🛠️ Using a Flail Mower with the Mower Raised on a 3-Point Hitch: What You Need to Know

If you're new to mowing with a tractor and recently purchased a flail mower, you might be wondering: “Can I run it while it’s raised on the hitch?” It’s a fair question—and one that could save your equipment from unnecessary wear or even damage.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about operating three point hitch flail mowers, what’s safe, what’s risky, and how to use your machine the right way—whether you're trimming weeds or tackling heavy grass on your land.

🧠 What Is a Flail Mower and a 3-Point Hitch?

Before we dig into technique, let’s start with some basics.

A flail mower is a rear-mounted attachment powered by your tractor’s pto shaft. It uses multiple small blades (or flails) that spin rapidly to mulch grass, brush, and even small saplings. This makes it perfect for dealing with uneven terrain, tall weeds, and hard-to-reach edges.

The 3 point hitch system on your tractor is what lifts and lowers the mower and connects it securely. It’s made up of two lower arms and a top link, giving you both strength and flexibility to adjust your mowing height.

⚖️ Should You Use a Flail Mower While Raised?

Short answer: not really—at least not for actual mowing.

Let’s break it down:

When your flail is lifted, the blades no longer hover evenly over the ground. This leads to inconsistent results, scalped turf, and extra stress on the clutch and driveline—not to mention it can reduce the lifespan of your equipment.

🔧 How to Properly Use Your Flail Mower on a 3-Point Hitch

To get smooth performance and a clean cut, follow these usage tips:

1. Always lower your mower fully before engaging the PTO.

2. Set the top link to allow a little vertical float over bumps and hills.

3. Adjust side skids to control cutting height, especially on uneven terrain.

4. Never mow while the unit is swinging freely or hanging at an angle.

If you’re using a hydraulic offset model like the Farmry HFSS79 or VLF65, you can shift the deck laterally to reach edges and under fences—without lifting the mower.

These features give the operator better control in tight areas or along field borders.

🏆 Recommended Flail Mowers from Farmry

Farmry offers a range of heavy duty flail mowers built for compact and full-size tractors, all equipped with rugged features and backed by excellent support.

✅ Top Picks (In Stock Now):

• LFS45 (45"): Great for 15–35 HP tractors; easy to operate

• LFP47 Pro Series (47"): Built for tougher tasks; reinforced rotor and adjustable skids

• HFSS79 (79"): With hydraulic offset for slope work and ditch banks

• MFSS61 (61"): Designed for 35–70 HP tractors, equipped with PTO protection and durable housing

Each product includes full specifications like weight, cutting diameter, and HP compatibility, helping you select the right mower confidently.

They’re also competitively priced, offering professional-grade results at a reasonable price—especially when compared to local dealers or custom fabrication services.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Engaging PTO when the mower is raised

• Forgetting to level the deck before cutting

• Ignoring vibrations or noises from the external gearbox

• Skipping maintenance on the loader, top link, or clutch

Taking just a few minutes to check your settings can add years to your flail mower’s life.

📦 Final Thoughts: Lower for Performance, Lift for Safety

Can you run a flail mower while raised? Technically yes—but it’s not recommended unless you're repositioning or crossing an obstacle. For clean, consistent results and long-term reliability, always lower the mower to the working position and let it glide over the ground as designed.

Whether you're a homesteader, small-scale farmer, or local operator, a flail mower mounted correctly on your three point hitch is the ideal solution for managing brush, grass, and field perimeters.

Looking to upgrade or replace your current mower? Browse Farmry’s full lineup of three point hitch flail mowers here and find the perfect match for your tractor and terrain.

✅ Still have questions about setup or sizing? Our expert team is here to guide you in finding the best attachment for your property.

If you're new to mowing with a tractor and recently purchased a flail mower, you might be wondering: “Can I run it while it’s raised on the hitch?” It’s a fair question—and one that could save your equipment from unnecessary wear or even damage.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about operating three point hitch flail mowers, what’s safe, what’s risky, and how to use your machine the right way—whether you're trimming weeds or tackling heavy grass on your land.

🧠 What Is a Flail Mower and a 3-Point Hitch?

Before we dig into technique, let’s start with some basics.

A flail mower is a rear-mounted attachment powered by your tractor’s pto shaft. It uses multiple small blades (or flails) that spin rapidly to mulch grass, brush, and even small saplings. This makes it perfect for dealing with uneven terrain, tall weeds, and hard-to-reach edges.

The 3 point hitch system on your tractor is what lifts and lowers the mower and connects it securely. It’s made up of two lower arms and a top link, giving you both strength and flexibility to adjust your mowing height.

⚖️ Should You Use a Flail Mower While Raised?

Short answer: not really—at least not for actual mowing.

Let’s break it down:

When your flail is lifted, the blades no longer hover evenly over the ground. This leads to inconsistent results, scalped turf, and extra stress on the clutch and driveline—not to mention it can reduce the lifespan of your equipment.

🔧 How to Properly Use Your Flail Mower on a 3-Point Hitch

To get smooth performance and a clean cut, follow these usage tips:

1. Always lower your mower fully before engaging the PTO.

2. Set the top link to allow a little vertical float over bumps and hills.

3. Adjust side skids to control cutting height, especially on uneven terrain.

4. Never mow while the unit is swinging freely or hanging at an angle.

If you’re using a hydraulic offset model like the Farmry HFSS79 or VLF65, you can shift the deck laterally to reach edges and under fences—without lifting the mower.

These features give the operator better control in tight areas or along field borders.

🏆 Recommended Flail Mowers from Farmry

Farmry offers a range of heavy duty flail mowers built for compact and full-size tractors, all equipped with rugged features and backed by excellent support.

✅ Top Picks (In Stock Now):

• LFS45 (45"): Great for 15–35 HP tractors; easy to operate

• LFP47 Pro Series (47"): Built for tougher tasks; reinforced rotor and adjustable skids

• HFSS79 (79"): With hydraulic offset for slope work and ditch banks

• MFSS61 (61"): Designed for 35–70 HP tractors, equipped with PTO protection and durable housing

Each product includes full specifications like weight, cutting diameter, and HP compatibility, helping you select the right mower confidently.

They’re also competitively priced, offering professional-grade results at a reasonable price—especially when compared to local dealers or custom fabrication services.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Engaging PTO when the mower is raised

• Forgetting to level the deck before cutting

• Ignoring vibrations or noises from the external gearbox

• Skipping maintenance on the loader, top link, or clutch

Taking just a few minutes to check your settings can add years to your flail mower’s life.

📦 Final Thoughts: Lower for Performance, Lift for Safety

Can you run a flail mower while raised? Technically yes—but it’s not recommended unless you're repositioning or crossing an obstacle. For clean, consistent results and long-term reliability, always lower the mower to the working position and let it glide over the ground as designed.

Whether you're a homesteader, small-scale farmer, or local operator, a flail mower mounted correctly on your three point hitch is the ideal solution for managing brush, grass, and field perimeters.

Looking to upgrade or replace your current mower? Browse Farmry’s full lineup of three point hitch flail mowers here and find the perfect match for your tractor and terrain.

✅ Still have questions about setup or sizing? Our expert team is here to guide you in finding the best attachment for your property.