Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

JimCan · Nov 18, 2016

Hauler... Lucky bugger. I'd buy another paraglider if I had that slope. Good for you. Jim

Dadnatron · Nov 18, 2016

I've tried to read this entire thread. I think I missed around 50 pages somewhere in the middle.

Anyway,

Does anyone have experience with the Maschio 'swing arm' flails? I am looking at the Giraffa and Giraffona series. I think they would work well for the 'extra' things I have around my farm, such as roadsides, pond edges, etc... IF they work and are dependable. Given the extra 'swing', it does make me think, but there is no other option than a weed eater for these places otherwise.

This would be for mowing only. Not 'bush hogging'. I can't say it might not hit a small sapling every now and then, but it would be primarily for mowing of relatively smooth and groomed pasture edges etc.

John Deere 5100e (100hp) Cat 2

Iowa Farm Equipment -- Maschio GIRAFFA Series Ditch Bank Flail Mowers

powerscol · Nov 18, 2016

I am taking delivery of a Maschio Giraffetta 160SE today, so can let you know. With your 100 HP and 7K weight you can handle something a heck of a lot bigger than what I got. The SE stands for the outboard gear box which gives you a lot more reach. The SI is the inboard gear box. When deciding check you rear tire stance and be sure it will offset beyond the tire to pivot down the slope. My tractor is wider than most for its size due to the GP tires, so I had trouble finding a unit that would fit. The A-D dimension should be at least equal the distance from the PTO to the outside of you tire The 185SE and the 210SE are good assuming you have 35" from the PTO to the outside of you rear tire, that I got off of tractordata.com for width. I dont think either of the SI units will slide far enough to the side to clear and pivot down the slope with you staying on the flat.

Talk with Andrew at Iowa Farm Equipment, and mention me and the help he gave in figuring out what would work with my Bobcat CT235. Hope this helps. Happy shopping.

Dadnatron · Nov 18, 2016

Thanks Powerscol,

I look forward to your experience with it.

I hadn't thought about the offset in relation to my tractor wheel. I believe my tires are set out to 84" outside to outside, but I'll have to measure that again just to be sure. It never crossed my mind about the angle in relation to tractor width, I will have to do some figuring. My goal is to get the largest available that will work.

One question, that I just thought about, it has just passed me by until this moment.

Does the arm have to be completely (almost completely) extended in order to use the mower? As I think about it, with the flail in 'closed' position, directly behind the tractor, the angle of the PTO would be pretty severe. I had thought this could be used as a regular flail for mowing around the house, but I'm not sure that it would work in the 'closed' position.

powerscol · Nov 18, 2016

Dadnatron said:
Thanks Powerscol,

I look forward to your experience with it.

I hadn't thought about the offset in relation to my tractor wheel. I believe my tires are set out to 84" outside to outside, but I'll have to measure that again just to be sure. It never crossed my mind about the angle in relation to tractor width, I will have to do some figuring. My goal is to get the largest available that will work.

One question, that I just thought about, it has just passed me by until this moment.

Does the arm have to be completely (almost completely) extended in order to use the mower? As I think about it, with the flail in 'closed' position, directly behind the tractor, the angle of the PTO would be pretty severe. I had thought this could be used as a regular flail for mowing around the house, but I'm not sure that it would work in the 'closed' position.

It can mow in any position, or is supposed to. Mine will see 95% behind my tractor - the rest on ditches. Get with IFE - they can work with you on the offset dimensions. If your at 84" you need the offset at about 42". The Giraffa 210 SE is right at that and as the pivot point is a bit further out should work. You also should have a few inches of play in the 3pt too. Andrew should be able to verify the exact measurements and offset for you. He did that for me to be sure mine would fit. They are good folks to work with. Good luck

powerscol · Nov 18, 2016

Its home. Packaging was undamaged. Now to get it off the trailer. Need to charge the tractor battery first, then get my rear ballast and forks put on.

Me things I need a bigger trailer though :confused3:

In case folks are wondering, under the cardboard are 6 metal tie straps, so I did not throw a strap over it, just secured the heavy pallet.

On edit
Got it off the trailer in good shape and after unwrapping 3 miles of shrink wrap :laughing: and a ton of cardboard I found this inside. I am reading the manual and parts book, but so far have not found the assembly instructions. Could still be buried in some of the packing. The manual and parts book along with some small assembly parts were in a white plastic sleeve, hidden under some shrink wrap.. I may need to get help to lift the 3pt frame off of the unit. I cant tell if it is attached, but I dont want to take a chance. I cant cut straps and hold at the same time....maybe I can use the tractor and lift it with a strap.

Here are the pictures on the pallet. Everything looks good and is very well made.

JimCan · Nov 18, 2016

Anybody care to confirm or comment on this piece about Hammers vs Y knives.. (I was searching for 'counter knives' when I saw this..)

Not just the right mulcher - Seppi M.

Jim

sodamo · Nov 18, 2016

I have used both over the years. Prefer hammers and don't anticipate switching.

powerscol · Nov 19, 2016

Well the sun is shining and I got my coffee, so went and took another look this morning, and cut a lot of zip ties. As everything was actually attached, I could do the work myself without much effort, even with my torn rotator cup, right shoulder. I have the swing are partially assembled - need to get some grease and borrow or get a castle wrench - dont want to put a pipe wrench on my new nuts (would need it for future maintenance if I ever tear it apart). I have most of the parts figured out except for the hose runs, but I am pretty sure it is straight forward. The more I look at this I am impressed with the build quality - welds are flawless and seams neat and equal. Good heavy metal everywhere. Here are a few more photos.