Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[metalbender]

A color change on the mount and it's the same mower as I have. My 1742 is around the 4000 lb mark, can feel it on the swing for sure, not anywhere near sketchy though. On a much lighter tractor, some prudence is in order. Slow and careful is the key. Worst case scenario if it starts to tip, the mower would act as an outrigger. Once parameters are established, a counterweight off the left side might be required to give some peace of mind.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I really appreciate the real-world cautions and suggestions. Will take all into account.

On restrictors, there was a slightly more expensive version of the mower, that I wanted to buy, but was sold out. It advertised "control valve for smooth operation", which sounds like a restrictor to me. I think I better do that up front.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I really appreciate the real-world cautions and suggestions. Will take all into account.

On restrictors, there was a slightly more expensive version of the mower, that I wanted to buy, but was sold out. It advertised "control valve for smooth operation", which sounds like a restrictor to me. I think I better do that up front.

You can use an in-line flow control valve to make movement "smoother".

Adjustable Line Throttle Valve

This one is 3/8" but they're available in 1/4" and 1/2" threads also.

 

[retiredfarmer]

No vibration running the pto and drive pulley.

I need to find a place around Indy or Louisville KY to have the rotor balanced.

I called a drive shaft balancer on L-ville who relayed they could only balance shafts with u-joints.

RF

 

[downsizingnow48]

You can use an in-line flow control valve to make movement "smoother".

Adjustable Line Throttle Valve

This one is 3/8" but they're available in 1/4" and 1/2" threads also.

Yes thanks, I looked them up on Surplus Center last night and found something similar. That seems to be the most suitable valve. I think I will mount them on the tractor rather than the implement, then they will be available for other things like the top and tilt setup.

I looked at Agrisupply for comparison. Found out that for the time being Agrisupply is not selling to California because of the Prop 65 warning requirement (substances known to cause cancer). Their website says they are working with their suppliers to get in compliance,

Everything sold in CA I guess from bootlaces to locomotives needs Prop 65 compliance. Every public place has a disclaimer on the front door. All to prevent bounty hunter lawyers from suing you out of business. The warnings are everywhere and therefore completely meaningless, people do not even notice them anymore.

 

[ericm979]

Those valves are common. I have a one way one like was shown above on my loader's dump circuit to reduce bucket flop. You might want a two way one for your application. I.e. 1/4 NPT 5 GPM Prince WNV-4 Needle Valve | Flow Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Discount hydraulics, surpluscenter, even amazon will carry them.

AgriSupply has nice stuff but their shipping to CA is expensive. I agree the prop 65 thing is overboard now.

 

[jonsstihl]

one thing to note also is that it would be pretty much required to have one rear remote with float function with those swinging ditch bank mowers so that the mower would follow the contour of the ground.

 

[leonz]

No vibration running the pto and drive pulley.

I need to find a place around Indy or Louisville KY to have the rotor balanced.

I called a drive shaft balancer on L-ville who relayed they could only balance shafts with u-joints.

RF

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Hello Retired Farmer,

Please do not yell but you need to find a maintenance shop that balances steam turbine rotors if the local shop is not willing to do the job for you.

Their statement to you is surprising only because those machines can spin up to the 2,200 RPM+ for drive shafts needed to balance them.

If you call your local utility and ask who they hire to balance their steam turbine rotors you can have it done there.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Those valves are common. I have a one way one like was shown above on my loader's dump circuit to reduce bucket flop. You might want a two way one for your application. I.e. 1/4 NPT 5 GPM Prince WNV-4 Needle Valve | Flow Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Discount hydraulics, surpluscenter, even amazon will carry them.

AgriSupply has nice stuff but their shipping to CA is expensive. I agree the prop 65 thing is overboard now.

Thx for the note. I had not noticed the one-way vs two-way difference.

 

[downsizingnow48]

one thing to note also is that it would be pretty much required to have one rear remote with float function with those swinging ditch bank mowers so that the mower would follow the contour of the ground.

Yes because I installed this valve set for top and tilt they all have float so am OK on that.

 

[powerscol]

Yes because I installed this valve set for top and tilt they all have float so am OK on that.

Float is not really needed with a swing arm mower. You set the top link as you would with any equipment and then set your 3 point height so mower has working room up or down. (watch your drive line angle) If you have the float you can use it on the mower head, but I fond that is not really necessary.

Hope this helps

One should also read the operation manual before purchase to better understand how you tractor needs to be set up.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Float is not really needed with a swing arm mower. You set the top link as you would with any equipment and then set your 3 point height so mower has working room up o down. (watch you drive line angle) If you have the float you can use it on the mower head, but I fond that is not really necessary.

Hope this helps

One should also read the operation manual before purchase to better understand how you tractor needs to be set up.

I agree with that, one of the great things about the internet is that operating manuals can usually be found and read in advance, providing info not found in the marketing material. Not all product manuals are useful but this one is pretty good. They recommend float on the pivot cyl (p10).

http://betstco.com/Betstco_Manuals/FH-AGLmanual.pdf

 

[downsizingnow48]

Amazing. I ordered the mower from Betst yesterday morning. It was shipped last night. I just got notification it is at the Fedex terminal in Sacramento ready for me to pick up.

 

[sodamo]

Picked up my new FH FMC155 from freight office Friday. Took a bit longer to get to Hawaii, bought on Mar 13.

This is my 3rd flail from Betstco. Somewhere in this thread is story of my catching 1st one on large root and racking mower. Sold it at decent price to a guy that would fix and resell.
My 2nd was the 195 with hydraulic offset. Nice, but I kept getting in trouble with wife with the edges digging in our less that flat and level property. Sold that one with my DX35 tractor last month and got the 155 in hopes going back to shorter length will keep me out of doghouse.
Got about 2 hours use so far.

 

[def38]

==========================================================================================


Hello Retired Farmer,

Please do not yell but you need to find a maintenance shop that balances steam turbine rotors if the local shop is not willing to do the job for you.

Their statement to you is surprising only because those machines can spin up to the 2,200 RPM+ for drive shafts needed to balance them.

If you call your local utility and ask who they hire to balance their steam turbine rotors you can have it done there.

This might help...

Dynamic Balancing Services

 

[Lnk]

Ran my 9' dandl today to cut my back field. Man I missed mowing. Gonna let it grow out and hay it when it gets tall enough. Looking forward to making hay.

 

[hillsandtrees]

I didn't find the answer in 576 prior pages, so I'll just put a new post here:

I have a few acres of grassy/shrubby terrain that I need to knock down once a year or so. Mostly grass, some small saplings. I have a BX2671 with the 60in belly mower that I use for the lawn, but its not the right tool for for the rougher areas. I have no plans to change to anything bigger than the BX, so anything that involves a JD550 dozer or new tractor is out. So a flail with hammer blades sounds like the right tool for the job.

From reading up on this, it looks like the biggest thing the BX can lift and spin is a 48in flail. So, I am trying to get some comments on the available small flail mowers. So far I have found:

Caroni TL1200 (47in, 463lb)

Caroni 47 Inch Flail Mower-Flail Mower | Agri Supply 53412

Woodmax FM54 (50in, 410lb)

Flail Mowers for Sale | FM-62 Flail Mower | Flail Mower 62" | Finish mower - WoodMaxx

(yes, I know, 50 is greater than 48, but same ballpark. Oh, and their tags are off, it links to the 54in unit, not the 62 )

Betsco FH-EF125 'standard duty' (48in, 417lb)

48" Standard Duty Flail Mower, FH-EF125 |
(they say grass only for applications)

Betstco FH-EFG125 'medium duty' (48in, 515in)

48" Medium Duty Flail Mower, FH-EFG125 |
(they say 'up to 2in')

Betstco FH-EFGC125 'heavy duty' (48in, 600lb)

48" Heavy Duty Flail Mower, FH-EFGC125 |

Titan 48in 3-point with side-shift (48in, 593lb)

https://www.palletforks.com/three-p...nt-flail-mower-with-hydraulic-side-shift.html
(don't have a hydraulic circuit, but that can be added)

Landpride FM2548 (48in, 780lb)

https://www.landpride.com/products/910/fm25-series-flail-mowers

Gearmore (lots of different versions) GML-49SH (49in, 660lbs)

http://www.gearmore.com/gearmore/orderportal/catalog_presentation/by_group/0/89/0/0/0/0/0


Different price points, different weights, different countries of origin, obvious quality differences in the workmanship. Anyone have experience with one of those units on a 25hp BX2671 ? I dont know what is realistic to lift with the BX three-point. I will probably use the FEL for a counterweight, but there is so much the thing can lift. I doubt I would even get the Landpride off the ground.

 

[whirly]

Your BX2671 can lift 670# @ 24" which is where the flail will be.

Once or twice a year and 2" scrub brush is just right for the medium duty from anyone of the vendors.

 

[aczlan]

Your BX2671 can lift 670# @ 24" which is where the flail will be.

Once or twice a year and 2" scrub brush is just right for the medium duty from anyone of the vendors.

And you probably have just enough horsepower to run a 5' flail as long as you are not cutting a lot of dense grass, or are willing to slow down or take smaller bites in the heavy stuff...
That will help you not need to get as close to things and make your life a little easier.

Aaron Z

 

[LouieJunior]

Has there been any debate here about changing Caroni knives using M10x75 bolts?
The slightly shorter size would still be long enough to catch the locknut and save a lot of wrenching.
Just curious - I am about to change knives again this spring.

Metric hex bolts, Zinc plated class 8.8 steel, 1mm x 1.5mm x 75mm - Bolt Depot