Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[IslandTractor]

Ok, appears the size is 17X940MM. BETSCO may know of Kevlar replacements if no one here knows where to get them.

Check Gates. They make just about every size imaginable and produce high quality belts of all sorts including Kevlar.

My original Caroni belts lasted 1.5 seasons. Gates Kevlar replacements lasted 6 until one of the three came off the pulley. I replaced all three.

Paradoxically, the problem with Gates belts in this application is that they last so long it doesn't make sense to keep a spare set around for five years as just natural aging of the unused belts becomes an issue.

 

[Parkanzky]

Ok, appears the size is 17X940MM. BETSCO may know of Kevlar replacements if no one here knows where to get them.

Excellent, thanks!

 

[Parkanzky]

Check Gates. They make just about every size imaginable and produce high quality belts of all sorts including Kevlar.

My original Caroni belts lasted 1.5 seasons. Gates Kevlar replacements lasted 6 until one of the three came off the pulley. I replaced all three.

Paradoxically, the problem with Gates belts in this application is that they last so long it doesn't make sense to keep a spare set around for five years as just natural aging of the unused belts becomes an issue.

Mine are still functioning fine. So the kevlar will be the spares until I really wreck one or more of the original belts. Then, if any survive, they'll become the spares.

 

[IslandTractor]

Mine are still functioning fine. So the kevlar will be the spares until I really wreck one or more of the original belts. Then, if any survive, they'll become the spares.

I'd suggest you switch to the new ones now and keep the current used belts as temporary spares. Then you can order a fresh set of Gates spares a few years from now rather than have your spares be shop worn.

 

[lennyzx11]

Guys, you think this is worth going to check out? It's about 60 miles from me.

I've never been exposed to a flail mower. I read through this thread and they seem interesting.
I have a LP 6ft rotary mower and an LP 5 ft finishing mower already though.

Just the price seemed cheap for what the numbers are new and the used prices you guys have posted periodically.

No I don't need it. Just not sure if I WANT it!

Thanks,


old 6 foot finishing mower

 

[IslandTractor]

Interesting. Obviously very old and stored under cloud shelter but the metal bits seem straight and the roller is undented. The knives look worn so I'd say it has had considerable use but not abuse. Lack of any safety shield over belts indicates it is either as old as it looks (?50's or 60's) or someone removed them.

I don't recognize the brand (check with Leonz) but it's undoubtably US made so wear parts should be available. $300 isn't dirt cheap considering the work and materials necessary to bring it back but if you need a summer project and can risk the $300 plus another $200 in belts, knives, shackles, blasting media and paint, it should be an interesting project. Who knows, there might be a fully functional flail under all the grime and rust!

 

[leonz]

Shazzam!!!,

It appears you are looking at a MOTT INTERSTATER my friend.

If you have the time I would invest in it and with little TLC you
will have a flail mower that will outperform any rotary.

 

[Fallon]

I'd jump on it for $300. I paid $100 for my 917 in worse shape. Took $400-500 for new knives, belts & PTO shaft. Ended up cutting out part of the hood that was dented & doing an ugly patch job. Still need to weld up a huge crack in the hood along a weld to one of the spars. I much prefer it to my near new 5' Land Pride rotary cutter.

 

[lennyzx11]

Thanks. I've called and left message to see it. You guys think my Kubota 3301/HST with 26 hp at PTO can handle it ok?
Can you tell what kind of cut the drum and knives are set up for?
Thanks

 

[Hoochy]

You may have to put some money up front to get it going, afterwards, it is relatively inexpensive to maintain as long as you take care of it and dont abuse it.
My alamo looked like **** but with some sweat, paint, new knives, belt and a paint job, looks great and mows like no other. Very pleased.