I've been using a 54" flail behind our B2650. Cleared several acres of heavy overgrowth with it, grass / brush about 5' tall and saplings up to 2" diameter without too much trouble. I have the "hammers" on mine, figured the cutting blades would not hold up too well given our property. A couple passes in different directions and all that's left is a fine mulch on the ground. Worked great for clearing a spot for our home.
We had a 7ft flail mower years ago and did a lot of cutting with it. Once you got the grass cut to the height you wanted it the mower could give close to lawn mower results as long as the grass didn't get too long.
Hi Tim when my 1026r was delivered Jd had installed two outlets on the back of the tractor. This has been very useful for my trailer and hydraulic grass collector. I still have my mid hydraulic connections.
I have never ran a flail mower or even seen one up close, I thought they were only for mowing lawns. The mower handled the field grass without and problems, and I especially liked how the offset worked when you mowed along the ditch, I have the same situation here, the offset feature definitely would make mowing the ditches I mow a lot safer job. Good video Tim, you did a great job showing and explaining the mower's features to us, and I learned something about Flail mowers. Thanks. 🙋♂️
Cesare augusto: Sicily was concurred by *_"The Moors."_* And *_"The Moors"_* were black. Who screwed your women *SO MUCH.* How much? *WAY TOO MUCH* They should probably change their names from Moor to Much. So much...….That's how your skin got dark. (look it up) Most Sicilians don't realize, or not want to admit. But there's Moor Black Blood pumping through your veins right now. Hello from South Side Chicago.
Maschio Giraffina and others small attachments are made in China. Only biggers ones are made in Italy. However is good but the price is to high. Greetings from Rome.
Thanks for leaving the barbed wire problem in your video. It just shows the real world problems encountered on working out in the public. Part of the work process is solving problems encountered each day. Your father taught you well on how to handle them.
Thanks Tim. One thing I have learned over the years is that getting angry doesn't help ANYTHING, and actually makes the task even LESS enjoyable. Just deal with it and go on. Of course, that is easier to do when there is "no hurry" in the project.
I purchased a 50 inch Betstco Flail Mower two years ago. I can tell you that unit eats everything. My one complaint is they do not offer hammer head blades for it for grass only. One thing that I would caution you on, do not back up with the flail down. It puts a lot of strain on the belts/chain drive. It also seems to dull the blades more. I am very glad to see you trying the offset. You solidified my thoughts and that is the offset probably would not have worked for me. I have been kicking around the idea of trading my 1025r in and go get a 3046r just to give me more power and a little larger implements for what is available in used market. Just a lot of tractor for 1 acre.
I really think that the flail mowers are the way of the future. Sine I bought mine back in May of 2019, I haven't used my brush hog. The flail mower cuts closer and mulches at the same time
The offset might allow you to keep your grill screen cleaner when mowing taller material. Maybe this is one of those demo attachments you might want to hold onto?
I've had the 60" version of this flail on my JD 4720 for about 10 years now and I agree with much of what Tim has said. I grew up with an older 7' Ford 917 flail (grass cutter with hanging blades) and bought this for brush mowing and hill, bank maintenance. I call mine the eraser because it just makes things go away... The flail portion is great and in 10 years and hundreds of hours of hard use I've only had to replace two of the hammers due to large rock strikes. The ditch bank is another story... Even on my 4720 tractor its been a pain the butt. When I first bought the flail I had a longer set of hoses from my local Deere dealer that I ran under the tractor, I eventually replaced that setup with a dual SVC setup from Deere that uses an electric valve to reroute the flow from the loader stick. It works well but I have had problems with the valves occasionally freezing up and that repair has been rather expensive when it happens . Back to the mower... I routinely loose snap pins from the 3 point and have had to have several upgrades done to beef up the mechanism. The most severe was one of the pivot beams breaking and the most recent repair was to the mounting point for the pivot on the flail itself... The welds that hold the pivot cracked and the flail was trying to separate from the mounting. Looking at Tim's unit it looks like they redesigned this... It also looks like they cost reduced the swing back mount (extended at 9:16 right side three point mount) that protects things when you run the flail into a solid object like a tree/fence post and changed the debris flap from metal to rubber. Otherwise mine appears almost identical other than the scars of many years of abuse... The other thing even with a bigger tractor when using this mower you have to be very careful as it will easily pull the opposite rear wheel off the ground, 9:55 in the video is a time when I have to be careful, maybe his lower center of gravity is helping.... When I bought mine I really wanted the bigger 7' model but it required the next category up hitch. I had the HP to drive it so I was initially disappointed but after my first usage I realized that would have been a horrible idea... Honestly I'm amazed Tim did as well as he did with such a small tractor. Flails really like HP and the ditch bank really needs a heavy tractor for ballast. I also use mine with the loader attached for counter balance. If this one ever totally dies I'll buy another Maschio with hammers, but the next one will be a 6' or 7' horizontal shift unit... One other comment for those of you asking about floating the slots he talk about take care of that nicely...
Tim if you would like any other info just let me know... BTW when clearing I also use a large root grapple on the front with a skid steer adapter plate and and extended SVC on the loader arms..
I have a 4720 and have been looking for a solution to mow pretty steep banks alongside a road, and also terraces in my fields. Tom you said you would buy a 6 or 7 foot unit with horizontal shift? Are you confident your 4720 could handle it okay? Thanks.
@@jakespoon7994So the limitation with this mower on a 4720 is the hitch setup. Its not a horsepower or lift issue it's the tractor weight and the hitch category. With a horizontal shift flail those issues are not present because you are not lifting the flail in the same way. We still run the old 7' Ford flail on a 35 PTO HP (1070 Deere) tractor for mowing grass and light brush. Prior to the 1070 we actually ran that old flail on a Ford NAA Golden Jubilee. The Ford would occasionally stall out in high grass, but it ran it that way for many many years... The only time you need big HP is for grinding heavy brush and that's where my setup works well. Now interestingly enough it appears since I bought mine they now offer the same setup in an XL that goes up to 7' where as before you had to go up to the next model (Giraffona). Based on how my tractor handles the smaller mower I think I'd be leery of the 7' in a ditch bank... BTW I'm in central Ohio, maybe I should bring my setup over to Tim's tower project for a video :)
💥 For someone that has a lot of ditch banks an offset flail would be a perfect solution. Have fun with that flail mower Tim. It’s one of my favorite attachments. *Keep on tractoring!* 👍
Pretty amazing tool. I like in the comments what other countries use vers what we use. Allot of times such as this implement you see them !! I think that is great Tim! Different ideas! I have always had rotary mowers sometimes it's handy to have that extra long reach in the back and other times that flail mower being closer to the tractor could be a handy idea as well. Thank you Tim and Cristy for the efforts again you guys rock!!!!
Researched the unit you can also lock the top link to fixed for non-float if desired.You put a link pin to fill the slot,(fills space)which locks the arm pin in place in fixed spot thus a non-float/limited float unit. FYI. I would prefer float like you have shown. Thanks for the video!
Hey Tim, when talking about keeping the pin centered at least for the lift one you can switch your hoses around and lock the scv in float "easy peasy" as for the other, have the front ride plate hard faced and keep the 3 point dropped it will allow the mower to keep itself level & naturally the three point floats upwards by itself.
I should add that, if I’m cutting just grass I mow with my batwing. I run the flail mower in things like locust because it shreds thorns so they can’t cause flats like a rotary could. I also like the way flail mowers grind up brambles, olives and cedars which a rotary can leave a splintered or jarred stump to cause flats.
We have a big one of those for mowing irrigation ditches on the farm, as well as a Mascio speed disk we pull. By far the most well made equipment I’ve ran by far. They really take it to the next level on quality control before it’s shipped to the customer.
Excellent information as always. I was impressed at how easily it seemed to drive the flail mower I was always under the impression they need quite a lot of horse power. Look forward to seeing it on the 2 series. The extra weight will make all the difference.
I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet. When mowing in wet grass and really tall stuff you'll leave stragglers behind b/c of the tires compressing it before the mower. I think having the offset helps in that case being so far back it gives more time for it to stand back up before the blades hit it. Also it you are worried about it being tippy when in off set mode the only way to fix that is to add counter weight to the tractor. Like filling your left rear tire with water or adding a wheel weight or both to help balance the tractor like you did with the front weights. I think that the way you had it setup was pretty good for that little tractor, I just think it could use a little wheel weight for counter balance. The only thing I didn't like was how Jerky the hydros were when tilting it up to 90 degrees. But that could just be a flow or pressure setting on the tractor. Overall I would buy that set up as is, just needs a little tweeking to get it dialed in.
This is very helpful. I am purchasing a 65in ditchbank flail for my 3038e. With factory installed rear controls. I think the 3 series will handle it well after watching this video. Thanks a lot for posting.
I had to re watch this episode because after brush hogging the trails this weekend, I can see how this will become worth its weight.... So many trees and briars to mow against while trying to keep the trails wide enough for 2 six foot passes with the rotary cutter. The flail would be great to follow up and get all the edges and sides to keep the underbrush from closing up the trails. Tim, I'd love to see a follow up video with the 2038R using this attachment. It looks to be the perfect pairing. Thanks again for the great content!
Great video Tim. That does a nice job. I would think you could use the “float” position on the loader control for at least one of the functions on the mower to allow the float action. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing and blessings to you folks!
Good morning Tim. Agree with you 100%. They are pretty practical attachments but not sure hanging them out off the back of the smaller subs and smaller compacts is a good idea. There is a lot of weight and forces of energy being applied to the 3 point which those tractors are not engineered to handle. Thanks for the great overview and honest review for folks! Cheers!
I'm guessing it won't work with the Quick Hitch due to the clearance needed for the swing of the PTO shaft. The 1025 is definitely on the small side for that mower but it did work... I've been considering an offset mower for a while but never knew of this unit. With my 3039R I should be able to run a 63-65" unit w/o trouble.. Nice unit there, Tim..
Figured you would use the Johnny 2038 for this implement. But the 1025 handled it better than I thought. My flail mower is able to offset manually. Remove 6 bolts and plare hitch 6" to the 2nd position. Have not done that yet.
I have a side flail myself and have found it nice to mow ditches but should have gotten larger than recommended for distance down the ditch. I have found that if you travel at 3 mph hit seems to cut nicer as your not keeping cut material in the mowing chamber. I have a float hydraulic lever for my angle up down so I set it push all the way and it floats as I cut making it much easier to contour. The shoes it skids on can cut into grass if not careful when sliding the mower in and out..
Ive never heard of this before. I have 50 acres that the previous owners left trash an wood an junk everywhere, i think this would handle stuff like that better than a rotory cutter. I plan on gettin a 3046r in the near future
I didn't realize that they made offset flail mowers for compact tractors. I didn't hear a suggested price, but I'm guessing that it is going to be on the more expensive side. Thanks for sharing.
Offset mowers/conditioners are used for hay so your tires are not mashing down the hay. & it does make a difference in hay. A flail mower probably pulls material up better than most mowers though. We have a 9' offset (to the right) hay mower & it puts a lot of pressure on the right lift arm & tire.
Hey.... I’m happy to see you running a Maschio. They make the nicest, heavy duty flails. I did a lot of research before buying mine which is a Buffalo 300 (12’). Mine shreds 6” logs no problem. One thing about flails, if your cutting just grass, knives are best. Yours has hammers (what I have also), is better for land reclamation on more woody stuff. The nice thing about a flail over rotary cutters is that it shreds grass to be broken down faster. Maschio is a Italian company that is in the USA manufacturing John Deere hydraulic tillage. Maschio makes a ton of different attachments and implements but are just starting to offer them in the US market. Their 3-point mounted sprayers are really nice! Great video Tim.... those bushes your cutting either need to be pulled by the root or manually cut with Tordon on the stump. A tip... buy a pair of Knipex bolt cutters, they are the size of pliers and cut barbwire like butter.
With the shredders getting the rotter stuck up is the least of the worries. I had someone working on my tractor and before it got stopped up it shredded a bunch of barbed wire. The worker had placed his lunch box behind his back, partially above the top of the seat. If not for the lunch box the wire would have gone into his back, it was inbeded deep in the lunch box. Tell me, as i was looking into a wide offset flail, i was thinking with a 12 foot an arc welder would be the tool to keep on hand. It has no problem holding it's weight, even the stationary fails i have seen all seam to have cracks.
Thanks Tim & Christy. I think that flail mower performed well but as you said, the 4 footer may have been a bit better with your 1025r. I have an area in the front of my land I dread cutting and most of the time I just won't cut it b/c of the steepness. That's when I'd love to have something like this. Thanks again for the demonstration. Full-watch. 👍🏽
You should at least have a cab if you are going to do it, and still with a cab you might loose your side/back window and get quite the headace. Never do it with the tractor in reverse and always keep spectators at a distance. If your drive forward the cuttings almost always go backwards or backwards to the side. I have a 1.8Meter(6feet) model and have thrown sticks of wood 20-30meters(60-100 feet) with the mower in vertical position. And respect the offset weight. On a hill driving sideways you should have the implement upwards if possible or drive the tractor up/down the hill. Here in Norway this type mower is used alot on farms and roadsides, and for more durability we use a HD bushhog design with chains insted of a blade. You could search for "slagkraft" on google. or watch at timestamp 5.26 on this video to see how it is underneath.
Well done Tim - offset flail mower pretty intense implement, impressive test results. I appreciate your attention to plumbing this tool. Look forward to your closing verse from scripture.
I have a 50hp tractor (Deutz-Fahr Agrokid 230) to work with this flail mower. Don't even know if that is still a sub compact tractor. :) But like you say in the video, it works just fine. Don't be afraid to go lower, it just does the job. The one problem I have, and that is after a few day's, I can see the tire (turf tires) marks. At the moment you cut you do not see them, but the grass does come up after a few day's. That is why I never use it behind the tractor, always off-set. I also use it to trim the overhanging brushes on the edge of a forest next to my field.
On the farm we had a few fields that were late August cuttings, we used to have to cut them with a field chopper which is called a flail chopper, this would work well there
I’ve got one of the import Farmers Helper Ef105 flail mowers on my Massey GC1723EB; in non-offset configuration; and I’ve got one season on it. In general, it works OK. I’ve found that it works better when the grass/brush has dried out some; if it’s still kinda wet it’s tough and can bog down the tractor... waiting until it’s dryer means it starts to get brittle and the mower has an easier time with it. The grass on my property can get to a foot or more tall before it stops raining; so it’s a pretty challenging situation.
14:25 for that float deal. Why not hookup that cylinder to the lift arm value so you can force it into float like the loader arms can. Would that fix that issue? Less hassle to worry about that and probably better cut quality.
Some manufacturers use an ordinary cylinder which can then be used in the float position (FEL ore rear remote). Whit this "controlled check valve" cylinder it is secured on the road to prevent lowering on it's own standard with the wider versions
Tim if you used the loader arm up down for the mower raise lower if you needed flex push the lever all the way forward it will be in float and follow the ground
Tim, Thanks for that very informed review. I think you covered most questions and possibilities. I have never seen a flail mower and it looks very promising. Have you seen or do you have any of the small tractor bailing attachments? I only have 20 acres and nobody will come and bail my hay. I've seen small bailers in magazine articles but they really don't have anything useful in the articles.
I have a walk behind (Grillo) 2 wheel tractor with a flail mower attachment. Previous property owner laid ground cover cloth a few places. Took hours to remove it. Wire and twine also "found", among other things that got into the flail. I once rang thru the remnants of a barbed wire fence with my pickup and it wrapped around the rear axle pulling the emergency brake cable tight, making it hard to move. I have found all kinds of crap like this on my property - removed most of it.
Be careful around those anchors, if it has been up a long time the anchors could be rotted just below the surface and one bump could pop it loose. A game camera caught a nice shot of the anchor on one of my towers flying through the air.
First off, great videos! They're personable, informative, detailed, and real-world practical. I think I speak for most/all of us that we appreciate hearing and seeing more than just the technical specs. We like to see what the equipment can actually DO. Your videos, along with GWT's and Messick's, are the top 3 that I watch for sub-compact tractor capabilities, comparisons, available attachments, upgrades, etc. My only suggestion is this. Promote the use of the safety flashers installed on these tractors. As safety-oriented as everyone is these days and the attention given to promoting safety, I don't understand why I rarely see the operators of these videos using the safety flashers while they're in operation. This is especially true when using the mower attachments that have more exposed blades (more so depending on the cutting angle) that shoot out debris and when you're operating on/near roadways and other traveled areas. With the number of people driving inattentively, driving distracted, and often speeding, I'd be taking every reasonable precaution. I'd most likely even install some high-intensity LED light bar or something.
Looks like this would be very good at cutting grass and other weeds that have gone to seed by keeping Johnny in the mowed path and not breathing in all the debris that covers the radiator screen. Great product. You need 2 Johnny's, one with a to run a Brush Hog and the other with the flail mower, then compare the 2 at the same time. Great camera work Christy and Tim you did great driving Johnny.
A pair of fencing pliers is handy for cutting wire of heavy and strong gauge like barbed and number 9. I prefer the channel lock brand. They come in handy!
In my last year that would’ve been a dream, not only the tipping up on its side to get stuff out but the offset part. Our house was on a lake and we had drainage ditches on two sides of the property the lake along the backside and a third drainage ditch along the front of the property and the city would come through and dig the front Ditch out every couple years and it was just too steep to get with a riding mower, So just something to get in the ditches would have been awesome. They were almost always wet and muddy and being that it was field drainage we’re very fertile so they would grow like crazy I’ve often thought of getting a tow behind just for doing the dishes. Not just because they were steep but when they were muddy the mower would get stuck every time. Are usually had to let it grow about 5 feet tall before it was dry enough to get in there. I thought of a cycle bar but something like this would be a much better option.Also for mowing over the water, having it stick out like that and being able to angle it would’ve been great
Johnny did a good job for 18hp pto. Wire on bushhog unit you have to get under to remove the wire.I really like the 90 degree lift (vertical). Humm! Can trim low tree,shrub branches. Yep,2038R will handle this with no problems,can wait for that one! Have a goo day!
This would make life easier around ponds. It cuts pretty good i gotta say. Definitely can't wait for you to try it on Johnny 2. Thank you for all the awesome videos you 2 do. God Bless
Tim, the Knipex 71 32 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage CoBolt Cutter with Notch and Spring on the Azon are the most wonderful cutters. They are built like miniature bolt cutters and greatly reduce the effort to snip things in two. Not a diagonal cutter. Love mine! Love seeing your flail mower. I wonder if you would have as many spring back up things if you were cutting lower. Are those new lights on the ROPS? The guarding on those lights looks high quality.
Looks great, however, in some locations the ground is too soft for my tractor, looked into an atv pull type flail mower. Can you do a review on a similar product.
RK Harm24 depends on model, the blades on this one are the lightest duty style so maybe an inch. I’ve seen where 30hp or less can go to 2.5 to 3in with the different blade types.
Thank you for this demonstration. I would not have thought of using this type of mower had I not seen your demonstration. Very interesting! Best wishes
Much better results than bush hogs, the residue is chopped finer and also gives a cleaner cut, though i do believe they take more power/fuel relatively. I have a neighbor that has a lot of bush hogs and is always offering to let me barrow them, tried once and that was enough, only flail mowers.
Did you see they had a video of them using it on its side clearing along a tree line? Also not horribly priced @3900 for the offset. It's cool that you are wanting to make a hose kit for other uses too. Thank you.
Hey Tim, power rakes like you have for Vinney are horribly expensive. Do you think you could get away with occasional use of a flail mower to do the same job if you could get it low enough? Thanks for the video.
Hi Tim , I really enjoy your channel . Because of you I bought a 1025r.i just used my tractor to remove 5 stumps this weekend . I used with great success my bexpanded ripper . I can send you some video but I require an email for you
Any progress on the hydraulics kit you mentioned in your video? Have a few more questions about hydraulics hose configurations - to the loader bucket and to the flail mower. Do I need to disconnect hoses for bucket and use your kit to connect to the flail mower? And then when done mowing, but things back the way they were, reconnecting the front loader bucket?
I could sit and watch you guys all day. I've heard you can't mow in reverse with a flail mower, is that true? Or maybe it was just the one that person was using. Thanks guys.
An excellent tutorial and demonstration. I think you were fair and balanced in your opinion.
Thanks.
I've been using a 54" flail behind our B2650. Cleared several acres of heavy overgrowth with it, grass / brush about 5' tall and saplings up to 2" diameter without too much trouble. I have the "hammers" on mine, figured the cutting blades would not hold up too well given our property. A couple passes in different directions and all that's left is a fine mulch on the ground. Worked great for clearing a spot for our home.
We had a 7ft flail mower years ago and did a lot of cutting with it. Once you got the grass cut to the height you wanted it the mower could give close to lawn mower results as long as the grass didn't get too long.
Hi Tim when my 1026r was delivered Jd had installed two outlets on the back of the tractor.
This has been very useful for my trailer and hydraulic grass collector. I still have my mid hydraulic connections.
I have never ran a flail mower or even seen one up close, I thought they were only for mowing lawns. The mower handled the field grass without and problems, and I especially liked how the offset worked when you mowed along the ditch, I have the same situation here, the offset feature definitely would make mowing the ditches I mow a lot safer job. Good video Tim, you did a great job showing and explaining the mower's features to us, and I learned something about Flail mowers. Thanks. 🙋♂️
this is what I wonted to spell. oh win a old fart can not spell.
Made in Italy.....i bought it 10 years ago. The best instrument for hard job. Hello from Sicily.
cesare, I had one of their sickle bar mowers and loved it.
Cesare augusto: Sicily was concurred by *_"The Moors."_* And *_"The Moors"_* were black. Who screwed your women *SO MUCH.* How much? *WAY TOO MUCH*
They should probably change their names from Moor to Much. So much...….That's how your skin got dark. (look it up)
Most Sicilians don't realize, or not want to admit. But there's Moor Black Blood pumping through your veins right now. Hello from South Side Chicago.
Maschio Giraffina and others small attachments are made in China. Only biggers ones are made in Italy.
However is good but the price is to high.
Greetings from Rome.
@@raymond3803 can I get free government cheese then ???
@@ironworkerfxr7105 That depends. Are you a Native American?
Thanks for leaving the barbed wire problem in your video. It just shows the real world problems encountered on working out in the public. Part of the work process is solving problems encountered each day. Your father taught you well on how to handle them.
Thanks Tim. One thing I have learned over the years is that getting angry doesn't help ANYTHING, and actually makes the task even LESS enjoyable. Just deal with it and go on.
Of course, that is easier to do when there is "no hurry" in the project.
I purchased a 50 inch Betstco Flail Mower two years ago. I can tell you that unit eats everything. My one complaint is they do not offer hammer head blades for it for grass only. One thing that I would caution you on, do not back up with the flail down. It puts a lot of strain on the belts/chain drive. It also seems to dull the blades more. I am very glad to see you trying the offset. You solidified my thoughts and that is the offset probably would not have worked for me. I have been kicking around the idea of trading my 1025r in and go get a 3046r just to give me more power and a little larger implements for what is available in used market. Just a lot of tractor for 1 acre.
I really think that the flail mowers are the way of the future. Sine I bought mine back in May of 2019, I haven't used my brush hog. The flail mower cuts closer and mulches at the same time
The flail mower is better in a cleared field environment but the rotary works better for brush work.
The offset might allow you to keep your grill screen cleaner when mowing taller material. Maybe this is one of those demo attachments you might want to hold onto?
I've had the 60" version of this flail on my JD 4720 for about 10 years now and I agree with much of what Tim has said. I grew up with an older 7' Ford 917 flail (grass cutter with hanging blades) and bought this for brush mowing and hill, bank maintenance. I call mine the eraser because it just makes things go away... The flail portion is great and in 10 years and hundreds of hours of hard use I've only had to replace two of the hammers due to large rock strikes. The ditch bank is another story... Even on my 4720 tractor its been a pain the butt. When I first bought the flail I had a longer set of hoses from my local Deere dealer that I ran under the tractor, I eventually replaced that setup with a dual SVC setup from Deere that uses an electric valve to reroute the flow from the loader stick. It works well but I have had problems with the valves occasionally freezing up and that repair has been rather expensive when it happens .
Back to the mower... I routinely loose snap pins from the 3 point and have had to have several upgrades done to beef up the mechanism. The most severe was one of the pivot beams breaking and the most recent repair was to the mounting point for the pivot on the flail itself... The welds that hold the pivot cracked and the flail was trying to separate from the mounting. Looking at Tim's unit it looks like they redesigned this... It also looks like they cost reduced the swing back mount (extended at 9:16 right side three point mount) that protects things when you run the flail into a solid object like a tree/fence post and changed the debris flap from metal to rubber. Otherwise mine appears almost identical other than the scars of many years of abuse...
The other thing even with a bigger tractor when using this mower you have to be very careful as it will easily pull the opposite rear wheel off the ground, 9:55 in the video is a time when I have to be careful, maybe his lower center of gravity is helping.... When I bought mine I really wanted the bigger 7' model but it required the next category up hitch. I had the HP to drive it so I was initially disappointed but after my first usage I realized that would have been a horrible idea... Honestly I'm amazed Tim did as well as he did with such a small tractor. Flails really like HP and the ditch bank really needs a heavy tractor for ballast. I also use mine with the loader attached for counter balance.
If this one ever totally dies I'll buy another Maschio with hammers, but the next one will be a 6' or 7' horizontal shift unit...
One other comment for those of you asking about floating the slots he talk about take care of that nicely...
Tim if you would like any other info just let me know... BTW when clearing I also use a large root grapple on the front with a skid steer adapter plate and and extended SVC on the loader arms..
I have a 4720 and have been looking for a solution to mow pretty steep banks alongside a road, and also terraces in my fields. Tom you said you would buy a 6 or 7 foot unit with horizontal shift? Are you confident your 4720 could handle it okay? Thanks.
I really think the offset version like I have would be better than a horizontal shift for ditch banks. 4720 would handle 5’ easily.
@@jakespoon7994So the limitation with this mower on a 4720 is the hitch setup. Its not a horsepower or lift issue it's the tractor weight and the hitch category. With a horizontal shift flail those issues are not present because you are not lifting the flail in the same way. We still run the old 7' Ford flail on a 35 PTO HP (1070 Deere) tractor for mowing grass and light brush. Prior to the 1070 we actually ran that old flail on a Ford NAA Golden Jubilee. The Ford would occasionally stall out in high grass, but it ran it that way for many many years... The only time you need big HP is for grinding heavy brush and that's where my setup works well. Now interestingly enough it appears since I bought mine they now offer the same setup in an XL that goes up to 7' where as before you had to go up to the next model (Giraffona). Based on how my tractor handles the smaller mower I think I'd be leery of the 7' in a ditch bank... BTW I'm in central Ohio, maybe I should bring my setup over to Tim's tower project for a video :)
@@TractorTimewithTim Agreed, the offset definitely gives you more reach but it also adds a lot of wear and tear on the tractor
💥 For someone that has a lot of ditch banks an offset flail would be a perfect solution. Have fun with that flail mower Tim. It’s one of my favorite attachments.
*Keep on tractoring!* 👍
Can run it with a BX 2350 but need at least 55 pound in the front.
Pretty amazing tool. I like in the comments what other countries use vers what we use. Allot of times such as this implement you see them !! I think that is great Tim! Different ideas! I have always had rotary mowers sometimes it's handy to have that extra long reach in the back and other times that flail mower being closer to the tractor could be a handy idea as well. Thank you Tim and Cristy for the efforts again you guys rock!!!!
Researched the unit you can also lock the top link to fixed for non-float if desired.You put a link pin to fill the slot,(fills space)which locks the arm pin in place in fixed spot thus a non-float/limited float unit. FYI. I would prefer float like you have shown. Thanks for the video!
I love my flail mower/mulcher, use it on pastures, roadside maintenance, and clearing brush.
Hey Tim, when talking about keeping the pin centered at least for the lift one you can switch your hoses around and lock the scv in float "easy peasy" as for the other, have the front ride plate hard faced and keep the 3 point dropped it will allow the mower to keep itself level & naturally the three point floats upwards by itself.
I should add that, if I’m cutting just grass I mow with my batwing. I run the flail mower in things like locust because it shreds thorns so they can’t cause flats like a rotary could. I also like the way flail mowers grind up brambles, olives and cedars which a rotary can leave a splintered or jarred stump to cause flats.
We have a big one of those for mowing irrigation ditches on the farm, as well as a Mascio speed disk we pull. By far the most well made equipment I’ve ran by far. They really take it to the next level on quality control before it’s shipped to the customer.
I intend to show some of that detail later..routing of the hoses, shielding wrap around the hoses, etc. very durable!
Excellent information as always.
I was impressed at how easily it seemed to drive the flail mower I was always under the impression they need quite a lot of horse power.
Look forward to seeing it on the 2 series. The extra weight will make all the difference.
I don't know if anyone mentioned it yet. When mowing in wet grass and really tall stuff you'll leave stragglers behind b/c of the tires compressing it before the mower. I think having the offset helps in that case being so far back it gives more time for it to stand back up before the blades hit it. Also it you are worried about it being tippy when in off set mode the only way to fix that is to add counter weight to the tractor. Like filling your left rear tire with water or adding a wheel weight or both to help balance the tractor like you did with the front weights. I think that the way you had it setup was pretty good for that little tractor, I just think it could use a little wheel weight for counter balance. The only thing I didn't like was how Jerky the hydros were when tilting it up to 90 degrees. But that could just be a flow or pressure setting on the tractor. Overall I would buy that set up as is, just needs a little tweeking to get it dialed in.
This is very helpful. I am purchasing a 65in ditchbank flail for my 3038e. With factory installed rear controls. I think the 3 series will handle it well after watching this video. Thanks a lot for posting.
Consider the Maschio from agfolks.com. Use code TTWT for a 5% discount.
Flail mowers have always been the easiest and almost maintenance free type of mower we’ve used. My favorite mower really for a tractor implement.
I had to re watch this episode because after brush hogging the trails this weekend, I can see how this will become worth its weight.... So many trees and briars to mow against while trying to keep the trails wide enough for 2 six foot passes with the rotary cutter. The flail would be great to follow up and get all the edges and sides to keep the underbrush from closing up the trails. Tim, I'd love to see a follow up video with the 2038R using this attachment. It looks to be the perfect pairing. Thanks again for the great content!
We will attach it to the 2038r at some point. may be a few weeks....we'll see.
Great video Tim. That does a nice job. I would think you could use the “float” position on the loader control for at least one of the functions on the mower to allow the float action. Just a thought.
Thanks for sharing and blessings to you folks!
Good morning Tim. Agree with you 100%. They are pretty practical attachments but not sure hanging them out off the back of the smaller subs and smaller compacts is a good idea. There is a lot of weight and forces of energy being applied to the 3 point which those tractors are not engineered to handle. Thanks for the great overview and honest review for folks! Cheers!
Cordless grinder with .045 cut off wheel in the tool bag
For me, that was comprehensive. You answered questions about many systems and tractor choices . Thanks 🙏
Dang I love a flail mower. They are probably the best all around mower to have.
I'm guessing it won't work with the Quick Hitch due to the clearance needed for the swing of the PTO shaft. The 1025 is definitely on the small side for that mower but it did work... I've been considering an offset mower for a while but never knew of this unit. With my 3039R I should be able to run a 63-65" unit w/o trouble.. Nice unit there, Tim..
I’d love a flail mower. Non off set. They can take brush better than a brush hog and leave a finer finish.
Figured you would use the Johnny 2038 for this implement. But the 1025 handled it better than I thought. My flail mower is able to offset manually. Remove 6 bolts and plare hitch 6" to the 2nd position. Have not done that yet.
What is the make and model of your flail mower? I would like to see this one is action too.
@@joebarrett9830 LandPride 2172. I have a short vid of it mowing scotch broom.
That is a nice piece of equipment I think the offset part of mower is nice . Great video.
Cool. I bought a flail from betsco, but haven't used it yet. Thanks for all the tips. Super helpful.
I was using a offset flail mower in the early 80s on my 100hp tractor we used to cut road verges with them there not new. from the UK
I have a side flail myself and have found it nice to mow ditches but should have gotten larger than recommended for distance down the ditch. I have found that if you travel at 3 mph hit seems to cut nicer as your not keeping cut material in the mowing chamber. I have a float hydraulic lever for my angle up down so I set it push all the way and it floats as I cut making it much easier to contour. The shoes it skids on can cut into grass if not careful when sliding the mower in and out..
Tim Christi quit a mower looks great does a good job thanks again for showing new equipment
God Bless All
PaK
I spotted those red handled pliers in your hands. I bought my 1st pair over 20 years ago & they are hands down the best pliers money can buy.
I do like the way you can articulate your flail with the offset. Would be really handy ditch work.
Ive never heard of this before. I have 50 acres that the previous owners left trash an wood an junk everywhere, i think this would handle stuff like that better than a rotory cutter. I plan on gettin a 3046r in the near future
I didn't realize that they made offset flail mowers for compact tractors. I didn't hear a suggested price, but I'm guessing that it is going to be on the more expensive side. Thanks for sharing.
3700 it showed up in the text below
Excellent review, Tim. Very level and thorough. Thanks! I’ve got to say, you get a lot of work out of that little tractor!
Offset mowers/conditioners are used for hay so your tires are not mashing down the hay. & it does make a difference in hay. A flail mower probably pulls material up better than most mowers though. We have a 9' offset (to the right) hay mower & it puts a lot of pressure on the right lift arm & tire.
Hey.... I’m happy to see you running a Maschio. They make the nicest, heavy duty flails. I did a lot of research before buying mine which is a Buffalo 300 (12’). Mine shreds 6” logs no problem. One thing about flails, if your cutting just grass, knives are best. Yours has hammers (what I have also), is better for land reclamation on more woody stuff. The nice thing about a flail over rotary cutters is that it shreds grass to be broken down faster. Maschio is a Italian company that is in the USA manufacturing John Deere hydraulic tillage. Maschio makes a ton of different attachments and implements but are just starting to offer them in the US market. Their 3-point mounted sprayers are really nice! Great video Tim.... those bushes your cutting either need to be pulled by the root or manually cut with Tordon on the stump.
A tip... buy a pair of Knipex bolt cutters, they are the size of pliers and cut barbwire like butter.
knipex bolt cutters are on order.
With the shredders getting the rotter stuck up is the least of the worries. I had someone working on my tractor and before it got stopped up it shredded a bunch of barbed wire. The worker had placed his lunch box behind his back, partially above the top of the seat. If not for the lunch box the wire would have gone into his back, it was inbeded deep in the lunch box.
Tell me, as i was looking into a wide offset flail, i was thinking with a 12 foot an arc welder would be the tool to keep on hand. It has no problem holding it's weight, even the stationary fails i have seen all seam to have cracks.
For the slot directly behind you that you have trouble seeing: You could mark the middle and end points on top of the slot.
Hi Tim
I really like the process where You mow an initial path then drive in it so you don't hit things hidden in the high brush with Your Tractor
Ken
Thank you for another nice video Tim and Kristi God bless you and your family
we use those type mowers the most over in europe. maschio brand is really big aswell
Thanks Tim & Christy. I think that flail mower performed well but as you said, the 4 footer may have been a bit better with your 1025r. I have an area in the front of my land I dread cutting and most of the time I just won't cut it b/c of the steepness. That's when I'd love to have something like this. Thanks again for the demonstration. Full-watch. 👍🏽
Tim, can you mow with that in the vertical position? for example to mow back a woodline edge?
Yes, you can mow in any position.
You should at least have a cab if you are going to do it, and still with a cab you might loose your side/back window and get quite the headace. Never do it with the tractor in reverse and always keep spectators at a distance. If your drive forward the cuttings almost always go backwards or backwards to the side. I have a 1.8Meter(6feet) model and have thrown sticks of wood 20-30meters(60-100 feet) with the mower in vertical position. And respect the offset weight. On a hill driving sideways you should have the implement upwards if possible or drive the tractor up/down the hill. Here in Norway this type mower is used alot on farms and roadsides, and for more durability we use a HD bushhog design with chains insted of a blade. You could search for "slagkraft" on google. or watch at timestamp 5.26 on this video to see how it is underneath.
Well done Tim - offset flail mower pretty intense implement, impressive test results. I appreciate your attention to plumbing this tool. Look forward to your closing verse from scripture.
I have a 50hp tractor (Deutz-Fahr Agrokid 230) to work with this flail mower. Don't even know if that is still a sub compact tractor. :) But like you say in the video, it works just fine. Don't be afraid to go lower, it just does the job. The one problem I have, and that is after a few day's, I can see the tire (turf tires) marks. At the moment you cut you do not see them, but the grass does come up after a few day's. That is why I never use it behind the tractor, always off-set. I also use it to trim the overhanging brushes on the edge of a forest next to my field.
Love love the job a flail does on rough cut areas....have some 20min of video up mowing with one on a B26
Good work on the hoses! Need a set for my bx.
On the farm we had a few fields that were late August cuttings, we used to have to cut them with a field chopper which is called a flail chopper, this would work well there
I’ve got one of the import Farmers Helper Ef105 flail mowers on my Massey GC1723EB; in non-offset configuration; and I’ve got one season on it. In general, it works OK. I’ve found that it works better when the grass/brush has dried out some; if it’s still kinda wet it’s tough and can bog down the tractor... waiting until it’s dryer means it starts to get brittle and the mower has an easier time with it. The grass on my property can get to a foot or more tall before it stops raining; so it’s a pretty challenging situation.
14:25 for that float deal. Why not hookup that cylinder to the lift arm value so you can force it into float like the loader arms can. Would that fix that issue? Less hassle to worry about that and probably better cut quality.
Some manufacturers use an ordinary cylinder which can then be used in the float position (FEL ore rear remote). Whit this "controlled check valve" cylinder it is secured on the road to prevent lowering on it's own standard with the wider versions
Tim if you used the loader arm up down for the mower raise lower if you needed flex push the lever all the way forward it will be in float and follow the ground
Tim, Thanks for that very informed review. I think you covered most questions and possibilities. I have never seen a flail mower and it looks very promising.
Have you seen or do you have any of the small tractor bailing attachments? I only have 20 acres and nobody will come and bail my hay. I've seen small bailers in magazine articles but they really don't have anything useful in the articles.
Have looked at them. Don’t have a good way to demonstrate them.
@@TractorTimewithTim I'm sure Roger would let you demo at his house, probably 3 times this summer
Very helpful stuff, Tim & Christy . Thanks!
I like that a lot because what you said it has a roller and it cuts brush
That would be the perfect size for my B2410. I was looking for one two years ago, but got a 4' rough cut KingKutter instead.
I have a walk behind (Grillo) 2 wheel tractor with a flail mower attachment. Previous property owner laid ground cover cloth a few places. Took hours to remove it. Wire and twine also "found", among other things that got into the flail. I once rang thru the remnants of a barbed wire fence with my pickup and it wrapped around the rear axle pulling the emergency brake cable tight, making it hard to move. I have found all kinds of crap like this on my property - removed most of it.
That's nice, I won't mind nowing where to check into one of those,I just purchased a little Johnny myself
Congratulations!!
Be careful around those anchors, if it has been up a long time the anchors could be rotted just below the surface and one bump could pop it loose. A game camera caught a nice shot of the anchor on one of my towers flying through the air.
First off, great videos! They're personable, informative, detailed, and real-world practical. I think I speak for most/all of us that we appreciate hearing and seeing more than just the technical specs. We like to see what the equipment can actually DO. Your videos, along with GWT's and Messick's, are the top 3 that I watch for sub-compact tractor capabilities, comparisons, available attachments, upgrades, etc.
My only suggestion is this. Promote the use of the safety flashers installed on these tractors. As safety-oriented as everyone is these days and the attention given to promoting safety, I don't understand why I rarely see the operators of these videos using the safety flashers while they're in operation. This is especially true when using the mower attachments that have more exposed blades (more so depending on the cutting angle) that shoot out debris and when you're operating on/near roadways and other traveled areas. With the number of people driving inattentively, driving distracted, and often speeding, I'd be taking every reasonable precaution. I'd most likely even install some high-intensity LED light bar or something.
Looks like this would be very good at cutting grass and other weeds that have gone to seed by keeping Johnny in the mowed path and not breathing in all the debris that covers the radiator screen. Great product. You need 2 Johnny's, one with a to run a Brush Hog and the other with the flail mower, then compare the 2 at the same time. Great camera work Christy and Tim you did great driving Johnny.
I like the finish cut with this , I have seen the brush hog before that seems to leave a windrow . This was a great video for the information .
Keep a set of fencing cutters in your toolbox it will help cut and pull the Bob wire . I tend to use it every time I cut a field I've never been in.
I've been hemming and hawing on the Isotunes for a bit. That coupon code plus sale makes it too sweet of a deal to pass up, thanks!
I’ve been thinking of adding the scv off the power beyond port. To a valve body like a dual wood splitter valve.
wow johnny handled that mower very well for it being offset and further back keep up the good work
A pair of fencing pliers is handy for cutting wire of heavy and strong gauge like barbed and number 9. I prefer the channel lock brand. They come in handy!
Enjoyed your demonstration of the flail mower thanks
In my last year that would’ve been a dream, not only the tipping up on its side to get stuff out but the offset part. Our house was on a lake and we had drainage ditches on two sides of the property the lake along the backside and a third drainage ditch along the front of the property and the city would come through and dig the front Ditch out every couple years and it was just too steep to get with a riding mower, So just something to get in the ditches would have been awesome. They were almost always wet and muddy and being that it was field drainage we’re very fertile so they would grow like crazy I’ve often thought of getting a tow behind just for doing the dishes. Not just because they were steep but when they were muddy the mower would get stuck every time. Are usually had to let it grow about 5 feet tall before it was dry enough to get in there. I thought of a cycle bar but something like this would be a much better option.Also for mowing over the water, having it stick out like that and being able to angle it would’ve been great
Looks like it does a great job
I want one for my 1025R
Very useful video! Can’t wait to see it on Johnny 2 and less brushy conditions.
Johnny did a good job for 18hp pto. Wire on bushhog unit you have to get under to remove the wire.I really like the 90 degree lift (vertical). Humm! Can trim low tree,shrub branches.
Yep,2038R will handle this with no problems,can wait for that one! Have a goo day!
Lol I was getting ready to make a set of hoses to do just that. So yes if available to buy pre made I’d buy some
Yes I would buy a set of hydraulic lines to run attachments on the rear of tractor. Thanks.
This would make life easier around ponds. It cuts pretty good i gotta say. Definitely can't wait for you to try it on Johnny 2. Thank you for all the awesome videos you 2 do. God Bless
We have a later video mowing our ditch bank with it on Johnny 2.
Tim, the Knipex 71 32 200 Comfort Grip High Leverage CoBolt Cutter with Notch and Spring on the Azon are the most wonderful cutters. They are built like miniature bolt cutters and greatly reduce the effort to snip things in two. Not a diagonal cutter. Love mine! Love seeing your flail mower. I wonder if you would have as many spring back up things if you were cutting lower. Are those new lights on the ROPS? The guarding on those lights looks high quality.
Looks great, however, in some locations the ground is too soft for my tractor, looked into an atv pull type flail mower. Can you do a review on a similar product.
I like the less mulch piles with the flail over the rotary cutter. Will the flail cut heavy brush and small trees like a rotary cutter though?
RK Harm24 depends on model, the blades on this one are the lightest duty style so maybe an inch. I’ve seen where 30hp or less can go to 2.5 to 3in with the different blade types.
Thank you for this demonstration. I would not have thought of using this type of mower had I not seen your demonstration. Very interesting! Best wishes
Much better results than bush hogs, the residue is chopped finer and also gives a cleaner cut, though i do believe they take more power/fuel relatively. I have a neighbor that has a lot of bush hogs and is always offering to let me barrow them, tried once and that was enough, only flail mowers.
Just ordered the ISOtunes PRO 1.0 Thanks for the discount, Tim!
Thanks! This price reduction makes them quite a value.
Did you see they had a video of them using it on its side clearing along a tree line? Also not horribly priced @3900 for the offset. It's cool that you are wanting to make a hose kit for other uses too. Thank you.
We are to small for this with BX 1500 but I like the off set to keep sticks out from under the BX
Hey Tim, power rakes like you have for Vinney are horribly expensive. Do you think you could get away with occasional use of a flail mower to do the same job if you could get it low enough? Thanks for the video.
No, flail could not be used as poser rake in my opinion.
@@TractorTimewithTim I didn't think so but when the idea occurred to me, I had to ask. Thanks for the reply.
Great Demo, I have a regular Flail on my B2601, 54"
Is it articulating or fixed? I also have a B2601 and I’m looking for an articulating one. What model do you own?
Thanks for putting this together. Very helpful.
Hi Tim , I really enjoy your channel . Because of you I bought a 1025r.i just used my tractor to remove 5 stumps this weekend . I used with great success my bexpanded ripper . I can send you some video but I require an email for you
After seeing this I started looking at them. I got a Peruzzo Bull Cross 220. It is 84 inches and extends out 10 feet.
You must have something larger than a subcompact tractor!!!
@@TractorTimewithTim I am 91 HP but it is all the tractor can carry. I load up a bucket mostly full of gravel and that helps a lot.
You will see the difference in a week or two when grass grows back.
Maschio one of the topbrands on the market.
Any progress on the hydraulics kit you mentioned in your video? Have a few more questions about hydraulics hose configurations - to the loader bucket and to the flail mower. Do I need to disconnect hoses for bucket and use your kit to connect to the flail mower? And then when done mowing, but things back the way they were, reconnecting the front loader bucket?
I am interested in kit for my 1025R
Very impressed with the cut quality.
I’ve done a lot of research on flail mowers. None seem to be able to be hooked up with a quick hitch. That’s a show stopper for me.
I could sit and watch you guys all day. I've heard you can't mow in reverse with a flail mower, is that true? Or maybe it was just the one that person was using. Thanks guys.
It does not mow very well in reverse
Mowing in reverse with a flail mower is very strenuous on the belts/chains and will dull the hammer or "y" knives much faster.
Great video Tim! I’m just about convinced to trade my brush hog in for a flail mower.