Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[IslandTractor]

Ooops, my bad.. its 47hp with 42hp PTO, had to go back and look.

Bottom line: no shortage of power to run a 917 flail.

 

[hunt4570]

Bottom line: no shortage of power to run a 917 flail.

I would not think, but the only flail I have run is my Caroni.. not real familiar with the 917..

 

[ovrszd]

Are you using the Flailmaster FM7 or FM7501732 blades. I had the impression you had the finer cut blades (FM7501732) as you never mentioned hangers. I also think/suspect that ArcWeld was referring to the fine cut blades when he was talking about them getting clogged up with long grass. I REALLY don't understand how the FM7 could get so clogged up in your 917 mower as that is essentially the same blade arrangement as my Caroni has and I've never seen more than an occasional blade of grass stuck to those even after mowing waist high grasses. If they did become clogged the hanger should swivel back and that should unload the grass by sliding it off.

I'm using single piece blades Fm220398.

Not doubting other's claims of success with inverted Y type blades I'm reluctant to spend an additional $200 on blades and have the same results. That's why I asked for Arc weld's opinion.

 

[TSO]

Me and KenB2920 confirmed last night... My 918H Ford spins "forward-up" ...

So which direction is the norm?

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm using single piece blades Fm220398.

Not doubting other's claims of success with inverted Y type blades I'm reluctant to spend an additional $200 on blades and have the same results. That's why I asked for Arc weld's opinion.

How many stations/attachment points on your rotor? I noted that Ford, like Caroni, sold rotors that had many stations for fine cut knives and another rotor with fewer stations for rough cut. At one point you mentioned heavy duty knives so I assumed rough cut rotor. If you have the fine cut rotor it's possible you cannot switch to the clevis mounted blades.

By the way, for all concerned, here is the FM220398 knife in question. SINGLE PIECE BLADE

Most of us would refer to these as scoop knives. They are generally used as finish mower knives, not rough cut. Finish mowers aren't really expected to mow knee high grass so that may be a part of the problem.

 

[Xfaxman]

Me and KenB2920 confirmed last night... My 918H Ford spins "forward-up" ...

So which direction is the norm?

This is what Alamo calls Foward Rotation, leonz calls it ccw, would this be "forward down"? My front mount rotates the other way, opposite of tire rotation moving forward.

 

[TSO]

This is what Alamo calls Foward Rotation, leonz calls it ccw, would this be "forward down"? My front mount rotates the other way, opposite of tire rotation moving forward.

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/440387-lets-talk-flail-mowers-frm-flial-jpg"/>

Yeah, I'm calling "forward-down" as same-direction-as-tires... I'm calling "forward-up" as opposite-direction-as-tires.

 

[ovrszd]

How many stations/attachment points on your rotor? I noted that Ford, like Caroni, sold rotors that had many stations for fine cut knives and another rotor with fewer stations for rough cut. At one point you mentioned heavy duty knives so I assumed rough cut rotor. If you have the fine cut rotor it's possible you cannot switch to the clevis mounted blades.

By the way, for all concerned, here is the FM220398 knife in question. SINGLE PIECE BLADE

Most of us would refer to these as scoop knives. They are generally used as finish mower knives, not rough cut. Finish mowers aren't really expected to mow knee high grass so that may be a part of the problem.

33

I further investigated. I can spend another $100 and try the inverted V side slice blades.

If there's improvement I'll report it.

If I get the same results I'll report it and sell the mower.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah, I'm calling "forward-down" as same-direction-as-tires... I'm calling "forward-up" as opposite-direction-as-tires.

Me too.

Much simpler to understand than up/down CW/CCW.

 

[hunt4570]

How many stations/attachment points on your rotor? I noted that Ford, like Caroni, sold rotors that had many stations for fine cut knives and another rotor with fewer stations for rough cut. At one point you mentioned heavy duty knives so I assumed rough cut rotor. If you have the fine cut rotor it's possible you cannot switch to the clevis mounted blades.

By the way, for all concerned, here is the FM220398 knife in question. SINGLE PIECE BLADE

Most of us would refer to these as scoop knives. They are generally used as finish mower knives, not rough cut. Finish mowers aren't really expected to mow knee high grass so that may be a part of the problem.

I'm glad you posted that link.. which are the blades that fit the Caroni? Or are there options? Mine will be a light use unit most of the time.