In this blog post, we will be discussing the topic of flail mowers and rotary cutters. We will provide a comparison between a Land Pride flail mower (FM 2572) and a Land Pride rotary cutter (RCR 1272). The purpose of this blog post is to provide information and insights into the pros, cons, and performance of these two types of mowers. Whether you are considering purchasing a flail mower or a rotary cutter, this blog post will help you make an informed decision. Read on to learn more about these two powerful tools for your mowing needs.
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Understanding Flail Mowers
Flail mowers are powerful tools used for mowing and mulching. They work by utilizing a large drum that spins underneath protective covers, cutting up vegetation and mulching it.
The cutting capacity of a flail mower depends on the type of teeth used. There are three options: hammer, duck, and why. Hammer teeth have the smallest cutting capacity, around 1 inch, while why teeth can cut up to 2 inches of material. The mulched material is then expelled from the back of the mower, resulting in a finer finish.
Flail mowers come in a size range of 48 to 84 inches. The size of the mower you choose should be based on the horsepower of your equipment. Smaller mowers, around 48 inches, are suitable for lower horsepower machines like the B series, while larger mowers, up to 84 inches, are more suitable for higher horsepower machines like the M series. It’s important to match the size of the flail mower to the horsepower of your equipment to ensure optimal performance.
A key difference between flail mowers and rotary cutters is the mechanism used to drive the blades. Flail mowers are belt-driven off the gearbox, while rotary cutters are directly driven by a PTO shaft.
This belt-driven mechanism provides a unique advantage in terms of flexibility and maneuverability. Flail mowers can easily be offset by 8 to 10 inches, allowing for better access to ditches and driveways. Additionally, the belt-driven mechanism results in a smoother and more precise finish compared to rotary cutters.
Another feature that enhances the finish of the flail mower is the roller. Flail mowers are equipped with a roller at the back, which helps to flatten and level the mowed area, providing a clean and professional appearance. This roller is especially beneficial when mowing large areas or areas that require a pristine finish.
Pros of Flail Mowers
Flail mowers offer several advantages over rotary cutters. Here are some of the pros of using flail mowers:
- Ability to offset the mower for better reach: One major advantage of flail mowers is their ability to offset by 8 to 10 inches. This feature allows for better access to ditches, driveways, and other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring thorough and efficient mowing.
- Improved finish compared to rotary cutters: Flail mowers provide a superior finish compared to rotary cutters. The multiple spinning blades of the flail mower mulch the vegetation effectively, resulting in a finer and more even finish. This is especially beneficial when mowing areas that require a clean and professional appearance.
- Enhanced maneuverability and visibility: Unlike rotary cutters, which can be situated far from the tractor, flail mowers offer better maneuverability and visibility. With a flail mower, you can easily navigate corners, back in and out of tight spaces, and achieve a precise and magnificent finish.
- Belt-driven mechanism as a potential advantage: Flail mowers are belt-driven off the gearbox, which provides a unique advantage in terms of flexibility and maneuverability. The belt-driven mechanism allows for smoother operation and better control, resulting in a more precise and efficient cut.
- Discussion of the cost factor: It’s important to consider the cost factor when comparing flail mowers and rotary cutters. While the cost of a flail mower can be three to four times higher than that of a rotary cutter, the benefits and superior finish offered by a flail mower may outweigh the initial investment for those seeking professional results.
When considering your mowing needs, the ability to offset the mower, improved finish, maneuverability, belt-driven mechanism, and cost factor are all important factors to consider when deciding between a flail mower and a rotary cutter.
Cons of Flail Mowers
While flail mowers offer several advantages over rotary cutters, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are the cons of using flail mowers:
- Potential issues with belt-driven mechanism: Flail mowers are belt-driven off the gearbox, which means that the belts may wear out over time. However, with proper operation and maintenance, the belts can last for a long time.
- Presence of multiple moving parts and the need for blade replacement: Flail mowers have multiple moving parts, including the blades. If one or more blades get damaged, it can throw the mower off balance and cause vibrations. Damaged blades will need to be replaced, which can be an additional cost and maintenance task.
- Higher cost compared to rotary cutters: Flail mowers are generally more expensive than rotary cutters. The cost of a flail mower can be three to four times higher than that of a rotary cutter. However, it’s important to consider the benefits and superior finish a flail mower offers when evaluating the overall value.
- Acknowledgment of vibration issues caused by damaged blades: As mentioned earlier, damaged blades can cause vibrations in a flail mower. These vibrations can affect the performance and result in a less precise cut. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged blades are important to maintain optimal performance.
Despite these potential drawbacks, flail mowers remain a popular choice for those seeking a superior finish and enhanced maneuverability. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific mowing needs before deciding between a flail mower and a rotary cutter.
Performance Comparison
In the transcript, a comparison demonstration is shown between a Land Pride flail mower (FM 2572) and a Land Pride rotary cutter (RCR 1272). The purpose of this comparison is to provide insights into the performance differences between these two types of mowers.
The results of the demonstration showed that the flail mower provided a finer finish compared to the rotary cutter. The multiple spinning blades of the flail mower effectively mulched the vegetation, resulting in a more even and professional appearance. On the other hand, the rotary cutter was able to knock down grass and brush, but it did not provide the same level of mulching capabilities as the flail mower.
One important factor to consider when choosing between the two is the desired finish. If you are looking for a clean and pristine appearance, the flail mower is a better choice. Its ability to mulch the vegetation and the presence of a roller at the back help to flatten and level the mowed area, resulting in a superior finish. However, if your primary goal is to simply knock down grass and brush, the rotary cutter may be more suitable.
It is also worth noting that the flail mower offers enhanced maneuverability and visibility compared to the rotary cutter. With the ability to offset the mower by 8 to 10 inches, the flail mower provides better access to ditches, driveways, and other hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, its belt-driven mechanism allows for smoother operation and better control, resulting in a more precise and efficient cut.
When deciding between a flail mower and a rotary cutter, it is important to consider your specific mowing needs and the desired finish. While the cost of a flail mower can be higher than that of a rotary cutter, the benefits and superior finish offered by a flail mower may outweigh the initial investment for those seeking professional results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this blog post provided a comprehensive comparison between flail mowers and rotary cutters. We discussed the key points from the transcript, including an overview of flail mowers, the pros and cons, and a performance comparison. Flail mowers offer several advantages such as the ability to offset the mower for better reach, improved finish, enhanced maneuverability and visibility, and a belt-driven mechanism for smoother operation. However, there are also potential drawbacks, including issues with the belt-driven mechanism and the presence of multiple moving parts. Ultimately, the choice between a flail mower and a rotary cutter depends on your specific mowing needs and desired finish.
If you want to explore more information on rotary cutters, we encourage you to check out our YouTube channel. We have videos that go into more depth on this topic. Thank you for reading this blog post and watching our video. We appreciate your support.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave your comments below. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you. Happy mowing!
FAQ
Are flail mowers more expensive than rotary cutters?
Yes, flail mowers are generally more expensive than rotary cutters. The cost of a flail mower can be three to four times higher than that of a rotary cutter. However, it’s important to consider the benefits and superior finish offered by a flail mower when evaluating the overall value.
Can flail mowers handle tougher grass and brush?
Yes, flail mowers are capable of handling tougher grass and brush. The multiple spinning blades of a flail mower effectively mulch the vegetation, resulting in a more even and professional appearance. However, it’s important to note that flail mowers may not provide the same level of cutting power as rotary cutters for very thick and dense vegetation.
Do flail mowers require more maintenance?
Flail mowers do require some maintenance, particularly when it comes to inspecting and replacing damaged blades. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged blades are important to maintain optimal performance. Additionally, the belt-driven mechanism of flail mowers may require occasional adjustment and inspection to ensure proper operation.
Can flail mowers be used with different tractor models?
Yes, flail mowers can be used with different tractor models. The size of the flail mower you choose should be based on the horsepower of your equipment. Smaller flail mowers, around 48 inches, are suitable for lower horsepower machines, while larger flail mowers, up to 84 inches, are more suitable for higher horsepower machines. It’s important to match the size of the flail mower to the horsepower of your equipment to ensure optimal performance.
What is the recommended tooth option for general cutting purposes?
For general cutting purposes, the recommended tooth option for flail mowers is the why teeth. Why teeth have a cutting capacity of up to 2 inches and provide efficient mulching of vegetation. However, it’s important to consider the specific cutting needs and conditions of your mowing area when choosing the tooth option for your flail mower.