Flail mowers on a BX

Bearcatrp

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Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
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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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BX2370 (impliment details in my Profile->About)
Apr 24, 2024
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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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LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Mar 10, 2021
806
814
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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.).
 
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Bearcatrp

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Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
963
616
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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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
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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 them 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

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Equipment
BX1880 with loader, mower and 3 point
Mar 28, 2023
963
616
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.
 

Elliott in GA

Well-known member

Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
Mar 10, 2021
806
814
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North Georgia
A little pricey. Made in the USA?
Italy - many of the smaller, high quality flails are made in Europe.

Again, a 3 pt. finish mower will do anything and more (rear discharge) that your mower deck can do. Also, much less complex (easy to work on) and simple to use (set height and drag around).

Good luck with your search.
 
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imarobot

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5740HSTC-3, FDR2584 Finish Mower, BH92 Backhoe, L2195A Snowblower, LA854 FEL, +
Apr 18, 2025
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NH
I have a finish mower for my front lawn (to keep it pretty) and a flail mower with hammers not Y blades for my fields out back (to keep it cut).
Even with the hammers the flail does a decent job, but it ain't no finish mower. The thing I like about it cutting tall grass is that it mulches.
No experience with Y blades, so I can't compare them to a finish mower.
 
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D2Cat

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Lifetime Member

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L305DT, B7100HST, TG1860, TG1860D, L4240
Mar 27, 2014
14,525
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40 miles south of Kansas City
I have a finish mower for my front lawn (to keep it pretty) and a flail mower with hammers not Y blades for my fields out back (to keep it cut).
Even with the hammers the flail does a decent job, but it ain't no finish mower. The thing I like about it cutting tall grass is that it mulches.
No experience with Y blades, so I can't compare them to a finish mower.
What I have noticed (you mentioned cutting tall grass is that it mulches) when I cut with the flail the cows will be right in there eating even if there was a fair amount of weeds. It's like birds working a field that is being plowed. I think it is because everything is chopped up and mixed together.