Flail Mower Oversized flail for undersized tractor ok?

[Aquamoose]

I’ve got an opportunity to buy a flail mower that’s just wide enough to cover the width of the tractor but what worries me is the pto requirements which is more than my Branson’s rated for. Flail is 40-60 hp and my Branson is a 35 (29 at the pto). It’s also a hydraulic side shift.

Is it still possible to use this flail if I don’t rush through jobs? I’d hate to miss out on this flail which is just the right width that I’m looking for AND is affordable AND is available.

 

[ptsg]

It will work just fine. Probably won't be able to cut very dense stuff without bogging but just go a little bit slower and it should take care of it. It may surprise you as well and take a lot bigger cuts than expected. All depends on what's being cut.

EDIT: Also, side shift implements (flail, rotary cutters, tillers, etc) tend to have an higher HP requirement mostly related to the extra weight of the implement, specially the offset weight. Just a way to try to prevent people from running a implement to big and heavy on a small tractor and then flip it tractor on the side when shifting all that weight to the side.

 

[leonz]

You can operate the flail mower as long as you have a slow travel speed and keep the engine RPM at the 540 RPM PTO speed.
If you have heavy brush just slow down and either back into it and then drive forward to knock it down or just slow down to crawler gear and listen to the radio if you have one.

 

[Doughknob]

You can always sell it for more than u paid, in today’s economy too!!

 

[diesel85]

I run a 62" 650lb flail mower on a BX2200, which is only 22 HP engine, and like 18 HP PTO. A few weeks ago I had to help a neighbor mow down 3' tall grasses on a 2 acre plot. The machine didn't even flinch. Didn't even open the rear hatch. Did a wonderful job at mulching up the grasses. I did it in L gear, but full bore on the treadle, so like ~4 mph. Plenty fast enough. I got it done in about 1 hour or so, barring any restroom breaks...

I also use it to mow my lawn occasionally as I bought it with the Y grass knives. Again, does a fantastic job that even my MMM rotary mower can't compete with. I can make my lawn look like a professional baseball field with the striping too, more so if I do cris-crossing patterns.

Generally speaking, if it will lift it, it will turn it just fine. Also, having a higher HP machine is fine and dandy, but it really puts more wear on the flail mower.

I love my flail mower.

As leonz said, slow down and take your time... Or as I like to say -- enjoy your flail mower!!

 

[3Ts]

As long as your tractor can lift it, you can run it.

I have 2 implements that are supposed to be to big for my tractor, but I run them just fine. The biggest problem is the weight, the tractor is old and it struggles to lift them. The tractor PTO is 19HP and the implement calls for 30 to 50 HP. Just pay attention to how it's "feeding" and adjust your speed accordingly.

 

[Tinhack]

Oh yea! I'd snap that up in and instant--If I had the money. As already mentioned, it should work fine but slightly limited in cutting power. Don't try to mulch tree trunks with it.

 

[oosik]

Aquamoose - how DO you find these things. I've looked for 30+ years and CAN NOT find any used implements. Everything I own was purchased new. BTW - did you buy the flail????

 

[Aquamoose]

Aquamoose - how DO you find these things. I've looked for 30+ years and CAN NOT find any used implements. Everything I own was purchased new. BTW - did you buy the flail????

Just constantly searching. One came up and unfortunately, it’s gonna be a long 7 hour drive one way this Friday. Yes, I “bought” it. Guy wouldn’t take a deposit, an old school virtual handshake was good enough for him. I’ve been searching & waiting for over two years. I have a commercial (rental grade) 4 ft self powered flail with knives I got years back (for the ATV before I had the tractor) but it’s difficult to mow in the underbrush so that’s gonna be put up for sale.

Just can’t wait!

 

[Aquamoose]

SUPER grateful for your input! If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have bought it but now you’ve gave me reassurances (and good tips!). Gonna get it Friday and will post pics!

 

[oosik]

That's good to hear - Aquamoose. Maybe - one of these days. I could use a five foot, heavy duty flail - like a Rhino TW35. But not at the price of a brand new one.

 

[Fallon]

7' flail on a 5' wide 32hp, 25hp PTO tractor... if you can lift it, you can spin it. May have to go slow or half width passes. I prefer going wide & slow to fast bouncy rough passes.

 

[Aquamoose]

Had a fun day on Friday fetching this fantastic flail that fits my finicky budget! I was surprised how well built this Victory mower is and it’s definitely got some thick steel. It’s 70” wide which I like. The seller ran it for me on his tractor and I was happy that there was no issues. I’ve yet to check the fluid and the condition of the belts. From its appearance, it looks like it was lightly, and seldom, used. It won’t be for another week before I get to test it out. I’m swamped with work and a project I’m doing behind the shop.

Oh and guess what. While at a service station getting gas & a drink, Woodmax notified me that the mower I was on the waiting list for TWO YEARS is now in stock! Go figure! I think I’ll be happy with this one as they don’t make a flail in the 70” range, not 62” or 78”.

Again, a big THANK YOU to each of you for your advice!

 

[ptsg]

That's a nice unit! The Branson won't have any issues with it at all.

Where are these Victor implements made? Those are awfull similar to some Italian made implements we have here.

 

[K5lwq]

Very nice! I have been very happy with my Victory embankment mower. I have had it for two years now and it has served me well. Mine is 64” and my Branson has not had any issues handling the mower.

Ptsg, they are made in China. They are sold here in California.

 

[oosik]

Good grief Aquamoose - that unit looks to be brand new. Good on you! Be sure to let us know how it works.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I’ve got an opportunity to buy a flail mower that’s just wide enough to cover the width of the tractor but what worries me is the pto requirements which is more than my Branson’s rated for. Flail is 40-60 hp and my Branson is a 35 (29 at the pto). It’s also a hydraulic side shift.

Is it still possible to use this flail if I don’t rush through jobs? I’d hate to miss out on this flail which is just the right width that I’m looking for AND is affordable AND is available.

I ran an 8' flail with my 30 horse tractor for years.

 

[diesel85]

My BX2200 with the Woodmaxx 62" FM62 Flail Mower back when I got it brand new in 2017. Has quite a bit of use since then on this machine. Lifts (as you can see in the pic) and turns it just fine. I find it more efficient cutting than the MMM with it's Y grass knives. Does a fantastic job and I find that it fits this machine just right.

 

[Aquamoose]

Good grief Aquamoose - that unit looks to be brand new. Good on you! Be sure to let us know how it works.

It looks barely used, maybe 5 times? I’ll definitely will report back but still haven’t got the chance yet so it’s still sitting in the same spot. Just overwhelmed with work and got a buddy who’s restoring his Jeep in my shop so I couldn’t take off & roll away the backhoe. And now it’s getting very warm.

I’m itching to repaint it Branson red. I’m not fond of the JD colors.

 

[oosik]

Work - UGGGG! I've been retired for so long - I, long ago, forgot what work is. For a really long time - it's been PROJECTS. Unfinished projects - in and around the property.