Need help picking flail mower

[Gl Dansk]

I have looked through loads of discussions about flail mowers - yet not been able to find the one I saw about 2-5 months ago where I finally felt I decided what to get. So, back to the beginning:

I have a Branson 3520h - so 35hp on a “large garden tractor”. I need to “maintain” about 10-20 acres of mostly manzanita and weeds in fairly hilly terrain about once a year.

I think a 60” is about as large as it can take - and I’m ok with spending a little extra time, if needed to keep things within my tractors power range.

I really want something that’s going to last - but that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s not professional use, it’s purely fire prevention around our house.

The closest dealer if any kind is over an hour away.

Any suggestions?

 

[RjCorazza]

I think your machine can handle at least a 72" flail. I run a 60" ditch bank flail and am limited to that size due to the offset weight of an articulating flail.
I'm in the "buy once, cry once" crowd, so I bought a quality DelMorino and it definitely lives up to its reputation.
When I was shopping, the only less expensive flail that caught my attention was from IronCraft (formerly Titan, but not to be confused with the current Titan company which is a Chinese company that stole their name). Based upon problems and complaints I read about the other Chinese manufacturers, I would not recommend them unless you are able and willing to make significant repairs practically from the start.

 

[leonz]

I have looked through loads of discussions about flail mowers - yet not been able to find the one I saw about 2-5 months ago where I finally felt I decided what to get. So, back to the beginning:

I have a Branson 3520h - so 35hp on a “large garden tractor”. I need to “maintain” about 10-20 acres of mostly manzanita and weeds in fairly hilly terrain about once a year.

I think a 60” is about as large as it can take - and I’m ok with spending a little extra time, if needed to keep things within my tractors power range.

I really want something that’s going to last - but that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s not professional use, it’s purely fire prevention around our house.

The closest dealer if any kind is over an hour away.

Any suggestions?

Your purchasing decision going to depend strictly on your wallet.

Are you mowing 10 or 20 acres?

Your mule has a "claimed" 29 PTO horsepower

Your shredding needs will require an orchard and vineyard flail shredder with
heavy side slicer knives and a heavy construction.

Mowing once a year is doable but you are going to spend a
great deal of time mowing because of the growth and to manage
scrub for the desired fire control needs you will have to recut
and recut and recut to get it down to a 2 inch height.

DO NOT EXPECT a small flail mower to last and work well UNLESS
you are willing to spend good money on a US Made Minimax, John Deere,
or the Italian made Maschio or Del Morino flail mowers, period.

If you are serious about mowing "only" once a year in scrub like that you will be
better off buying an 8 foot minimax flail shredder and renting a row crop
tractor for a few days as your mule is not big enough for the desired workload.

 

[scootr]

Your tractor has a claimed 29 hp at the PTO and a width of 65-71". Make sure the tractor meets or exceeds the manufacture's required horsepower for any particular mower.

 

[RayIN]

Both flail mower and tractors can be rented from companies such as US Rental and others.
If you plan to mulch down your property one once a year, rental is much more logical IMO. Some places rent a 60HP tractor for $2,000/week, or daily rate of $500. 5' flail mowers are also rented out for $600/week.
IMO that's much better than buying a suitable tractor and flail mower for $40,000 and up for use once yearly.

 

[Seven Gables]

I have looked through loads of discussions about flail mowers - yet not been able to find the one I saw about 2-5 months ago where I finally felt I decided what to get. So, back to the beginning:

I have a Branson 3520h - so 35hp on a “large garden tractor”. I need to “maintain” about 10-20 acres of mostly manzanita and weeds in fairly hilly terrain about once a year.

I think a 60” is about as large as it can take - and I’m ok with spending a little extra time, if needed to keep things within my tractors power range.

I really want something that’s going to last - but that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s not professional use, it’s purely fire prevention around our house.

The closest dealer if any kind is over an hour away.

Any suggestions?

I’d suggest taking a look at the Rears line of flail mowers, they make a big selection of flail mowers and heavier duty shredders . All are top quality and built to last . I think their SPF line would fit the bill for your uses and tractor size . About 6 models in that series, one of which is a 60” and also a 72”. Made in Eugene Oregon. I’ve had one of there heavy duty shredders for probably 20 years that’s used to grind orchard prunings up to 4” diameter, in all those years it’s not needed any parts replaced, just keep it well greased.

 

[scootr]

I bought a cheap Bestco 7ft flail for my 50 h tractor probably 7 yrs ago. Just ran it yesterday. First mowing of the season. Weeds and grass already 2 ft tall...I'm usually mowing 10-15 acres a few times a yr. Nothing serious so it has met my needs.

 

[Gl Dansk]

Thank you all for your feedback and input. Decided to go with the Bestco as price and features fits perfect.

And based on feedback, I might need to mow more than once a year it looks like.

 

[scootr]

Thank you all for your feedback and input. Decided to go with the Bestco as price and features fits perfect.

And based on feedback, I might need to mow more than once a year it looks like.

I mow a few times a year. It keeps the fire danger lower, looks nicer, and I get a better cut. When buying your first flail mower buy a set of replacement belts. Everybody runs the mower too low and burns the belts up cutting the ground...I know I did. So now I keep a spare set on hand. It suks to be in the middle of a cut and you are waiting for UPS to bring belts...
Also, I use a spray on belt dressing whenever I grease the mower. Helps avoid the above problem. My 7' bestco has worked well for the money.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I mow a few times a year. It keeps the fire danger lower, looks nicer, and I get a better cut. When buying your first flail mower buy a set of replacement belts. Everybody runs the mower too low and burns the belts up cutting the ground...I know I did. So now I keep a spare set on hand. It suks to be in the middle of a cut and you are waiting for UPS to bring belts...
Also, I use a spray on belt dressing whenever I grease the mower. Helps avoid the above problem. My 7' bestco has worked well for the money.

I bought the Bestco flail mower as well. LOL I also made the rookie mistake of trying to cut too low on first cut. Hay/grass wrapped around the drum and burned out the 3 belt system. Like scootr, I purchased extra belts, and by mistake, they sent another set of belts. Lesson learned, so I'm sure the belt life will be extended over originals.
What I really like is the metal crate they ship in. I use mine to set the flail mower on top of for convenient storage. Take off/put on with forks. Store my stump grinder underneath it.