unit not an acronym for something lol. Thanks for the great information it's just what I'm looking for!

 

[DieselBound]

By "RC" do you mean brush hog or rotary cutter?

Sorry, Rotary Cutter/Brush Hog.