To Flail or not to Flail

[beppington]

I know the thread is a little old but I was wondering what EastTex Frank found out about a flail in this area. Seems that common wisdom in these parts, where the bahia is almost as strong as steel:laughing: is that flails wont work well. I've read the long and new flail thread and do not see any users in this area. The shortline guy I buy from dosent carry the canroni flail but he does carry their FM. I asked him why and he said you end up with a pretty uneven cut on our grass - seems like most people that like flails are from where there is lush grass not this wirery stuff

Check to see if your local County uses any flails. They might. In any case, here in N Cent FL we get Bahia grass that's wirey & 24"-30" tall, & the Caroni TM1900 mows it great, even when very dense/ thick.

 

[Interlaux]

Bep - no Panola county dosent use or own any flails its either RC or FM, Shelby cant afford or, manage to use either - - I know the Panola County Eng. After I talked to him ..... does the word skeptical mean anything?

 

[doall]

flails were tried by chickasaw county where I live and sent back. But I think they just let it get too out of hand before they mow. But the bush hogs still handle it pretty good.

 

[Builder]

I just cut 8 acres 18-24" field grass with my Alamo flail and it worked, but the blades are SHOT. It broke off and bent over more grass than I'd like it to (probably 20%), but that's from the dull blades.

Ordered 88 new HD blades from Flailmaster yesterday. Should be here by Friday.

I like how the flail is more calm and relaxing to run than a rotary. No crap flying out from under the deck. I do like the rotary better for reaching under trees though.

 

[IslandTractor]

. I do like the rotary better for reaching under trees though.

Yep. I agree although having an offset helps a bit.

 

[Builder]

Yep. I agree although having an offset helps a bit.

I can't use an offset. I mow next to too many fences. I wanted a 8' flail, but now I'm glad I bought an 7'4" flail. It's exactly the width of my rear tires, so as long as I don't rub a fencepost with rear tires, I can't hit it with the flail.:thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

I can't use an offset. I mow next to too many fences. I wanted a 8' flail, but now I'm glad I bought an 7'4" flail. It's exactly the width of my rear tires, so as long as I don't rub a fencepost with rear tires, I can't hit it with the flail.:thumbsup:

Actually the offset makes it easier to mow next to fences IMO. You can get close watching the mower without worrying about front or rear tires snagging fencing or posts. Mine has about 12 inches offset baseline and is adjustable to about 18. I've never extended it as it takes 20 minutes to shift positions mechanically but there is a hydraulic shift kit option that I'd probably get if I had lots of fencing to deal with.

 

[beppington]

I like how the flail is more calm and relaxing to run than a rotary. No crap flying out from under the deck.

Totally agree.

I do like the rotary better for reaching under trees though.

Totally agree.

Yep. I agree although having an offset helps a bit.

Totally agree.

I can't use an offset. I mow next to too many fences. I wanted a 8' flail, but now I'm glad I bought an 7'4" flail. It's exactly the width of my rear tires, so as long as I don't rub a fencepost with rear tires, I can't hit it with the flail.:thumbsup:

Actually the offset makes it easier to mow next to fences IMO. You can get close watching the mower without worrying about front or rear tires snagging fencing or posts. Mine has about 12 inches offset baseline and is adjustable to about 18. I've never extended it as it takes 20 minutes to shift positions mechanically but there is a hydraulic shift kit option that I'd probably get if I had lots of fencing to deal with.

I agree with IslandTractor. When my dad first got his Caroni it was set at the big offset position (~1.5') and that was just too far. Really stuck way out there, kinda scary. But the inner ~12" offset is just right :thumbsup: Lets you mow up against things (fences, trees) without jamming the tractor up against 'em, but doesn't stick waaay out there.

 

[Builder]

Me? I'd rather hit my customers PVC fenceposts with a rubber tire than a chunk of iron. I just keep the front tire 6" off the fence posts and I don't even have to turn around.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess.......it's all good.

 

[Interlaux]

EastTex Frank never replied - There is a guy "near" here that just posted selling his flail for a really good price - I'm still wondering how a flail does on the wiry stuff we call grass around these parts