I think I’ve only ever seen one other flail sharpening video on TH-cam. Figured I’d add another. I’m very happy with my flail mower! Keep on tractoring!
I love my flail mower! I even spent an afternoon and made it quick hitch compatible. So much easier to haul then my brush hog and dose a much better job!
Good to hear Kevin! A flail mower is a great implement to own. How long have you had yours? Any issues? They sure do a much better job than a brush hog. Keep on tractoring!
Good demonstration sharpening the hammers on flail 👍 I use the 6 foot flail with the heavy duty Y shape flail blades . In the shop I tip it backwards like you did and use a pair of vise grips too hold each set of blades tight together and then use my small 90 degree air grinder with 1-1/2 disc 80 grit too put razor edge on . Takes about one hour too do all but sure makes a big difference . I only turn the blades around if damaged bad . When I went too using a flail mower I would never go back too a rotary mower . There a mobile mulcher . 👍
Do you handle brush with the Y blades? I’ve heard that the best use for Y blades is cutting your grass. Sounds like you really take your time and get a nice edge on them. 👍 Keep on tractoring!
A RITTER BIT WILL DO . Yes there are different sizes and withs of y blades . Mind will take out up too 2” hard wood and 2-1/2 soft . I like the y blade for combination work grass and brush . They are heavy duty blades . I wish I had a hammer blade flail mower also for heavy brush . But I make due with the wood chipper for that . I welded alloy steel bucket weld on my friends forged hammer edges like yours and sharpened also . Last 10 times longer . 👍
Exactly, it’ll look much better Kubota orange. Its earned the true Kubota color anyway, that thing is a beast! I can’t believe what it’ll chew up! Keep on tractoring!
That sun fade patina is nice though! You cant recreate that! Nice work getting her all sharp! I think this is my next investment for my Kubota BX! The more videos I see you do the more I like the flail!
I was really expecting this cheap flail mower to have something break by now but it’s actually help up to everything I’ve put it through. I’m impressed. The paint though! My goodness! Keep on tractoring!
That's good to hear, I've had some trouble with green small oak branches getting wrapped around the drum but other than that it's been an awesome implement. It mulches really well! Keep on tractoring!
Thanks for the video. I searched a long time to find this one. My flails are about as sharp as the side of my finger, they're the heavy hammer kind. I'm trying to figure out which part to sharpen. So far, the blades I've done so far have taken about 7 minutes each with a 6 inch grinder.
Hope this helps sprees up that process. Keep in mind that you need to take off around the same amount of material from each hammer knife to keep your flail balanced. How do you like using a flail mower? Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon I tried the mulcher mower out on the hill track yesterday. It did a good job, I’m still figuring out how to shift it across so it doesn’t hit the bank on the narrow parts. It sticks out about 600mm currently. My flails are 150mm or 6” wide, and I’m experimenting with which face to leave untouched.
I was afraid I might have to as well but I saw someone do it this way and thought I’d give it a try. Seemed to work just fine and very easy to do. Keep on tractoring!
I’ve seen it as well and can’t remember where it was. I know GP did a series but someone else went over sharpening hammers. I’m sure I’ll come across it again sometime. Keep on tractoring!
I have a 6 ft finish mower and was looking to buy a brush hog but I like the looks of the finish from the flail mower how does it do with small trees and heavier brush. Thanks and have a great day
It does an amazing job! I’ve posted a few video on TH-cam using this flail for much heavier stuff. Check out my channel. I posted them in June/July. The real heavy stuff you need to make a couple passes but it leaves a great cut! Keep on tractoring!
It seems pretty straight forward to sharpen them, looking to get one on my ventrac 4520. But I do have concern about balancing the blade. Any issues with yours? Any concerns about not balancing the flail blade? Would it wear for mower it is not balance? Thanks
As far as balancing I try to take off the same amount when sharpening and so far I've been lucky. I figure about the time you'd start to have issues you'd probably want to replace the hammer anyways. Keep on tractoring!
Jon I have a question. Your tractor has 17.5 PTO horsepower, and your flail mower says minimum PTO horsepower of 20 hp. How does your tractor handle it. My tractor has 18 PTO horsepower, and I have 2 inch thick trees and brush that I want to mow over. About four or 5 acres worth. The flail mower website says my tractor should use the 41 inch medium duty flail mower. Because it says 18 hp minimum. What do you think. Thank you Mr Smith
Let's see if I can remember. 12 foot cut dived by two mowers. One on the 3 point hitch and one on a hydraulic mount on the right side. We had the knives. Couldn't flip the mowers over, had to lay on a creeper to do it. Each blade set had 2 knives, a u bolt hangar, a pin and cotter pin. Good old Mott mowers. It took a little bit more time to sharpen. 🤔🤔🤔
That sounds like a pain in the hind end. 🤪 I’ve sharpened plenty of rotary blades including reel mowers. This flail mower seems to be easy as anything to put an edge on. Keep on tractoring!
It’s the worst paint I’ve seen. My kids have better stuff in their art supplies. Oh well, the quality otherwise has surpassed my expectations. Keep on tractoring!
Nice, Jon. Do you sharpen to more of a blunt edge like a brush hog blades, to prevent as much chipping of metal on the edge? I'd imagine so because of you knife edge shape the metal hammer, the first few bigger saplings and tough wood brush would dull it right away. Wish you demoed that a little more. I like the flail mowers cut...wish I opted for one over my more light duty Bush Hog. Blessings! Thank you
Yes it is a blunt edge. I sharpened it to a similar edge as you would put on a mower blade. It seemed to work just fine and definitely made a difference. It leaves a much nicer cut than a brush hog. Keep on tractoring!
Is there anything a fail mower does that is not as good as any other implement in the same category? In my opinion, that's THE implement to have. for clearing a land. Thanks Jon!
I’ve found that if I could run it over I could mulch it up. It’s the next best thing to a forestry mulcher in my opinion. Leaves a great finish. Perfect for maintaining trails and enlarging fields. Get one for your case! Keep on tractoring!
Wow those look great compared to mine..hahahahaha. so have you lost any hammers yet? I have lost 2 but thankfully I have learned to stop immediately and the hammer is usually with in about 10 feet from where I lost it. Love mine for sure.
I've always wondered about the fading paint on my equipment.... I bought a used M9540 and had the Kubota dealer install a new LA1353 loader. Within a year the loader was faded to about the same shade as your flail mower, but the tractor's paint still looks new (7 years later). I've heard that powder coat paint fades, but regular paint doesn't. ???
I’ve not heard the difference between powder coating and regular paint. It’s interesting though. I’m not a fan of powder coating though. Keep on tractoring!
Oh yes, he revisits his dislike of it every so often. Powder coating has goiter better but I still prefer regular paint as it’s easier for me to touch up with a spray can. Looks better..
Good morning, you looks like a cleaning tooth technician for rhinos !!! LOL Sorry Sir,,, Great works, the sun is very powerful on you side !!! LOL Cheers !!!
Yes it is, I believe it’s adjustable up to 6 inches. Looks pretty easy to adjust but in all honesty I haven’t adjusted mine at all. I just went with the set stock height. Keep on tractoring!
Reds and Oranges seem to Fade Real Fast Unless you put Wax on Them or They have Clear Coat on them. I see Brand New Kubotas on the Lot that are very Faded Compared to My 2002 which has Never been in the sun all Day. And I give it a Coat of that 1 a Year car Wax. When you repaint that mower Give a Coat of Clear after. Mahindra Tractors are red and Known for Fading very Fast.
I’ve heard reds and oranges are the worst for fading. I’ll have to find some sort of UV resistant paint. Keeping it out of the sun is key. I’ve got it under a tarp now. Keep on tractoring!
Be real careful of those disc grinders , a friend had a disc break apart and a big chunk of it went into his arm and ended being a major injury . The surgeon told him of several other people he had treated for the same type of problem . I use one also and wear all the protection I can get on .
You’re right, they can be dangerous. A cutting disc can break easily. I’ve never had a grinding disc break on me however. They do make quick work vs a file and saving time not needing to take the blades off. Keep on tractoring!
Nice video Jon . I think it's the first time that I've seen someone sharpen the blades of a flail mower . So that's what the hammer knives look like . That paint should have lasted a lot longer than what it did . I hope it wasn't American made . If it was they should be ashamed of themselves . You should name the manufacrture of that mower . I've seen cheap plastic chairs colour last longer than the paint of that mower did . $1300 may not be that much but when you think of the hours you had to work and save the money to purchase that mower .... yea the paint should have lasted longer than what it did .Craftsman tools . Yes they are making a come back.
Yep, hammer blades look kinda funny but they sure cut well! The paint is terrible. I’m not to concerned about it though. I’ve got some good quality Kubota orange stuff that will make it look much better. Probably even make it cut better. That’s was some serious fading in a short time. I was surprised! Keep on tractoring!
Taking off a couple of grams from a 400-800 gram hammer won’t affect anything. You aren’t reshaping the entire hammer just touching up to cutting surface
First time I've seen a video on flail mower sharpening. I plan on getting a flail mower when I get a tractor.
I think I’ve only ever seen one other flail sharpening video on TH-cam. Figured I’d add another. I’m very happy with my flail mower!
Keep on tractoring!
Hi Jon! That fail mower is impressive! Not as hard to sharpen as I had imagined. Thanks for sharing!
It does a such a great job mulching everything up. I’m very pleased with the performance.
Keep on tractoring!
I love my flail mower! I even spent an afternoon and made it quick hitch compatible. So much easier to haul then my brush hog and dose a much better job!
Good to hear Kevin! A flail mower is a great implement to own. How long have you had yours? Any issues? They sure do a much better job than a brush hog.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon I bought mine a week after you got yours. No issues yet.
Good demonstration sharpening the hammers on flail 👍 I use the 6 foot flail with the heavy duty Y shape flail blades . In the shop I tip it backwards like you did and use a pair of vise grips too hold each set of blades tight together and then use my small 90 degree air grinder with 1-1/2 disc 80 grit too put razor edge on . Takes about one hour too do all but sure makes a big difference . I only turn the blades around if damaged bad . When I went too using a flail mower I would never go back too a rotary mower . There a mobile mulcher . 👍
Do you handle brush with the Y blades? I’ve heard that the best use for Y blades is cutting your grass. Sounds like you really take your time and get a nice edge on them. 👍
Keep on tractoring!
A RITTER BIT WILL DO . Yes there are different sizes and withs of y blades . Mind will take out up too 2” hard wood and 2-1/2 soft . I like the y blade for combination work grass and brush . They are heavy duty blades . I wish I had a hammer blade flail mower also for heavy brush . But I make due with the wood chipper for that . I welded alloy steel bucket weld on my friends forged hammer edges like yours and sharpened also . Last 10 times longer . 👍
Nice job John. I would love to have one of those👍
A good coat of Kubota Orange paint and it will probably even cut better. Happy Tractoring!!
Exactly, it’ll look much better Kubota orange. Its earned the true Kubota color anyway, that thing is a beast! I can’t believe what it’ll chew up!
Keep on tractoring!
That sun fade patina is nice though! You cant recreate that! Nice work getting her all sharp! I think this is my next investment for my Kubota BX! The more videos I see you do the more I like the flail!
I was really expecting this cheap flail mower to have something break by now but it’s actually help up to everything I’ve put it through. I’m impressed. The paint though! My goodness!
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Patina!!!! as a mechanic I love patina/sun fade! What model is that again? Woods?
Flail mowers do a great job of clearing Australian hardwood sticks and brush. Mulching it down evenly. 😊🇦🇺
That's good to hear, I've had some trouble with green small oak branches getting wrapped around the drum but other than that it's been an awesome implement. It mulches really well!
Keep on tractoring!
Nice job.
Have the same mower and it faded the exact same way lol. Still very happy with it, especially for the price!
Thanks for the video. I searched a long time to find this one. My flails are about as sharp as the side of my finger, they're the heavy hammer kind. I'm trying to figure out which part to sharpen. So far, the blades I've done so far have taken about 7 minutes each with a 6 inch grinder.
Hope this helps sprees up that process. Keep in mind that you need to take off around the same amount of material from each hammer knife to keep your flail balanced. How do you like using a flail mower?
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon I tried the mulcher mower out on the hill track yesterday. It did a good job, I’m still figuring out how to shift it across so it doesn’t hit the bank on the narrow parts. It sticks out about 600mm currently. My flails are 150mm or 6” wide, and I’m experimenting with which face to leave untouched.
Jon learned how sharpen a always thought you had to take the hammers off
God Bless
PaK
I was afraid I might have to as well but I saw someone do it this way and thought I’d give it a try. Seemed to work just fine and very easy to do.
Keep on tractoring!
Hey Jon ,I saw someone give advised on Hammer blades and cant find it now .it must be on TH-cam .
I’ve seen it as well and can’t remember where it was. I know GP did a series but someone else went over sharpening hammers. I’m sure I’ll come across it again sometime.
Keep on tractoring!
I have a 6 ft finish mower and was looking to buy a brush hog but I like the looks of the finish from the flail mower how does it do with small trees and heavier brush. Thanks and have a great day
It does an amazing job! I’ve posted a few video on TH-cam using this flail for much heavier stuff. Check out my channel. I posted them in June/July. The real heavy stuff you need to make a couple passes but it leaves a great cut!
Keep on tractoring!
It seems pretty straight forward to sharpen them, looking to get one on my ventrac 4520. But I do have concern about balancing the blade. Any issues with yours? Any concerns about not balancing the flail blade? Would it wear for mower it is not balance?
Thanks
As far as balancing I try to take off the same amount when sharpening and so far I've been lucky. I figure about the time you'd start to have issues you'd probably want to replace the hammer anyways.
Keep on tractoring!
Jon I have a question. Your tractor has 17.5 PTO horsepower, and your flail mower says minimum PTO horsepower of 20 hp. How does your tractor handle it. My tractor has 18 PTO horsepower, and I have 2 inch thick trees and brush that I want to mow over. About four or 5 acres worth. The flail mower website says my tractor should use the 41 inch medium duty flail mower. Because it says 18 hp minimum. What do you think. Thank you Mr Smith
Let's see if I can remember. 12 foot cut dived by two mowers. One on the 3 point hitch and one on a hydraulic mount on the right side. We had the knives. Couldn't flip the mowers over, had to lay on a creeper to do it. Each blade set had 2 knives, a u bolt hangar, a pin and cotter pin. Good old Mott mowers. It took a little bit more time to sharpen. 🤔🤔🤔
That sounds like a pain in the hind end. 🤪 I’ve sharpened plenty of rotary blades including reel mowers. This flail mower seems to be easy as anything to put an edge on.
Keep on tractoring!
I bet their using real cheap paint and no UV protector at all. The flails are much easier to sharpen than I would have thought. Cheers bud.
It’s the worst paint I’ve seen. My kids have better stuff in their art supplies.
Oh well, the quality otherwise has surpassed my expectations.
Keep on tractoring!
Agree with you on frail but do have brush hog
Nice, Jon. Do you sharpen to more of a blunt edge like a brush hog blades, to prevent as much chipping of metal on the edge? I'd imagine so because of you knife edge shape the metal hammer, the first few bigger saplings and tough wood brush would dull it right away. Wish you demoed that a little more. I like the flail mowers cut...wish I opted for one over my more light duty Bush Hog. Blessings! Thank you
Yes it is a blunt edge. I sharpened it to a similar edge as you would put on a mower blade. It seemed to work just fine and definitely made a difference. It leaves a much nicer cut than a brush hog.
Keep on tractoring!
Is there anything a fail mower does that is not as good as any other implement in the same category? In my opinion, that's THE implement to have. for clearing a land. Thanks Jon!
I’ve found that if I could run it over I could mulch it up. It’s the next best thing to a forestry mulcher in my opinion. Leaves a great finish. Perfect for maintaining trails and enlarging fields. Get one for your case!
Keep on tractoring!
Wow those look great compared to mine..hahahahaha. so have you lost any hammers yet? I have lost 2 but thankfully I have learned to stop immediately and the hammer is usually with in about 10 feet from where I lost it. Love mine for sure.
I've always wondered about the fading paint on my equipment.... I bought a used M9540 and had the Kubota dealer install a new LA1353 loader. Within a year the loader was faded to about the same shade as your flail mower, but the tractor's paint still looks new (7 years later). I've heard that powder coat paint fades, but regular paint doesn't. ???
I’ve not heard the difference between powder coating and regular paint. It’s interesting though. I’m not a fan of powder coating though.
Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon Don't quote me, but I believe it was Paul Short who shared his dislike for powder coating on one of his youtube videos.
Oh yes, he revisits his dislike of it every so often. Powder coating has goiter better but I still prefer regular paint as it’s easier for me to touch up with a spray can. Looks better..
Good morning, you looks like a cleaning tooth technician for rhinos !!! LOL Sorry Sir,,, Great works, the sun is very powerful on you side !!! LOL Cheers !!!
Is the cutting height adjustable? I have always wanted a flail but needed a taller cut to avoid rocks etc.
Yes it is, I believe it’s adjustable up to 6 inches. Looks pretty easy to adjust but in all honesty I haven’t adjusted mine at all. I just went with the set stock height.
Keep on tractoring!
Reds and Oranges seem to Fade Real Fast Unless you put Wax on Them or They have Clear Coat on them. I see Brand New Kubotas on the Lot that are very Faded Compared to My 2002 which has Never been in the sun all Day. And I give it a Coat of that 1 a Year car Wax. When you repaint that mower Give a Coat of Clear after. Mahindra Tractors are red and Known for Fading very Fast.
I’ve heard reds and oranges are the worst for fading. I’ll have to find some sort of UV resistant paint. Keeping it out of the sun is key. I’ve got it under a tarp now.
Keep on tractoring!
Be real careful of those disc grinders , a friend had a disc break apart and a big chunk of it went into his arm and ended being a major injury . The surgeon told him of several other people he had treated for the same type of problem . I use one also and wear all the protection I can get on .
You’re right, they can be dangerous. A cutting disc can break easily. I’ve never had a grinding disc break on me however. They do make quick work vs a file and saving time not needing to take the blades off.
Keep on tractoring!
Nice video Jon . I think it's the first time that I've seen someone sharpen the blades of a flail mower . So that's what the hammer knives look like . That paint should have lasted a lot longer than what it did . I hope it wasn't American made . If it was they should be ashamed of themselves . You should name the manufacrture of that mower . I've seen cheap plastic chairs colour last longer than the paint of that mower did . $1300 may not be that much but when you think of the hours you had to work and save the money to purchase that mower .... yea the paint should have lasted longer than what it did .Craftsman tools . Yes they are making a come back.
Yep, hammer blades look kinda funny but they sure cut well! The paint is terrible. I’m not to concerned about it though. I’ve got some good quality Kubota orange stuff that will make it look much better. Probably even make it cut better. That’s was some serious fading in a short time. I was surprised!
Keep on tractoring!
I thought grinding the hammers would throw everything out of balance.
And therefore should not be done.
It worked really well for me and needs to be done yet again.
Keep on tractoring!
Taking off a couple of grams from a 400-800 gram hammer won’t affect anything. You aren’t reshaping the entire hammer just touching up to cutting surface
That didnt teach much about sharpening the mower, bmayhe a little more blunt tho