Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[DavesTractor]

I have both flail and rotary. For my orchard and back field that I mow regularly, the flail can't be beat. Mows low, looks like a park and really chews up the clippings. But if you have to mow acres of hood high grass you can't beat a rotary to get it knocked down fast. It won't look as nice as a flail cut, but a rotary is way faster in conditions like that. I seldom use the rotary, but I would not want to be without one.

 

[IslandTractor]

I also have both rotary and flail. I use the flail most often for general duty field mowing but mount the rotary (woods brush bull) when I am intending specifically to do heavy bush hogging especially if I need to back into previously unmown and unwalked brush. Each tool has specific advantages.

 

[DavesTractor]

For "exploratory" mowing, you can't beat a simple tough rotary. You know what I mean by "exploratory", that is when you are mowing for somebody and they assure you the field is clean. Then you hit a spare tire, an old kitchen sink, a spool of twine, a pile of rocks, and 3 fence posts. I'd rather not be doing that with my Vrisimo flail, and that customer isn't expecting a park when the mowing is done.

 

[TSO]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/436690-lets-talk-flail-mowers-image-4292312927-jpg"/>

Well, I have read all the posts on every page and I can tell you I don't remember 3 pages ago.

1) All flails are not equal (I'll get back to this)

2) As for municipalities it seems to be a tough split in the Oakland, Macomb Lapeer counties. All up and down M53 (21 mile- 32 mile) they've been using New Hollands with 15' bat wings. It appears Sterling Heights in there retention ponds also uses rotary bat wings (I believe subcontracted) As for the City of Sterling Heights they appear to have a new flail set up. Wings on both sides and a flail on the rear (sweet setup).

In Oakland county I've seen New Holland with rotary cutters on side Arms. In Macomb county for the country roads it's been side mount flails.

So essentially a great mix from what I've seen. ( I can always get photos if anyone cares)

As for my person experience. I've only been using flails this year but have since cut multiple types of ground cover, and lots of acres using different flails. Let's just say all flails are not built equal. Although horsepower DOES make a difference, it DOES NOT change how a flail works. I've used a mott/alamo 6' finish mower a 6' Ford 907 and a 8' Ford 918H.

Although these mowers are fantastic, they do NOT replace a rotary cutter. Yes, 80% of the time I will now use a flail instead of a rotary but it's just an added took. Flails leave a much better finish. With different knives they have different capabilities. The mott will cut grass almost as good a a zero turn. This could easily be used as a primary mower for someone's lawn.

The ford with duck foot knives is a bit tougher and will cut some thicker weeds and also cut grass leaving a good finish.

The 918h is a monster. Cuts grass well, tall weeds and even some good brush. This will most likely be the main go to machine. I was still able to break a flail by hitting a rock. This same size rock would of most likey busted a shear pin in the rotary but then in would of moved on. The brush hog definitely takes in thicker brush hands down and is capable of backing into areas. No really the same with a flail.

Great tools that all intertwine but none of them replace the other.

You broke one of my flail knives ?! That's it...no more using it.

 

[TSO]

Sorry, phone made a duplicate

 

[ovrszd]

View attachment 436690



Well, I have read all the posts on every page and I can tell you I don't remember 3 pages ago.

1) All flails are not equal (I'll get back to this)

2) As for municipalities it seems to be a tough split in the Oakland, Macomb Lapeer counties. All up and down M53 (21 mile- 32 mile) they've been using New Hollands with 15' bat wings. It appears Sterling Heights in there retention ponds also uses rotary bat wings (I believe subcontracted) As for the City of Sterling Heights they appear to have a new flail set up. Wings on both sides and a flail on the rear (sweet setup).

In Oakland county I've seen New Holland with rotary cutters on side Arms. In Macomb county for the country roads it's been side mount flails.

So essentially a great mix from what I've seen. ( I can always get photos if anyone cares)

As for my person experience. I've only been using flails this year but have since cut multiple types of ground cover, and lots of acres using different flails. Let's just say all flails are not built equal. Although horsepower DOES make a difference, it DOES NOT change how a flail works. I've used a mott/alamo 6' finish mower a 6' Ford 907 and a 8' Ford 918H.

Although these mowers are fantastic, they do NOT replace a rotary cutter. Yes, 80% of the time I will now use a flail instead of a rotary but it's just an added took. Flails leave a much better finish. With different knives they have different capabilities. The mott will cut grass almost as good a a zero turn. This could easily be used as a primary mower for someone's lawn.

The ford with duck foot knives is a bit tougher and will cut some thicker weeds and also cut grass leaving a good finish.

The 918h is a monster. Cuts grass well, tall weeds and even some good brush. This will most likely be the main go to machine. I was still able to break a flail by hitting a rock. This same size rock would of most likey busted a shear pin in the rotary but then in would of moved on. The brush hog definitely takes in thicker brush hands down and is capable of backing into areas. No really the same with a flail.

Great tools that all intertwine but none of them replace the other.

I agree. In my research I also agree the Ford 918H is a LOT more mower than the 917.

 

[KenB2920]

You broke one of my flail knives ?! That's it...no more using it.

. :-(

Sowwy!!! New ones are already on order from flail master

 

[KenB2920]

Duplicate

 

[Frekki]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking at a used 84' Motrim flail mower on eBay. It looks good, knives really good, but the upper hitch is slightly bent down. I'm also looking at a ford 918H eight footer, also on eBay, but it looks like it was backed into something. The roller looks slightly bent.
The allure is that these are both around $1200, and I have to keep about 20 acres of pasture down while we are without cows. Any thoughts? I run a ford 7000 as my mowing machine, it runs a woods 84 and doesn't know it's there. I'm looking for a better finish, with mowing about every 3-4 weeks. Can I run one of these at 8 MPH, or fourth gear on my ford?
Thanks

 

[Frekki]

Hi Guys,
I'm looking at a used 84' Motrim flail mower on eBay. It looks good, knives really good, but the upper hitch is slightly bent down. I'm also looking at a ford 918H eight footer, also on eBay, but it looks like it was backed into something. The roller looks slightly bent.
The allure is that these are both around $1200, and I have to keep about 20 acres of pasture down while we are without cows. Any thoughts? I run a ford 7000 as my mowing machine, it runs a woods 84 and doesn't know it's there. I'm looking for a better finish, with mowing about every 3-4 weeks. Can I run one of these at 8 MPH, or fourth gear on my ford?
Thanks