A flail mower is an essential piece of equipment for effective landscaping and property maintenance. Choosing the right flail mower is crucial to ensure optimal performance and keep your property looking its best. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what a flail mower is, the advantages of using one, the different types of flail mowers available, and much more.
What is a Flail Mower?
A flail mower is a type of powered agricultural or landscaping equipment used to cut and mulch grass, weeds, and other vegetation. It consists of a horizontal shaft with multiple blade-like attachments called flails. These flails are mounted on a rotating drum, which swings forward and upward, chopping vegetation with a scissor-like action.
Different Types of Flail Mowers
There are several types of flail mowers available, each designed for specific applications and terrain:
Heavy-Duty Flail Mowers: Heavy-duty flail mowers are built for tasks requiring more power and durability, such as clearing brush and maintaining slopes.
Embankment Flail Mowers: Designed for maintaining steep banks and slopes, embankment flail mowers offer additional control and stability for hard-to-reach areas.
Hydraulic Side Shift Flail Mowers: These mowers feature a hydraulic side shift mechanism, allowing the operator to maneuver the mower around obstacles or close to fence lines.
ATV Flail Mowers: Designed for use with all-terrain vehicles, these mowers are light, compact, and offer increased mobility on rough terrain.
Flail Mower / Mulchers: Featuring extra-heavy duty grated flails, these mowers are designed for the toughest mulching jobs typically found in environments with heavy brush and saplings such as orchards and vineyards.
Introducing the…
Victory Tractor Implements
2023 Flail Mower line
EMSD – Standard Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Victory EMSD Series Standard Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Description
Standard Duty Embankment Flail Mower best suited for subcompact and compact farm tractors. Supports a wide range of HP requirements and mowing widths. Able to extend from a -55 degree angle (ditches) to a maximum of +90 degrees (hedges). Typically used for mowing around hard to reach places such as fence lines, perimeters, tree wells, etc.
Pros: Cost, Maneuverability, Low HP requirement
Cons: Low tractor HP may limit performance
Horsepower required: 20-50 HP
Mowing Width (by model): 40” – 64” swath
Price Range: $2395 – $2995
40″ Mowing Width, Min 20HP | EMSD-40
48″ Mowing Width, Min 25HP | EMSD-48
56″ Mowing Width, Min 30HP | EMSD-56
64″ Mowing Width, Min 35HP | EMSD-64
EMID – Intermediate Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Victory EMID Series Intermediate Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Description
Perfectly filling the gap between Standard Duty and Heavy Duty Embankment Flail Mowers, the EMID is designed to meet the HP requirements of compact and mid-sized tractors. Offering the same extension and vertical rotation functionality as the EMSD and EMHD models in a medium sized package. This mower comes equipped with 800g. flails making it the ideal option for professional and residential land maintenance alike.
Pros: Supports a wide range of HP requirements
Cons: Not well suited for subcompact tractors
Horsepower required: 35-70 HP
Mowing Width (by model): 56” – 70” swath
Price Range: $3245 – $3645
56″ Mowing Width, Min 35HP | EMID-64
64″ Mowing Width, Min 40HP | EMID-64
70″ Mowing Width, Min 45HP | EMID-70
EMHD – Heavy Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Victory EMHD Series Heavy Duty Embankment Flail Mower
Description
Heavy Duty Embankment Flail Mower best suited for mid-sized and heavy duty farm tractors. Supports a wide range of HP requirements and mowing widths. Able to extend from a -55 degree angle (ditches) to a maximum of +90 degrees (hedges). Typically used for mowing around hard to reach places such as fence lines, perimeters, tree wells, etc.
Pros: Supports large scale jobs, Higher HP threshold, Heavy duty flails
Cons: Higher cost than Standard Duty models, Large HP requirement
Horsepower required: 65-120 HP
Mowing Width (by model): 70” to 94” swath
Price Range: $4995 – $5895
70″ Mowing Width, Min 65HP | EMHD-70
78″ Mowing Width, Min 70HP | EMHD-78
86″ Mowing Width, Min 75HP | EMHD-86
94″ Mowing Width, Min 80HP | EMHD-94
FMHD – Heavy Duty Flail Mower
Victory FMHD Series Heavy Duty Flail Mower
Description
Heavy Duty Flail Mower suited for large scale application. The FMHD is the traditional tow-behind flail mower model that does not include hydraulic extensions for reaching beyond the stated swath width. Typically used for mowing large fields and grasslands.
Pros: Cost Effective, Basic Mechanics, Lower HP Threshold Required
Cons: Cannot extend beyond width of mower
Horsepower required: 35-90 HP
Mowing Width (by model): 64” to 86” swath
Price Range: $2895 – $3495
64″ Mowing Width, Min 35HP | FMHD-64
70″ Mowing Width, Min 40HP | FMHD-70
78″ Mowing Width, Min 45HP | FMHD-78
86″ Mowing Width, Min 50HP | FMHD-86
FMHDH – Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Hydraulic Side Shift
Victory FMHDH Series Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Side Shift
Description
Heavy Duty Flail Mower with Hydraulic Side Shift arm suited for large scale application. The FMHDH is the traditional tow-behind flail mower model with the added benefit of an 18” hydraulic shift that supports reaching beyond the stated swath width. Typically used for mowing large fields, grasslands, fence lines, and perimeters.
Pros: Cost Effective, Suited for a variety of applications
Cons: Bank mowing not supported
Horsepower required: 35-90 HP
Mowing Width (by model): 64” to 86” swath
Price Range: $3045 – $3645
64″ Mowing Width, Min 35HP | FMHDH-64
70″ Mowing Width, Min 40HP | FMHDH-70
78″ Mowing Width, Min 45HP | FMHDH-78
86″ Mowing Width, Min 50HP | FMHDH-86
MATV – Motorized / Gas Powered Heavy Duty Flail Mower
Victory MATV Series Motorized Flail Mower
Description
Motorized Flail Mower designed to be towed behind vehicle with trailer hitch. Commonly used in conjunction with motorized vehicles including ATVs and light duty trucks. 420cc Gas Powered Briggs & Stratton engine eliminates the need for external PTO power. Operates at 13.5 HP providing enough power to mow large areas with options supporting both 48″ and 60″ mowing widths based on model.
Pros: Tractor independent – no PTO or external power source required
Cons: Requires occasional refueling
Horsepower required: none (self-contained power source)
Mowing Width (by model): 48” to 60” swath
Price Range: $2795 – $3145
48″ Mowing Width, 13.5HP | MATV-120
60″ Mowing Width, 13.5HP | MATV-150
Advantages of Using a Flail Mower
Versatility: Flail mowers can be used for a variety of applications, including lawn maintenance, weed control, and brush-cutting. Whether you need to maintain a golf course, vineyard, or orchard, a flail mower can handle the job.
Superior cutting performance: Flail mowers offer exceptional cutting performance compared to traditional rotary mowers, especially when used on uneven terrain. The flails easily adapt to changes in ground level, leaving a clean and even cut.
Safety: Flail mowers have a lower risk of throwing debris compared to rotary mowers because the flails absorb impacts, preventing harmful objects from flying off at high speeds.
Mulching capability: The unique action of a flail mower allows it to cut and chop vegetation into fine pieces, which can be left on the ground as natural mulch.
Choosing the Right Size Flail Mower
Selecting the right size flail mower for your needs will ensure optimal performance and efficiency. To choose the correct size, consider the following factors:
Horsepower requirements: Make sure your tractor or ATV has the necessary horsepower to operate the flail mower safely and efficiently.
Area to be maintained: Larger mowers are more efficient for maintaining expansive areas, while smaller ones are better suited for tight spaces and detailed landscaping.
Type of vegetation: If you’ll be cutting dense brush or tall grass, a more potent flail mower may be required to handle the job.
Maintaining Your Flail Mower
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your flail mower running smoothly and extending its lifespan. Follow these basic maintenance tips:
Clean the mower regularly: Remove debris, grass, and dirt from the flail drum and flails to prevent buildup and ensure smooth operation.
Check and replace damaged parts: Regularly inspect your flail mower for worn or damaged parts, such as flails and belts, and replace them as needed.
Sharpen flail blades: Regularly sharpening your flail mower’s blades will improve cutting performance and help keep vegetation healthy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for sharpening and maintenance.
Safety Precautions for Using a Flail Mower
Operating a flail mower can be dangerous if not done with proper care and precaution. Keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a secure and efficient mowing experience:
Read the owner’s manual: Familiarize yourself with your flail mower’s features, controls, and safety guidelines before operating it.
Wear protective gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, long pants, and sturdy shoes, to protect yourself from flying debris and potential injury.
Inspect the area to be mowed: Before mowing, check the area for hidden obstacles, such as rocks, fallen branches, or uneven terrain, that could pose a hazard or cause damage to your mower.
Maintain a safe distance from bystanders: Keep people, especially children, and pets at a safe distance from the working area to avoid accidents.
Never leave the mower running unattended: Always turn off your flail mower and engage the safety features when taking a break or making adjustments.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Flail Mower?
The price of a flail mower can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, brand, features, and type. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 for a small, standard-duty flail mower to upwards of $10,000 for a large, heavy-duty model with advanced features.
Remember that while you may be inclined to opt for a more affordable option, investing in a high-quality, durable flail mower may save you time and money in the long run through reduced maintenance and repair costs.
Top Flail Mower Brands and Where to Buy
There are several reputable flail mower manufacturers to choose from, each offering models designed for specific needs and applications. Some of the top flail mower brands include:
Victory: Victory flail mowers are known for their durability, featuring a full line of flail mowers suited for a variety of applications
Eterra: Eterra specializes in flail mowers for skid steers and excavators, catering to heavy-duty, commercial applications.
Peruzzo: Peruzzo is an Italian manufacturer of agricultural equipment, offering a range of flail mowers with various sizes and features for a wide array of applications.
When shopping for a flail mower, be sure to consider your local dealer’s support and parts availability. Alternatively, reputable online vendors, such as etractorimplements.com, offer a wide selection of flail mower models and can provide helpful customer support.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Selecting the right flail mower for your needs doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering factors such as mower size, horsepower requirements, intended use, and budget, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well in the long run. Stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies, read customer reviews, and consult with professionals to ensure you’re making the best possible choice for your property and needs. Remember, the key to a beautiful, well-maintained landscape is selecting the right equipment and maintaining it to keep it in optimal working condition.
Victory Tractor Implements is proud to offer a wide range of products including flail mowers, wood chippers, rotary tillers, and backhoes, all designed to be connected directly to your tractor’s PTO for maximum efficiency and performance. In addition, we also offer winter equipment such as snow plows and snow blowers, designed for use with skid steers.
We source all of our equipment directly from the manufacturer and pass the savings on to our customers. As always, the team is standing by to answer any questions to assist with your decision. Victory support can be reached directly at (562) 534-8182 or sales@etractorimplements.com
