Some Flexwing 15' mower questions....

Richard · Oct 18, 2020

I'm currently using an old 15' Terrain King (now owned by Alamo) hydraulic mower (no shafts, exposed moving parts other than blades) Does a nice job and leaves a nice looking field.

Been noodling over the idea of getting a newer (used) flexwing. The Rhino 4150 has caught my eye. I like the designs with the smooth deck and I much prefer a heavier duty...and, since I've got the choice on my tractor, I'd get a 1,000 pto version.

When you flip these specific units over, they don't have a traditional round stump jumper but one more shaped like a bow-tie.

I've got to presume that in my world, this is worrying about splitting hairs of concern because I'm cutting known fields and not trying to chop down Sherwood Forrest.

That said.... is the jumper on these more of a marketing gimmick or, are there any engineering benefits to the different shape? As I recall after watching one of their (sales) videos, part of the logic was this would also help pulverize a sapling which the blades would then dice up.

Now...compare that idea with one of the same sized Schulte's that can wield DOUBLE chopper blades.... they have a traditional round stump jumper but now can attach four blades per section, allowing (I suppose) "double the cutting action" Since I'm NOT cutting/chopping corn stubble but DO cut when the fields are waist high, would double blades create extra drag that a single would not cause? Would they dice things up better than the single blade?

I'm one of those 'analyzer type' who always digs into something, does research and slices something from different angles prior to any purchase (which right now, is only a contemplation!)

So am curious as to thoughts of above.

ovrszd · Oct 18, 2020

My JD cutter uses round pans. Don't have any experience with oval or other shapes to offer.

I use 1000rpm. Requires less tractor HP to perform similar tasks.

Any changes to blades that results in a better cut will require more HP.

I mow 1 1/4 mile of road banks. I do that with the cutter set very low so I get a pretty cut.

I mow my CRP with the cutter as high as I can lift it.

Mowing the road banks requires a lot more HP which results in a slower ground speed.

Hay Dude · Oct 18, 2020

My CX-15's have pans and I wouldnt mow without them. They also help with bottoming out on ground hog holes and ditches. Better option than bottoming out blades. Also, is there a possibility you take on new customers with unknown field conditions? Then youll want them
I agree with your notion that 4 blades might get bogged down in heavy wet stuff. If 2 blades work in your application, then why mess with success.

Richard · Oct 19, 2020

Two blades do work however, when I cut the fields I always wonder if things are getting mulched up as well as they could. Since I tend to cut the fields when they are about waist height, a lot of ripping and laying over happens. That's why I was wondering about the double blades.

Now....to be open/honest, I could probably slap a new pair of blades on this mower and substantially increase the quality of my cut. They're dull but still "squared" shape (not worn down looking like a paring knife)

I'd love to cut the fields more often (I like the place to look fairly well manicured) but time/fuel costs.... projects from the wife..... all pull me away from that.

leonz · Oct 19, 2020

Richard said:
I'm currently using an old 15' Terrain King (now owned by Alamo) hydraulic mower (no shafts, exposed moving parts other than blades) Does a nice job and leaves a nice looking field.

Been noodling over the idea of getting a newer (used) flexwing. The Rhino 4150 has caught my eye. I like the designs with the smooth deck and I much prefer a heavier duty...and, since I've got the choice on my tractor, I'd get a 1,000 pto version.

When you flip these specific units over, they don't have a traditional round stump jumper but one more shaped like a bow-tie.

I've got to presume that in my world, this is worrying about splitting hairs of concern because I'm cutting known fields and not trying to chop down Sherwood Forrest.

That said.... is the jumper on these more of a marketing gimmick or, are there any engineering benefits to the different shape? As I recall after watching one of their (sales) videos, part of the logic was this would also help pulverize a sapling which the blades would then dice up.

Now...compare that idea with one of the same sized Schulte's that can wield DOUBLE chopper blades.... they have a traditional round stump jumper but now can attach four blades per section, allowing (I suppose) "double the cutting action" Since I'm NOT cutting/chopping corn stubble but DO cut when the fields are waist high, would double blades create extra drag that a single would not cause? Would they dice things up better than the single blade?

I'm one of those 'analyzer type' who always digs into something, does research and slices something from different angles prior to any purchase (which right now, is only a contemplation!)

So am curious as to thoughts of above.

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Good morning Richard,

Perhaps a flex wing folding flail crop shredder may be a better option for you. It has a spiral hammer knife configuration on the flail mower rotor.
I have provided a link to a youtube video you could look at if you wish.

Flail mower INO Bre枴ce TRIPLEX 8?? mulching sunflover - YouTube

Another option would be the Hiniker 15 foot flail crop shredder that can be mounted on the three point hitch or towed and it can also be towed on the road with a hitch mounted on the end of the flail mower it is also equipped with road legal rear lights.

The Hiniker units do not fold but the added advantage of easily changing over to being road legal has much in its favor..

agriculture.hiniker.com/1700-shreddder/

workinonit · Oct 19, 2020

My JD 609 bush hog has the bow tie jumper. I don't jump a lot of stumps but it has been helpful when I've hit rocks and such the few times I have. I've never pulled a batwing bush hog but I do pull a batwing Frontier 20 foot FM.

Hay Dude · Oct 19, 2020

Richard said:
Two blades do work however, when I cut the fields I always wonder if things are getting mulched up as well as they could. Since I tend to cut the fields when they are about waist height, a lot of ripping and laying over happens. That's why I was wondering about the double blades.

Now....to be open/honest, I could probably slap a new pair of blades on this mower and substantially increase the quality of my cut. They're dull but still "squared" shape (not worn down looking like a paring knife)

I'd love to cut the fields more often (I like the place to look fairly well manicured) but time/fuel costs.... projects from the wife..... all pull me away from that.

I think you just answered your question(s). Slap a new set of blades on (or sharpen the ones you have professionally) and prepare to be amazed at the increase in cut quality.
If you brought in a new CX-15 and cut your field, it would probably look darn near like a lawn with extra clippings, IF you cut on a dry day at waist height.

ovrszd · Oct 19, 2020

I think cut quality, cut height and ground speed are tightly connected. My old cutter with super dull blades does a great job low and slow.

RickB · Oct 19, 2020

Just about the worst enemy to cut quality is having the outer 2-3" of blade rounded off from wear or impacts. You can do a better job with dull blades with a square end than sharp blades with rounded off ends.