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.

 

[kevinjd]

I wish the wood max would work with imatch. I like their product. Keep us informed and good luck !

 

[leonz]

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.
View attachment 467509

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

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Can you upload more pictures of the rotor from left to right and pictures showing the entire rotation of the rotor??

I ask because I always worry about not seeing any welded weights on the small diameter rotor shafts which is something I do not like at all on the machines available to the market now.

The smaller tubular flail mower rotors require longer knife sets and more power to run them.



Thanks much,

LeonZ AKA "Flail Mower Whisperer"

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Could you please post a picture of your hammers in the rotor?

I don't have it available there is two cutters that hang on a clevis when back to back they make a y they are about 3 inches overall and about 1 inch wide takes 72 blades flail master .com is where i get parts

 

[TurtleCreekFarm]

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Can you upload more pictures of the rotor from left to right and pictures showing the entire rotation of the rotor??

I ask because I always worry about not seeing any welded weights on the small diameter rotor shafts which is something I do not like at all on the machines available to the market now.

The smaller tubular flail mower rotors require longer knife sets and more power to run them.



Thanks much,

LeonZ AKA "Flail Mower Whisperer"

Here you go. There are two welded weights, one on each side.

 

[BoylermanCT]

What can anyone tell me about this Mott / Alamo flail mower. Its about 45 minutes from me. Are parts still available, and are they easy to work on - bearings etc. I'm not worried about changing blades, I would probably buy a new set from Flailmaster. I am looking to mow grass with it, not bush hog work, I already have a Bush Hog rotary mower for that.

Mott Alamo Heavy Duty Flail Mower 6 inch Fits Ford John Deer and Any 3 Point | eBay

I've been looking for a decent flail for a year now, and not much luck. I am thinking seriously about the Caroni 72" flail, but $2150 (incl shipping) is a lot of dough, so I am have been hunting for a good used flail.

 

[IslandTractor]

What can anyone tell me about this Mott / Alamo flail mower. Its about 45 minutes from me. Are parts still available, and are they easy to work on - bearings etc. I'm not worried about changing blades, I would probably buy a new set from Flailmaster. I am looking to mow grass with it, not bush hog work, I already have a Bush Hog rotary mower for that. Mott Alamo Heavy Duty Flail Mower 6 inch Fits Ford John Deer and Any 3 Point | eBay I've been looking for a decent flail for a year now, and not much luck. I am thinking seriously about the Caroni 72" flail, but $2150 (incl shipping) is a lot of dough, so I am have been hunting for a good used flail.

Nothing better than a Mott/Alamo. It's all about the condition of the mower. If it is retired from highway dept use I would pass. If used on a hobby farm I'd jump all over it even if the same price as a new Caroni.

 

[whirly]

What can anyone tell me about this Mott / Alamo flail mower. Its about 45 minutes from me. Are parts still available, and are they easy to work on - bearings etc. I'm not worried about changing blades, I would probably buy a new set from Flailmaster. I am looking to mow grass with it, not bush hog work, I already have a Bush Hog rotary mower for that.

Mott Alamo Heavy Duty Flail Mower 6 inch Fits Ford John Deer and Any 3 Point | eBay

I've been looking for a decent flail for a year now, and not much luck. I am thinking seriously about the Caroni 72" flail, but $2150 (incl shipping) is a lot of dough, so I am have been hunting for a good used flail.

It's pretty rough. It looks like it has been modified to cut in reverse rotation as the drive belt for forward rotation is on the left side. I paid $900 for one with new blades - $250 + 3 hours labor; belt - $32; AND the PTO shaft - $145 +/-. Assuming the gear box is in good shape, you could put some sweat equity into it and have a nice mower.

 

[leonz]

What can anyone tell me about this Mott / Alamo flail mower. Its about 45 minutes from me. Are parts still available, and are they easy to work on - bearings etc. I'm not worried about changing blades, I would probably buy a new set from Flailmaster. I am looking to mow grass with it, not bush hog work, I already have a Bush Hog rotary mower for that.

Mott Alamo Heavy Duty Flail Mower 6� inch Fits Ford John Deer and Any 3 Point | eBay

I've been looking for a decent flail for a year now, and not much luck. I am thinking seriously about the Caroni 72" flail, but $2150 (incl shipping) is a lot of dough, so I am have been hunting for a good used flail.

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AS Island Tractor has said its all about condition.

The State of New York is having its annual surplus equipment
auction shortly and they will have plenty of flail mowers and tractors
for sale at auction in a "as is, where is" sale.

Even if you pick up a mule with a triple flail mower set it may
be worth your while just in scrap.

The rule of thumb is the number of hours on the meter and these
hours are seasonal hours as they only mow once per year now
due to the problems with out annual budget and its issues.

The ditches look like crap because they drive too fast while mowing
to cover more miles per day.

 

[PRCWI]

What can anyone tell me about this Mott / Alamo flail mower. Its about 45 minutes from me. Are parts still available, and are they easy to work on - bearings etc. I'm not worried about changing blades, I would probably buy a new set from Flailmaster. I am looking to mow grass with it, not bush hog work, I already have a Bush Hog rotary mower for that.

Mott Alamo Heavy Duty Flail Mower 6 inch Fits Ford John Deer and Any 3 Point | eBay

I've been looking for a decent flail for a year now, and not much luck. I am thinking seriously about the Caroni 72" flail, but $2150 (incl shipping) is a lot of dough, so I am have been hunting for a good used flail.

That one looks rough, lots of re-welds etc but I've been very happy with the shd 88 I bought that looked just as rough, but it was from a private owner.

As far as parts you can get pretty much any of the parts for it so that shouldn't be a concern. I'd probably take a flyer on it for around $300

 

[3fordasho]

I've been a lurker here for a while but I believe this may be my first post. I recently picked up a nice Bobcat CT-440B w/cab - one of my first attachments will be a Woodmaxx FM-78 flail mower that I am hoping to see in the next couple weeks. I will post my impressions when I receive and after using it. I originally ordered a Caroni flail but by the time I would have received it my property will be out of control. I have two acres that was rented last year to a local farmer and I just finished planting 280+ bare root trees. The flail will be used to keep that under control as well as other grove areas I need to maintain. My decision to go flail was pretty much decided by this thread - most around here don't even know what a flail mower is.