Flail mowers on a BX

Bearcatrp

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
961
610
93
Minnesota
Any BX owners have a flail mower? Just looking for information on how well it cuts grass. Have used one years ago when I was with MnDot cutting grass on the sides of the highways so know how they function. Just getting tired of removing my deck for winter duties. Have been looking at different models and cost but have no idea who is a good brand to go with if I decide to get one. Getting to old to crawl around on the floor to remove my deck. Appreciate any comments.
 

WI_Hedgehog

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Equipment
BX2370 (impliment details in my Profile->About)
Apr 24, 2024
794
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
A flail mower is not a finish mower, and you'll have run over the grass with the tractor tires twice before mowing, but they work.

I have hammer flails, you'd want the Y-flails, but what you probably want to look into is a 3-point finish mower made in the U.S. (I've worked on Land-Pride equipment and in my opinion the money is better spent on domestic products).
 
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Elliott in GA

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Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Mar 10, 2021
805
808
93
North Georgia
You also may want to consider a rear discharge 3 pt. finish mower; it might be less expensive for the same or better cut (presuming that you are mowing your lawn (which is what your mower deck is usually used for) versus an overgrown field.

I have a Land Pride rotary cutter and a Land Pride finish mower (rear discharge - 60 inch), and it cuts like a lawn mower. It is Quick Hitch compatible - easy on/off. It also is quiet and fully supported by four wheels. The Chinese imports start around $1,500 for a 48 inch mower, and the USA made mowers start around $3,000.

One last thing, I have been surprised by how well my rotary cutter cuts my well kept field even with blades that have some wear and tear from reclaiming several fields (full of tractor hood high weeds, lots of small privet, 8 foot high multiflora rose hedges and the expected rocks, fallen limbs and etc.).
 

Bearcatrp

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
961
610
93
Minnesota
I live out in the country so do have a field road to cut, but the belly mower does a good job on it. Appreciate your responses.
 

D2Cat

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
14,523
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40 miles south of Kansas City
As mentioned a flail mower is not a finish mower. I think he was insinuating a flail will leave a cut not comparable to a finish mower, not sure, only guessing.

My experience is a flail mower ( have "Y" flails on mine) and I can cut grass/weeds etc. and when run over one time it looks like it was cut with a Lawn boy push mower. I have a 5', 6' and 7'. bought the all used, but they are fairly simple to work on. If flails are in good condition, gearbox and belts work, it'll cut. Here's the 5 footer.

Ford flail mower 006.jpg
Ford flail mower 010.jpg
 
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Bearcatrp

Well-known member

Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
961
610
93
Minnesota
Would think if going slow enough, the cut would be fairly similar to a belly mower, but don't know. Something to ponder while I research a bit more. If I do decide to get one, what is a good brand? This one isn't to bad for the price but I believe this is china stuff.