Thinking about a flail mower but wonder if it is worth it for my application

[PeteN]

I've been using my rotary bush hog mower for over 20 years and I mainly mow rolling pasture areas. I also have found it valuable in brushing out some smaller stuff but most of the time it is more grassy and weedy areas. I was thinking about getting a flail mower, not so much for it's ability to cut shorter, but I thought the versions that can be shifted to the side would be a nice feature. Never used a flail mower so am I to understand that you let the flail on the 3pt float and set the height of the cut by the rollers in the back? I believe that would work well on flat areas but wonder how it works on rougher terrain or in hilly areas. I've read through a lot of flail mower threads and I'm beginning to think I should just stay with the rotary cutter.

 

[John0829]

My advise is if you have a lot of hilly, rough or undulating terrain then stay with the rotary cutter. I have tried everything with mine and no matter how they are setup they will leave places uncut such as when you top a rise or shave the ground when your tires go into a low place in the ground. Plus to get the same quality of cut I have found it is necessary to go at about half the speed I can with a rotary or it takes two passes over the same ground.

I like the flail cutters for the safety of not throwing things and find it is great for mowing the sides of the road the county does not seem to have time for but IMHO they are best suited for flat or reasonably flat ground

 

[ruffdog]

I wonder if a flail needs to go slower but at least you don't get all the wind rows and uncut rows that the tires pushed down? Just like the OP, I'm sure looking for something that is a rough-cut mower that does better than a rotary cutter.

 

[leonz]

I wonder if a flail needs to go slower but at least you don't get all the wind rows and uncut rows that the tires pushed down? Just like the OP, I'm sure looking for something that is a rough-cut mower that does better than a rotary cutter.

Hello Ruffdog,

I have written extensively on the forum about selecting the right flail mower
in many posts when folks need help selecting a flail mower.
Please send me a PM so I can help you with your purchasing decision.

 

[oosik]

I've used my JD 570 riding mower to cut my brush. This brush is called Buck brush. Two feet high - 1/4 inch stem diameter. Thick as the hair on a dogs back. It goes slow but does a good job.

 

[diesel85]

I run a Woodmaxx 62" flail mower on my BX2200. Last year I mowed ~5 acres of field that had 3-4' grasses. I left the rear hatch open, but the machine tackled it no problem in low gear pedal to the floorboard. No windrows using the Y grass knives.

My Woodmaxx has a fixed and float position on the hitch setup. I always use the float to "shave" the ground.

I just had it out again a few days ago to do some light mowing, and that machine does a heck of a job.

I might reverse the knives next year depending on how much more mowing I do. I want to make sure they get even wear.

Can say that after using rotary brush cutters (brush hogs) for a long time when doing farm work, the flail is a better machine for mowing grass that is just too much for a finish mower. While still being able to attack to small 1/2" or less saplings and deal with debris like rocks, garbage, and other stuff.

I'll elect to mow my lawn with it a few times a year. I set it down nice and low and have at it. Does a great striping job and leave practically no clippings.

It's a versatile implement in my mind.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Congratulations on being able to start a thread, others can’t for some reason. Maybe TBN glitch.
Anyone use a pull type rotary mower? Vs 3 pt one.

 

[Smokeydog]

Trying too to find the best rough cut mower. Have 50+ years using rotary cutters. This year trying a used Alamo shd74 with twin rear caster wheels. Thinking the larger wheels will help on our rough, hillside farm. Already impressed with cut quality. See how it handles 6’ high fall cutting.

Flail mowers seem to have more options to consider for different applications. We tried a smaller flail mower to replace a finish mower that didn’t work out.

 

[Oakfield1862]

I am also on the hunt for a flail mower. I want a hydraulic offset flail. They are made in Italy, China, or Germany (but German ones are not available in the US yet - brand is MUTHING).

It is tough to find one in stock.

 

[workinonit]

I don't see the hydro 3 PH mowers. Muthing is available in the US.