Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[leonz]

Thanks to everyone that helped with my adjustment of the flail mower. I am now very pleased with the cut.

Managed to do a number of acres of severely overgrown land and the alamo handled it like a champ.

Went over and through some things I probably shouldn't have and had no issues.

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Please be sure to check for any sticks or brush that may have become compacted under and in the engine cradle it is so equipped and be sure to wash the radiator and chaff screen out with hot water using dawn dish soap in a spray bottle set up for the garden hose when you have time.

when ever I do it I pour enough dawn in the screw on containers bottom to cover the bottom and then use hot water from the laundry sink. It works wonders for window mounted air conditioners too to clean out the heat exchanger and air inlet screen as you collect a huge amount of airborne dust.

I do the same thing for my Oreck electrostatic air cleaner when I put it in the Sanyo ultrasonic dinner ware cleaner I have.

I am glad it worked well for you ruse and it handled the 20 plus year scrub you went through. After you are done mowing on the first pass you can lower the gauge wheels one or two holes to keep the brush and the invasive plants back to the ground and you will burn much less fuel when you mow in a spiral pattern as you will not have to brake to a stop to turn around and back up the mule and mower and if you have ground speed controls for your mule you will save even
more fuel.

Welcome to the Flail Mower Nations.

 

[Ribz]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...37-lets-talk-flail-mowers-20170617_095709-jpg


Wow, that's impressive. Will my 25A do this?

 

[IslandTractor]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...37-lets-talk-flail-mowers-20170617_095709-jpg


Wow, that's impressive. Will my 25A do this?

Most flails will do that. Here is a Caroni TM1900 pass through similar brush.

 

[shaeff]

Most flails will do that. Here is a Caroni TM1900 pass through similar brush.

IT- What kind of knives are on your flail? Hammers?

 

[IslandTractor]

IT- What kind of knives are on your flail? Hammers?

No. Caroni type B blades. I think of them as side slicers and they are mounted in pairs on a clevis. Caroni calls them "rough cut" blades. Same basically as used on Alamo and other flail mowers.

 

[Fallon]

Most flails will do that. Here is a Caroni TM1900 pass through similar brush.

My 30 year old Ford 917 flail would struggle but probably pull that off as well. At least as long as that brush wasn't to tough. It has the knives instead of hammers as well. My next flail will have hammers instead of knives. Of course my next flail will cost a lot more than $100 too, so I can't complain to hard about my tired iron that keeps on mowing.

 

[shaeff]

No. Caroni type B blades. I think of them as side slicers and they are mounted in pairs on a clevis. Caroni calls them "rough cut" blades. Same basically as used on Alamo and other flail mowers.

Gotcha, I just wanted to make sure it was an apples to apples comparison for Ribz, who has scoop knives. Close enough to call it a direct comparison in my opinion.

Ps- not sure if you noticed, but there's a rather large block of wood wedged into your flail rotor

Haha, sorry, couldn't resist!

 

[IslandTractor]

Gotcha, I just wanted to make sure it was an apples to apples comparison for Ribz, who has scoop knives. Close enough to call it a direct comparison in my opinion.

Ps- not sure if you noticed, but there's a rather large block of wood wedged into your flail rotor

Haha, sorry, couldn't resist!

Block of wood?? You're kidding right? That might explain a few things....

Actually when looking for a photo that showed the knives that was the one that popped up first. I selected it based on a thumbnail and didn't see the block until I posted. Still, it is a good example of how a flail can tolerate hitting junk without damage. I was mowing in thick grass and "captured" a firewood log which promptly stalled the tractor. I took a photo and then removed it by twisting the rotor backwards with the persuader du jour (crowbar as I recall).

This next photo shows a situation that was a bigger pain to deal with and required ten minutes of snipping the hose apart with pliers to resolve in the field. I now carry better snippers in the tool box to deal with such intruders.

 

[PRCWI]

Glad I am not the only one who has hit stuff so bad I stalled the tractor. :laughing:

Worst episode was catching a string of barbed wire and wrapping it up! That took a while to cut off. Wish I had grabbed a pic!

 

[leonz]

Thats OK PCRWI,

You should see all the scars I have from garden hose snakes biting back at me!!

 

[IslandTractor]

Glad I am not the only one who has hit stuff so bad I stalled the tractor. :laughing:

Worst episode was catching a string of barbed wire and wrapping it up! That took a while to cut off. Wish I had grabbed a pic!

I've hit stuff worse than garden hose and firewood. I ran into an unmarked junk car dump at the end of a field and wrapped Lord knows what pieces of sheet metal around the rotor. No damage but I wasn't equipped to remove it in the field.

 

[MainiacMule]

Flail Mower Nation, Greetings and Salutations!

I have read this entire thread, what an informative and enlightening novel! So many folks sharing invaluable info, insight and experience, very helpful. Quick rundown on my situation. I have a Mahindra Max26XL HST and purchased it with a MMM which I quickly realized doesn't fit my needs. I have ~7 acres, and clear between 2-3 of those (the rest wooded) which consists of varying vegetation; average lawn, low pasture, light brush and saplings and pond perimeter growth about half on varying degrees of slope. Based on this thread I believe a flail with knives would work well for me for the majority of my needs. If I need to clear anything larger I will rent a rotary to knock it down and then use the flail to maintain. Here is my question: my dealer gets his non-OEM implements from JS Woodhouse and he is recommending the Sundown FM130 Flail. I cannot find any information on that brand of mowers, some of their other equipment is listed, but not the flails. The 130 has a 51" cut with hydraulic or manual offset and weighs in at 800+lbs. Seems pretty beefy compared to most of the brands/models folks have discussed here of comparable cutting width. I'll try to attach the price list that gives some stats and has a pic of the mower. I asked the dealer for some literature and he told me the distributor said none is available beyond the pricing sheet?! Does anyone have any experience or information on this brand? My mule is rated at 20HP PTO and 2200lb 3pt lift, I have a FEL and rear tires are loaded, so I think I could manage this flail even though its rated for 30HP+. I think ideally I would prefer something a little lighter, 400-500 lbs and rated for lower HP. At any rate, I'm very tentative to purchase this brand w/out more info. Perhaps I should see if he'll take the MMM in trade on another implement (forks or grapple) and go for purchasing a Caroni or Woodmaxx from another dealer, though I was counting on the trade-in allowance to cover some of the cost. Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Shawn

 

[IslandTractor]

Welcome Shawn. I don't know the Sundown brand but they seem like beefy mowers. Not so sure you really need that heavy duty type though. If it were my choice I'd get a quote on the Caroni TL1500 (or better yet TM1500 if they carry it) from Agrisupply. I suspect it will save you quite a bit of cash even with shipping. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Caroni for the tasks you outlined. The equivalent Woodmaxx is probably cheaper too.

Whichever you choose, I agree with your assessment that a flail would be great for your uses.

 

[ericm979]

I think it's the same as this: https://www.shaktimanagro.com/flail-mower/
Its chinese. The prices you're being quoted are in line with the typical EFGC (see betstco for example).
The design is a little different. Looks like there's an actual tensioner for the belts instead of adjusting the top shaft. Some SFMs seem to have rear doors, not sure all have them.

The HP ratings are suspect as they're identical for models of different width.

It's too bad the side shift is only 11.8" in all sizes.

 

[leonz]

NOPE, NOPE, MOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your mule is too light even with the loaded rears for anything more than a 4 foot wide flail mower
your safer with either a four foot Caroni or Vrisimo orchard and vineyard flail mower and no wider !!!!!!.
You can purchase a Caroni 4 foot flail mower from Agrisupply and if you want I can contact Rodney
Barbour who is the manager of their imported equipment lines to call you with a price for one as
well as spare parts-knives, hangers, etc. IF you call Agrisupply ask for Mr. Barbour and tell Rodney
I sent you to him for a 4 foot flail mower.
Or you can purchase a 4 foot cut Vrisimo orchard and vineyard flail mower and have it shipped directly to you from California where they make them. You could also purchase a Maschio Flail Mower from Iowa Farm Equipment.
The second smallest Maschio flail mower model being the Birba 115 with the 45 inch cut would be more than adequate for your mule and its horsepower and they also ship the mower to you.

If your dealer cannot provide you with any more information on this chinese flail mower walk away
you do not want it, do not buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Maschios group has been making farm machinery in Italy just like the Caronis family but they build
flail mowers for orchard and vineyards in their product line with hammer knives which will handle your
mowing with zero issues.

 

[trinculo]

I've spent two days reading most of this thread and have decided to take the plunge on a flail. I have a Kubota L3240 hydro that claims about 26 Hp at the PTO. I would love to get a mower in the 6 -7 foot range to mower a couple 5 acre meadow that have been maintained with a rotary cutter for several years. Large sections of wild flowers I mow every other year and get 4 ft tall more or less. nothing over 1". Not looking for golf course cut, but something smoother than a bush hog would be nice.

I've been looking at the Phoenix SLE 140 and the Caroni 1900. I also found a good deal on a JD 25A used that seems in good condition, question is do I have enough tractor to pull the 7.5' flail.

Any advise is much appreciated.

 

[shaeff]

I've spent two days reading most of this thread and have decided to take the plunge on a flail. I have a Kubota L3240 hydro that claims about 26 Hp at the PTO. I would love to get a mower in the 6 -7 foot range to mower a couple 5 acre meadow that have been maintained with a rotary cutter for several years. Large sections of wild flowers I mow every other year and get 4 ft tall more or less. nothing over 1". Not looking for golf course cut, but something smoother than a bush hog would be nice.

I've been looking at the Phoenix SLE 140 and the Caroni 1900. I also found a good deal on a JD 25A used that seems in good condition, question is do I have enough tractor to pull the 7.5' flail.

Any advise is much appreciated.

A lot of the guys around here will say something along the lines of: "If you can lift it, you can spin it." I'm not sure about the other mowers, but my 25A weighs about 650lbs, give or take. Check the lift capacity of your machine, The "5-foot" rule is just a guideline, and I'd say you're close enough to it to get away with a 6' mower.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've spent two days reading most of this thread and have decided to take the plunge on a flail. I have a Kubota L3240 hydro that claims about 26 Hp at the PTO. I would love to get a mower in the 6 -7 foot range to mower a couple 5 acre meadow that have been maintained with a rotary cutter for several years. Large sections of wild flowers I mow every other year and get 4 ft tall more or less. nothing over 1". Not looking for golf course cut, but something smoother than a bush hog would be nice.

I've been looking at the Phoenix SLE 140 and the Caroni 1900. I also found a good deal on a JD 25A used that seems in good condition, question is do I have enough tractor to pull the 7.5' flail.

Any advise is much appreciated.

My Kioti DK40se has I believe 32-33 PTO horsepower. I mow with my 75" cut Caroni TM1900 generally at about 2100-2200rpm which is less than full 2500 rpm pto 560 speed.

So long as you don't expect to mow thick tall grass and brush at more than a few mph, I think the L3240 will do the job. Just be prepared to run at full PTO power and slow down in the thick stuff. For regularly mowed fields it should be fine.

 

[IslandTractor]

A lot of the guys around here will say something along the lines of: "If you can lift it, you can spin it." I'm not sure about the other mowers, but my 25A weighs about 650lbs, give or take. Check the lift capacity of your machine, The "5-foot" rule is just a guideline, and I'd say you're close enough to it to get away with a 6' mower.

Times 2

 

[MainiacMule]

IslandTractor

Re: Let's talk flail mowers
Welcome Shawn. I don't know the Sundown brand but they seem like beefy mowers. Not so sure you really need that heavy duty type though. If it were my choice I'd get a quote on the Caroni TL1500 (or better yet TM1500 if they carry it) from Agrisupply. I suspect it will save you quite a bit of cash even with shipping. I wouldn't hesitate to use the Caroni for the tasks you outlined. The equivalent Woodmaxx is probably cheaper too.

Whichever you choose, I agree with your assessment that a flail would be great for your uses.

IslandTractor,
Thanks, happy to be a member! I agree, def more than I need, and more than I should attempt to use based on leonz comments

ericm979

Re: Let's talk flail mowers
I think it's the same as this: Flail Mower Shaktiman
Its chinese. The prices you're being quoted are in line with the typical EFGC (see betstco for example).
The design is a little different. Looks like there's an actual tensioner for the belts instead of adjusting the top shaft. Some SFMs seem to have rear doors, not sure all have them.

The HP ratings are suspect as they're identical for models of different width.

It's too bad the side shift is only 11.8" in all sizes.

ericm979,
That does look like a match. Thanks..

leonz



Re: Let's talk flail mowers
NOPE, NOPE, MOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your mule is too light even with the loaded rears for anything more than a 4 foot wide flail mower
your safer with either a four foot Caroni or Vrisimo orchard and vineyard flail mower and no wider !!!!!!.
You can purchase a Caroni 4 foot flail mower from Agrisupply and if you want I can contact Rodney
Barbour who is the manager of their imported equipment lines to call you with a price for one as
well as spare parts-knives, hangers, etc. IF you call Agrisupply ask for Mr. Barbour and tell Rodney
I sent you to him for a 4 foot flail mower.
Or you can purchase a 4 foot cut Vrisimo orchard and vineyard flail mower and have it shipped directly to you from California where they make them. You could also purchase a Maschio Flail Mower from Iowa Farm Equipment.
The second smallest Maschio flail mower model being the Birba 115 with the 45 inch cut would be more than adequate for your mule and its horsepower and they also ship the mower to you.

If your dealer cannot provide you with any more information on this chinese flail mower walk away
you do not want it, do not buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Maschios group has been making farm machinery in Italy just like the Caronis family but they build
flail mowers for orchard and vineyards in their product line with hammer knives which will handle your
mowing with zero issues.

leonz,
Thanks! When I first saw the stats it seemed like it would be too heavy, nearly 1/4 - 1/3 the weight of the tractor with FEL and loaded rears, but I kept seeing 'if you can lift it, you can spin it' so I thought maybe I was being overly concerned. Taking your suggestions and will pass on the Sundown and take a closer look at the three you mentioned and check in with my dealer about MMM tradein on something else. Appreciate the offer to call Mr. Barbour on my behalf. I will touch base after I do a little more research. Thanks again!

Shawn