Flail Mower Vs Belly Mower Vs Finish Mower

What is the Best Way to Mow with a Tractor? mid mount mower vs flail mower vs 3 point finish mower vs brush hog
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[@RockhillfarmYT]

If you are interested in a maschio mower or any of the other implements I have demonstrated, use code: Rockhill5 to get 5% off your order at www.agfolks.com Check out this playlist for more tractor videos kzbin.info/aero/PLmYnhJtNUq7c2n8UTJASTf9qJQXQ_ngFP Rockhill Farm is a daily equipment and rural living vlog. We mainly focus on tractors and working outdoors. I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content Check out some of the following links to support our channel. If you are interested in a rock Hill Farms T-shirt check out our merch store rockhill-farm.creator-spring.com/listing/rockhill-farm-logo Please subscribe to our channel here: kzbin.info Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/Rock-Hill-Farm-102050688356056/ You can now support the channel by buying us a coffee at the following link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rockhillfarm

[@anthonyg6924]

Good comparison Brock. I mow my property and other people's too, brush maintenance, fields and food plots with my flail mower and do it around a foot off the ground. It does have a different appearance but works for me and there's no damage to the unit from hitting unseen rocks, limbs, woodchuck hole dirt mounds, etc. No issues with 3point supporting the weight, its comparable to a weight bin. Just keep the stabilizer linkage tight so it doesn't swing side to side.

[@rfb7117]

Brock.....I totally agree with your conclusions. I have a JD 4720 and for our 4 acre yard around the house a Ferris 61" zero turn mower. I have had a JD flail mower with knife blades for 20 years and discarded my bush hog shortly after purchasing the flail mower. The bush hog is okay for rough overgrown areas, but the problem is it windrows and sticks out very far behind the tractor...making tight work difficult. Also the finished product does not look good, okay for work in the woods and rough areas but not for walking trails etc., the flail mower will remove small trees, bushes etc.. I mainly mow field roads around food plots and around switchgrass fields and want a clean looking mowed trail. I think the belly mower is harder on the tractor for cutting high grasses and weeds, although I admit I have never owned one. I use my flail mower set slightly off the ground many times to cut switchgrass and clover fields etc. at 6"-8" with no problems. Just my experience.....Bob

[@OldIronAcres]

I like the start of this series! Great start, and looking forward to more! Fair comments so far!

[@HuronRiver-ke8xn]

I think they both are used for different reasons. The mid mount mower is great for manicured large yards. Yes you can get wind rows but usually not cutting 12 inch high grass in the yard. The flail mower is better suited for cutting fields, especially with long grass, weeds, and brush trying to take over the field. I think you should be able to raise the cut height to 4 inches on most flail mowers by adjusting or dropping the roller. Also after dropping the roller you can adjust the top link to raise the front of the flail mower to increase the height of the cut. The bad is because of belt or belts running the drum in thick vegetation it bogs which means you will have to slow down to get a good cut in those circumstances. Overall I agree the flail mower is a much better cut basically feeding the field with mulch, instead of killing spots because of windrows or spotty gobs left on the cut field. By dropping the roller to increase the cut height you will also have a better finish cut because it's not bouncing. Another issue in the video you already have the tires bending the high grass over, my guess the rollers on the mid mount mower did some as well. Anyway nice video

[@foonus406]

With the compact tractors i've found using a mower on the 3 point hitch will give you MUCH more stability on a hillside or steep angle than a belly mounted mower. As you mentioned its a headache have to remove the belly mower to do work with most other implements as well. Unfortunately I have the older (2014) drive over deck you have to hook up everything manually. I put the 2032 on its side with a belly mower on the same slope as the 3 point finishing mower managed to hold.. it seems to act like a beavertail or outrigger for stability. You can notice the difference in cut because the front of the tractor is bouncing up and down.. ive got the same issue using a land plane if i don't burry it. Front of the tractor bounces and the implement at the back end then "skips" up and down" Thanks again for the video!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad you weren’t injured in that rollover.

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy Brock! Great idea for a series. Currently all I have is the belly mower for my Mahindra - it is my only mower. It isn't nearly as easy to attach and take off as your Deere but it isn't terrible. Worst part is trying to get the PTO shaft onto the gear. I would really like a flail mower... eventually... but isn't in the budget yet. Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@marvindiamonjr.9631]

Great video, Brock! Good detail, understandable explanations, and real life use!

[@OutoftheWoods0623]

nice shirt

[@RockhillfarmYT]

To me, capitalism means that if you are good enough, you will win. Nice to feel that we all have the same shot at it

[@andymackay3059]

I agree with you on mid mount mowers unless thats all you use the tractor for. As for mowing a field I'm old fashion and go with a sicklebar mower. You can cut a larger swath with less hp and the ones they make today coming out of Europe are a huge improvement over the old ones I used as in my younger days.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Good point.

[@SkylineAcresVA]

Hey Brock - my personal opinion is I think flail mowers are great but they just cut too short for the health of pasture grass, etc. One thing to experiment with when you do the bush hog comparison is the direction you are running. I ran my Land Pride for a few years going counter-clockwise and it left an OK cut. I switched to clockwise one time and it was like night and day. Looks like a finish mower cut my pasture.

[@joedonbaker1673]

I agree with the mid-mount mower. I bought one for my 1025R, used it a couple times and now it sits there looking like new. I prefer to have a dedicated mower for mowing and I leave my tractor set up to do other work. I do have a flail mower and use that to knock down the field once or twice a year.

[@roybaughman306]

I have a 1025r 2020 mod.a 60" belly mower load and go brackets..also pull type 60"grooming mower that can be set to mow close to ground or around 8"tall..I didn't use my belly mower at all last year love my grooming mower does not bunch up grass discharges our rear evenly. .

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks for sharing. I don’t own a three point finish mower, but it seems like the best option for regular mowing with a tractor

[@KalebBroadhead]

Great video, great comparison

[@toddcaskey9984]

You should be able to lower the roller , I use to mow with one on the roadside with the state and we could move ours and I have a mower like yours , not that brand but probably made at the same place in China . I can move my roller a little. Let us know what he decides. And yes the 3 point Finnish mower is probably the best my dad has one . My rear flail can be offset and do ditches .

[@ivyking4149]

I've really invested in making the right choice for mowing the meadow. Finally i chose the kubota flailmower behind my kubota bx 231. It does an allright job on my meadow. But I really had to experience that for two years to get to know how to do it well. Only to realize I was using the wrong tool for the job. The grass and green on my meadow is so tough, the flailmower gets caught up in it. I am now in the process of buying a Rear mowdeck or brushog like attachment. To actually cut the tough grass to have a nice cut on the meadow

[@keithscriven724]

Lengthen your top link to raise the flail mower and leave the roller on the ground maybe

[@timbervisions]

The flail mowers are impressive. Isn't the height adjustable on them? I figured the roller could be adjusted to cut higher, but I don't have one to know the answer to that question. The cut looks really nice when riding on the roller.

[@tomkeating65]

The top link usually adjusts the height of the cut

[@williamfenner9915]

What ever makes you feel better 😌

[@rickvaughan8993]

Yes the 3 point finish mower is the best for that situation. Especially the rear discharge one as I have. But as you said. You do not have one. Hello finish mower manufacture's Brock needs a 3-point finish mower to demonstrate.

[@dwp1970]

Thanks, very helpful information. I have started to look into upgrading from a riding mower that was left with a property purchase . the rider is fine for the yard but the few acres of wild grasses and brush are too much for it to handle well.

[@dustdevl1043]

I like that flail mower, it leaves a nice smooth cut.

[@benagain7617]

Have you ever considered the 'load and go' brackets for your MMM? They work really nice for not only storage but also deck maintenance.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I would like to have them but for some reason they say they are not compatible with the 60 inch deck on the 2038R. I actually ordered them with the tractor and they refunded them You can get them on the 72 or the 54 inch deck You can also get them on the 60 inch deck on the 1 series

[@benagain7617]

@Rockhill farm Oh yeah, that's right. The 72" deck would be ideal IF you wanted a MMM. Probably like you though, I wish I didn't purchase the mmm. There are a lot of better options. It's sure slick to take on and off though!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

@@benagain7617 yeah, I wouldn’t buy it again. My original thought on getting the 60 inch was that it would fit on my trailer I had at the time and the 72 inch would not. I’ve never taken that mower deck anywhere, so it wouldn’t have mattered

[@patrickcorbett8361]

Good job Brock...I too would not buy the mmm again , storing it is a hassle, and I need it off my JD 3033R 95% of the time . pc

[@jamesberg3106]

Brock, are you familiar with the JD Load and Go system for their mid-Mount mowers? Also can the roller be lowered thereby adjusting cut height? That would take the load of your 3pt hitch

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Yes, but you can’t get load and go on the 60 inch mower for the 2038. They say there’s a clearance issue. You can get it on the 54 and the 72, and you can get it on the 60 inch with the one series.

[@tomkeating65]

The top link adjusts the height of the cut of the flail mower

[@Keith.Zielinski]

Thank you for sharing, I honestly was wondering about cut difference!

[@watkinstreefarm6880]

Interesting video. The thing for me is "Where are the Christmas tree's??

[@TomSarelas]

Try the zero with deck raised to travel height. God bless. TFS

[@charlesmartin8047]

A flail mower can work great,I use them mowing at the State Road. As for me, I use a gm1048e on the back of my 1023e and I love it.

[@charlesbowers2358]

Sorry, but you didn't do a good test with the belly mower. You mow one direction, blowing the grass into the uncut grass, then next pass, you blow two passes of grass out unto the cut grass, causing the large windrow. Should always blow grass unto the cut grass to get an even look without the large windows. For the flare mower, you need to lower the skids down to get an even cut. Hopefully, they go down far enough. Have a Great day!

[@wildbill23c]

I have a mid mount mower, but would like a flail mower at some point...I don't mow saplings or anything like that but I do mow a couple of pastures where the flail mower would be better suited than my mid mount mower. The mid mount mower does great on the lawn, but mowing pastures even though its grass and weeds is still better suited for a flail mower. The flail mower for mowing a lawn would be fine if you have a wide open lawn to mow, if you have obstacles and a small restricted space, it'll present its own problems just because it sticks out behind the tractor so far...not nearly as bad as a rotary cutter (brush hog). I have a non-drive over mower for my tractor because of a lot of problems with the drive over mounting system presents. I don't mind doing the swap myself. I set the deck on my carport, park the tractor on the carport, and roll the deck under the tractor and put the pins in....takes longer getting the deck over to the carport, removing the loader, and rear implement, than it does to install the deck. Nothing wrong with a drive over deck, but all the auto connect stuff hanging under the tractor presents an issue for ground clearance when the deck isn't installed all that extra linkage hanging down can cause issues...with my tractor when the mower isn't installed, all the linkage tucks up into the frame area out of the way and locks there. If you mow a lot a drive over deck is great, makes installation/removal real fast when it works that is. I have a lawn tractor I use most of the time on my lawn, so I don't put that many hours on my mid mount mower so the drive over stuff was just something I wasn't interested in.

[@BENNHENDRICKS33]

Ive commented on fb but i like to try and watch here too, to help out your views. Ive never used a flail mower, but i mow and bush hog. If i owned that property id want it cut but looking good, with a well kept rotory cutter, you can just about stripe it. After watching twice man i gotta think the bush hog would win out, unless he wants to spend more having. Zero turn cut.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

It means a lot to me that you go out of your way to increase my view count. If anybody’s dog likes tractor videos, you can let them watch when you’re not home. L O L. I think for 90% of property owners a traditional rotary cutter is the best option. Versatile, affordable, they take a beating. I also do like just showing options.

[@mr.schwartz2090]

The quick attach John Deere mower was made so that robotically controlled tractors could attach and detach implements

[@davidcharles3131]

Anyway to adjust rear roller down so ground controls cutting height?

[@RockhillfarmYT]

It actually does have an adjustment on the rear roller. Should’ve tested that out in the video but I didn’t think of it. I don’t think it adjust very far. It has three bolt holes.

[@andrewanderson1436]

I think the best way to mow is some tunes and beverage lol.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Nailed it

[@chadjones4236]

Safety 1st any time your dealing with a pto I met a gentleman during FFA safety week in high school that lost his arm 👍

[@JCWren]

Orange equipment doesn't get lost in green grass :)

[@Mattie_Ice]

Love the shirt.

[@danl370]

So overall have you been happy with your Maschio flail mower? Does it have good build quality?

[@jphickory522]

Love the shirt

[@82ndpara21]

Sounds like he wants it mowed like a pasture. Which I find is best done by a multi spindle rotary cutter. They cut very clean at 10”. I’ve had a 3 series JD (3320) with a MMM(72d). It was a very nice system. But I had a bolt hole elongate on the pto yoke. It was an expensive fix. I ultimately moved to a zero turn and 4 series cab (4520). Great video.

[@joebarrett9830]

Did you adjust your roller on the flail mower to give as much distance as possible (tallest cut height) so the roller will continue to remain engaged with the ground?

[@russbowman6801]

If you have the money, a Ventrak tractor and front mount flail mower is a great combination.

[@tomkeating65]

Go to Iowa Farm Equipment for front mount flail mowers

[@larryhege201]

how about a finish mower for fence rows😅

[@tomkeating65]

Go to Iowa Farm Equipment for that

[@russwilkins1622]

Modify the fail mower hitch so it will be quick Hitch compatible.

[@otiskeithwatkins1679]

From what you said it sounds like your customer would like the irregular cut the best. I don't get it but I'm not the customer.

[@tomjones7534]

Hello Brock, I am interested in a Flail mower. Do you have a current coupon for Ag Folks?

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I do have a 5% off coupon. I’m also selling the exact mower in the video for about half price but it’s in Kansas.

[@arepadetrigo]

I have a MMM and I agree. It's ok but the tractor is too large for the average yard.

[@davehudson4607]

6000 Pounds, stay away from the septic system!

[@orkidknog4147]

you blew to rows of grass into one row witch made it worse if you knew what you were doing you would of went round and round blowing one one width of grass onto whats cut

[@HoneyDoHomestead]

wow this guy sounds like a real goldilocks. even cutting a field of weeds (let alone grass) to an even 4" would look really nice. you have to be careful with customers like this; sometimes you just can't seem to please people. i hope it all worked out in the end, but definitely some red flags there.

[@Crossfireranch1]

Your customer is just a little picky.

[@CPLBSS88]

There is no GOOD way to mow with a tractor when "best use of your money" is a concern 😂 The best use of your money would be a heard of sheep.... and some portable infrastructure (there, ya happy trolls?) Had to add that last part because humans are so damn stupid these days that they think i'm suggesting installing thousands of dollars in woven wire, digging wells, etc! I swear 90% of the people commenting have never mowed or something 🤣

[@davidbalvin8112]

Of course a good sturdy fence to keep the sheep in and predators out is free. So is piping water or digging a well to water them is free. Checking on them constantly requires no investment in time either. Of course they care for themselves.

[@CPLBSS88]

@@davidbalvin8112 Depending on how many head/lot size you want to run, i run 10-15 in a 50' square and move them daily. Cost me about $1000 for portabl elect. fence fence, charger and stock tank which I fill from a 300 gal IBC tote in the back of my truck (cost $80 used. I manage 12 herds that do exactly this for municipalities around my area. All of my customers have sold off their mowers... so please do lecture me on how $15,000+ tractor/mower is more economical 😂

[@CPLBSS88]

@@davidbalvin8112 Oh and I move them once a week, takes about 15 min each to move.... drive time less than an hr drive. Guarantee people that are using tractors to mow are spending more than an hour mowing per week.

[@davidbalvin8112]

@@CPLBSS88 How much did you spend on the pickup to haul the water? 3/4 ton new are 75000 or more. You can buy a used N series Ford for a few hundred dollars and a used mower for a couple hundred more and use the tractor for a lot of other things. Brocks' customer wanted the grass left 4 to 5 inches tall, ,are your sheep trained to do that or are they like all those I have had that chew it nearly to the roots? I wasn't lecturing you on anything just pointing out to those who read comments that raising and caring for livestock is neither free nor effortless. I have been farming for nearly 70 years and my experience tells me that livestock are a lot more trouble and more time consuming than machinery. As for profitability there are ups and downs either way, it is just a matter of personal preference.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Everybody has different needs and different situations. For a lot of people, livestock are the perfect solution. I’m not going to do it right now.

[@BamaJoe2023]

I would run away from that guy. Whatever you do he probably will not be satisfied. Grass grows. It will look good for about a week, maybe two. Not worth it.

[@corecharger]

Have you ever worked for a customer that didn’t pay you? The customers that burn their contractors are always the picky ones that have a lot of excuses why they won’t pay.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

It hasn’t happened to me yet. Just lucky I guess.

[@andrewgee241]

That customer sounds like a pain. Way over thinking it. It's grass and any choice isn't permanent. If it's too short then next time cut it taller. Too tall then next time cut it shorter.