Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[IslandTractor]

IslandTractor,

Good info- thanks. From what I can gather from you and reading from others, my tractor at 46 pto hp should be able to run 87". What I can't figure is why their (Woodmaxx) 74" cutting width mower has a 30 hp minimum while the 87" cutting width has 50 hp minimum. It might be the weight- the 87" is a different class of mower and weighs 500 lb more. If power isn't a concern, I'm wondering about the 1350 lb hanging back there being an issue, particularly on the steep ground. Tractor weighs about 4300 lb, plus loader, and I'll be adding 1,000 lb of beet juice to rear ag tires (but that won't help up front). Plenty of 3 ph lift capacity, just more of a safety concern. Might not be an issue, just no opportunity to test drive. Don't want to choose a smaller mower if I don't have to. Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

1) the hp and size recommendations from most manufacturers are wild azz guesses as best I can tell. They have no clue what the specific tractor setups are or conditions of use so they make and stick with statements that seem reasonable to their legal department.
2) if I were in your shoes I would just hook the mower up and start using it. The weight is only an issue when the rear roller is not on the ground which is to say when you are traveling rather than mowing.
3) If the front end seems light when you are traveling with the mower raised, then a) leave the FEL on and b) stick a big log or something else heavy into the bucket.

 

[Matto75]

Sounds like good advice- thanks!

 

[Fallon]

WoodMaxx has a split between Cat1 & Cat2. The 2 widest models are Cat2 spec if I recall, the rest are Cat1.

I ran my 7' old Ford 917 flail behind my 32hp (26? PTO) L3200. If maneuverability & tight spaces isn't a huge concern go big. You may need to go slow, but that just means a smoother ride easier on you & your equipment. If you can lift it, you can spin it.

 

[Matto75]

All right, you guys have set my mind at ease. I think it pays to buy the bigger one. I have a small Kunz mower I've used for years that I'll keep for the tight spots. Many thanks!

Fallon- you're right, the bigger WoodMaxx flails I'm looking at are Cat 2. Should work good. Thanks

 

[Fallon]

All right, you guys have set my mind at ease. I think it pays to buy the bigger one. I have a small Kunz mower I've used for years that I'll keep for the tight spots. Many thanks!

Fallon- you're right, the bigger WoodMaxx flails I'm looking at are Cat 2. Should work good. Thanks

My L4060 is only 40hp & Cat1. I'm seriously looking at a WoodMaxx with the duck foot hammers for brush. My ancient 917 is probably over 30 years old & I could do with a backup now that the 60" rotary ran off with the old L3200. I also need something for heavier brush now as the 917 has grass knives. I'd seriously look at the Cat2 mowers for width even only having 40hp & a 72" track if they would fit on my Cat1 Quick Hitch. But that cutoff on Cat1s will probably be where I end up.

I'm a big fan of going big & Goins slow rather than narrow & fast. The same ground is covered in the long run, but less operator & equipment abuse.

 

[Matto75]

That makes sense. Might as well make full use of what you got. I'd like to see WoodMaxx put a side-by-side video up for duck foot and Y-blades on different grass and light brush. If I get a WoodMaxx I'd be tempted to get both kinds.

 

[dancath]

Hi all,I have a branson 4720. I have a 6' rotary a 4' brush hog and a 72" mott reverse rotation fine cut. I have way too many rocks and brush for the fine cut and I am wondering if the mott could be changed to hammer knife by changing the drum or cutting off fine cut and welding on hammer knife.

Thanks.

Dan

 

[whirly]

The cutting and welding on the original drum is a BAD idea.

If you can find a drum for hammers for it, that would be the correct choice. However, I'm not sure that there ever was a hammer drum for the original Mott 72. You might be in luck if it was actually built by Alamo.

You might be better off dollar wise by selling the Mott and buying a new hammer flail. The course cut drum for an Alamo 74" runs $1,420. But I haven't seen one for the Mott 72.

 

[leonz]

Hi all,I have a branson 4720. I have a 6' rotary a 4' brush hog and a 72" mott reverse rotation fine cut. I have way too many rocks and brush for the fine cut and I am wondering if the mott could be changed to hammer knife by changing the drum or cutting off fine cut and welding on hammer knife.

Thanks.

Dan

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It would be simpler for you in invest in a B rotor CARONI and be done with it.

Island Tractors B rotor flail mower is going on 10 years old now and is still running well.

 

[dancath]

Thanks Guys and happy new year

Dan