Ventrac Fine Cut Flail Mower In Tall Weeds!

[@ajjackson741]

I have a 4500P with the Kawasaki motor and the 72” fine cut flail and I mow my residential yard with it as well. Awesome mower with impressive results

[@bradpiovesan8550]

I hope to one day own one these amazing multi faceted machines.

[@daveholmes123]

Nice job man! Can't wait to see the comparison with the tough cut, I noticed in tall heavy grass/weeds my tough cut misses a little, but not a big deal! Considering every brush hog I've run still doesn't give the finish my tough cut delivers! Great video buddy👍

[@chrisreddick36]

I liked the video in the first 10 seconds I was so excited to see the flail mower thanks for showing

[@midastouch7773]

I got the fine cut 72" deck and I absolutely Love it. I still use my finish cut for my main yard (7acres) and the flail for the other (10acres). Even with both these decks my favorite is my tough cut. Like a Big Kid when Im on my Ventrac. Local Lawn guys stopped in to see if they can do the lawn and I showed them my new Ventrac and they said forget about it. You got a better mower then we do. I still use 1 guy to help me do weedeating edging Landscape. Thanks a Million Ventrac. My favorite toy next to my Slingshot

[@steiger256]

I do love the cut quality of the flail. I do agree tho, My favorite is the Tough Cut. It is just something about mowing down small trees and brush that makes you feel like a big kid. I enjoy every minute im on it.

[@midastouch7773]

@@steiger256 Right on. I mowed down my neighbors brush in her backyard because her son had gotten into a bad accident and he couldn't do it and I must say..... 70% was small trees with .75-1.5" thick and it cut it down no problem whatsoever. Had so much fun I was looking for more stuff to ✂ lol

[@steiger256]

@@midastouch7773 I am always offering to cut overgrown areas for my neighbors as well. I think it is satisfying cutting a area of tall brush and weeds then looking at it once you are finished.

[@jedhart1259]

Got ours delivered last week. It does an amazing job! 2-3 inch trees and stumps don’t stand a chance. Great unit.

[@steiger256]

Great to hear. I was curious on how it worked on small trees. It does a amazing job on cut quality.

[@MrJames_1]

Best set of camera angles I've seen. One facing out back would be cool as well to show the results as they happen 😀⭐️

[@steiger256]

I will keep that in mind if I get a fast cut to test. Thanks.

[@johnevans6053]

The price is currently around $7K. Do you think the price will drop in the future? Flail mowers for compact tractors are around $2300.

[@steiger256]

I know when I was looking 6 years ago at getting a IH 584 tractor to maintain this back lot I was looking for Flail mowers. Even at auctions the good flail mowers Alamo, Mott, JD, etc were all selling for 3 to 5k used and some abused. There is a lot that goes into a flail mower. The rotor has to be precision balanced ect. I have found thru the years that buying cheaper tractor attachments is like buying dollar store batteries vs name brand. They may cost a lot less, But they will not last nearly as long as the good ones. I doubt the price will go down. From everything I have seen in the last 4 years from tractors to concrete to lumber, The prices always go up. I will say from what i have heard others say it is worth every penny. I was really impressed with it.

[@johnevans6053]

@@steiger256 Can you please do a demo between the flail and the finish mower with a mulching kit ? I have some concerns regarding how to sharpen those hammers on the flail, so I am leaning toward the finish with the mulching kit.

[@blessed7fold]

@@johnevans6053 That is very high for a flail mower. I have been researching this market for 4 years and what is happening is Ventrac is price gouging its customers because everything they make is proprietary. This is one of the biggest reasons to not invest in equipment like this. Proprietary anything aways equal price gouging. You are better off buying a compact tractor and purchasing a shortline/aftermarket flail from a independent manufacturer.

[@johnevans6053]

@@blessed7fold I agree, Ventrac's main benefit over a compact tractor is that it is harder to roll over. You can install some BORA wheel spacers (front and rear) to help with this problem.

[@satan2133]

We did a area this size similar type of grass wing mower and big horsepower JD tractor had to cut it twice to look like the job you did very impressive. I subscribed can’t wait to see more.

[@steiger256]

I think I may be able to get a fast cut flail here in another month or so. I plan on doing same tests with that one as well.

[@satan2133]

@@steiger256 I think if I was to start doing lawns and snow removal as a business instead of a hobby a ventrac would definitely be a must have

[@steiger256]

I did want to say the rotor speed is 3000 RPM not 3200 RPM. For some reason I said 3200 in video.

[@JohnDiMartino]

Great video 👍. The 4500Y is the best machine they make IMO.that 6 hp isn’t going to change the world power wise. I have a 4231 and the belt slips before it runs out of power, so your at the limit of the drive system as well. The kubota gas is nice but very very hot under the hood due to the catalytic converter under the hood, The Y is still old school mechanical pump and it’s simplicity make it the best option. I have the tough cut cut and I’m happy with it, I have several flails at work , I can tell you that the one you have on your machine isn’t meant for tough conditions,those direct mount knives break pretty easily and when they do I’ll throw the drum out of balance you have to stop and replace the missing cutters immediately. You’ll need to keep spares .The toughcut won’t have this issue . The flail sure does a great job cutting and dispersing the clippings though ,it did a beautiful job. For jobs that are not rocky and are just tall it would be a great option.. keep up the good work with the videos.

[@steiger256]

I am very pleased with my diesel so far. I dont find it underpowered. I agree the conditions were pretty tall for a fine cut, But I wanted to see what it could do. It did really great. I would like to get my hands on a fast cut flail sometime and do the same tests. I'm glad Ventrac keeps coming out with new attachments. The flail a great addition.

[@lawncommander]

certainly no comparison in cut quality but the tough cut will take a beating

[@mueckenhoeffer]

Your results were pretty much what I expected before starting the video. Which one a person should get depends entirely upon how he or she will use it. I fully understand the vast majority of Ventrac owners are commercial operators who may have the financial resources to own a couple of different mowers, but I wish Ventrac would focus more on the 5+ acre homeowner. I've been renting them for my hunting property, and will eventually buy one, but I'm going to buy a single mower - the tough cut. If memory serves, you can drop the tough cut down to 1.5", and if you go slow enough, it does a fine enough cut for a rural property. Jack it up to 5", and it will take down 2" saplings (yes, Ventrac says only up to 1" IIRC) without breaking a sweat.

[@steiger256]

I think 3 inches is lowest cutting height on a Tough Cut. 3 1/2 with wheel kit. If you go slower and take your time it leaves a very nice cut. I will say the tough cut by far is still my favorite attachment for the Ventrac yet. I do like the flail, But the Tough Cut is pretty fun choppin up small trees and brush. If I had the means I would own every attachment. I am grateful to have the Ventrac itself. I really enjoy using it.

[@robertvanderploeg8725]

What a beast!!!! Great job of mowing.

[@golfy808]

Very interested to see comparison with tough cut!

[@steiger256]

Should be uploaded in the next week.

[@dalebargen]

Me too!

[@victorvannatter312]

I'm more interested in a comparison to the finish mower. Can't wait for that one. Great video

[@steiger256]

@@victorvannatter312 Wont be long. Ill try to upload it in the next week.

[@MichaelTJD60]

That flail mower does an awesome job! They tend to leave a much nicer cut than the traditional rotary mowers. I'd like to find a flail mower for one of my garden tractors...also looking at possibly buying a Farmall Cub and adding one to it as well.

[@steiger256]

I agree. I would also like to find a front mount Mott flail for a old Cub Cadet someday. Flails really do a great cutting job. They are unique as well.

[@stevesedgwick5789]

Great video, I like flail mowers

[@XOXOBBS4EVA]

I like the stripes, but a great video indeed.

[@tonycee1144]

love ventrac the are the best for me good luck

[@mrgrumpy5116]

it's done well as it is obviously too small for the job, but you go with what you have, good demonstration, thanks

[@johnevans6053]

Can you please try running over the same cut area several times, possibly in different directions to see how many passes it takes to pulverize the cut-off grass so that it doesn't look so sloppy?

[@steiger256]

I have been trying to get my hands on another flail for testing. When I get one I will be sure to try this out for you.

[@georgecass8529]

Wish they would get a dealer in Southwest Missouri

[@cambodianboi100]

Are these flail mowers universal for all skid steer?

[@MattN03]

Wow, that does look nice!

[@mingshanzhu4821]

I am looking to get it as well. Was it hard sharpen the blade? How about maintenance ? Do you have to balance the blade after sharpening ?

[@steiger256]

I will have to look into that and get back with you. I am not sure on the the procedures if you have to balance.

[@jasonbarthel4155]

Being a bush hog contractor, my biggest fear is "what's hidden in there that I don't know about?" I use a tractor with a front-end loader and run the bucket just over the dirt so I hopefully stop, or at least am made aware, of a foreign object before I hit it. How would a flail mower like this handle concrete, steel, boulders, etc should it come in contact (eh hem, when it comes in contact) with one of these hidden gems in the tall stuff?

[@steiger256]

Honestly a flail would probably handle it better than some rotary mowers. I have never hit anything hard with a flail, I have with a tough cut. More than likely I would guess you would break some knives on a flail. A brush hog would worse case bend a blade or break a spindle. I have seen flails hit some pretty big stuff when cutting roadsides and surprisingly they handle it pretty well. The best thing is not to hit anything, But when you are cutting unknown properties like you are that is easier said than done. At the end of the day tho a rotary bush hog could more than likely take more abuse.

[@jasonbarthel4155]

@@steiger256 Thank you for taking the time to reply! Your videos are great, and I'm now a sub. God bless!

[@steiger256]

@@jasonbarthel4155 Glad it helped.

[@JimJohnson-io7nc]

I notice that your hand is not on the SLD Lever, is there a setting for that?

[@steiger256]

I have the optional foot pedal I was probably using that instead of the S.D.L.A. lever.

[@thomasrizza3284]

What are your thoughts on the diesel,flail, duel set up? Do you find you have enough power? I hear guys say the diesel could use a bit more power but it gets the job done.I’m use to the Z

[@dalebargen]

I presume you were in low range? I’d like to see a comparison if you were cutting at the 5” max height? I’d also like to see a video of it cutting less heavy stuff - Maybe 8-12” cut to 4-5” - does it leave it like a lawn? When mowing lighter stuff, can you mow in high range and still get quality cut?

[@steiger256]

I was mowing in high range. I tried some in low, But went back to high. I wish I would have bumped it up to 5 inches to try that but I didn't. I did make another video on cutting 5 to 8 inch material. I started off at 2 1/2 inch then raised it to 3 1/2 inch. Was pretty impressive the cut quality and speed difference between the 1 inch. I will be updating that video sometime in the next week as well.

[@gordbaker896]

Nice Video Sir. Was the previous cut Swept or just cut when grass was shorter.

[@steiger256]

The cut the year before was not swept. The fresh cut you see in the video was what the flail had done. Nothing was swept, The flail did a beautiful job mulching it up. Hope this answered your question.

[@tony8354586]

Looks like it would be a major pain to take all those blades off to have sharpened.....did Ventrac state how many hours before they need to be sharpened ? Regards,

[@steiger256]

Flails do take a little more time to maintain. I am not sure how often they would need sharpened, I will try to find out. I am sure they are quality hardened knives. I would say they would last a long time unless you were hitting rocks all the time. I will look into this tho and get back with a answer if I can find out.

[@dalebargen]

Would you run over the hay with the 72” finish deck when it’s dry to chop it up?

[@32plug]

I would have to stop every 4th pass and clean my radiator screen or it would over heat.

[@steiger256]

I have never had to stop and clean my screen yet. I have cut grass and tough cut for 6 hours and never had a problem. I usually run 2 bars on the temp. The screen gets dirty, But has never been a problem for me so far.

[@32plug]

@@steiger256 Really! I must have got a Friday Tractor. Axle housings warp from factory, slope gauge and speedo went bad. It’s been back to factory once, under the hood temps so high they degrade the electrical fittings. Replaced many. Clutch went bad at 600 hours. Screen always plugging up. Axle seal bad. And now. I have a knock in the hydro pump right off the drive shaft. And I just cut grass on our farm. Non commercial mower! Cherish your mower!

[@steiger256]

@@32plug man that is some bad luck. So far so good for me. Is what model do you have? I have read where the Z gets hot under hood to to cat converter. There is a black aporon that goes from front of tractor under the screen. Make sure it did not slip back. It helps keep grass from sucking up thru there. That could be it also.

[@32plug]

@@steiger256 I got the Z. That apron is a pain. What a feat of ingenuity. You gotta remove it every 50 hours to grease those stupid grease fittings on the drive shaft. I bought a 36 in grease hose for the front one. Still ridiculous. But your right, it gets hot under the hood now. Lol

[@steiger256]

@@32plug I can get to them grease fittings on the side. You just have to remove the side cover. I usually grease them when I do a oil change every 100 hrs so its not a big deal. Hope you have better luck.

[@brianhina]

I checked with my dealer. They could not get me one until October.

[@steiger256]

I heard even tractors are really hard to get as well. That is a bummer. From what I read on forums some dealers were lucky and got some sold already. Then a few are on a waiting list. I think this was a great attachment for the Ventrac lineup.

[@brianhina]

@@steiger256 I trying to trade in my finish mower for it. My dealer only has me on his waiting list.

[@steiger256]

@@brianhina Are you planning on using the flail for a finish mower?

[@brianhina]

@@steiger256 YES. What do you think?

[@steiger256]

@@brianhina I did a test on it. I will be uploading it in the next week. I am trying to edit everything. I put my finish mower and flail side by side. I was really impressed. It cut grass really well and used way less power. The vacuum from the regular deck took more power. It worked well. I'll try to get the video on here soon so you can check it out.

[@HollerTenn]

Great stuff… any estimate on time/acre?

[@steiger256]

Cant really say. When I get another one to test i could do some math to figure it out.

[@jimmcknight3021]

Do you have any idea what the price is of the smaller flail mower. Also does the smaller flail mower have the option to get the other blades which I think are better if you are wanting more of a brush cutting rather than more of a finish cut. I have said before Ventrac makes their mowers too big for those of us that want something smaller to go in and out of trees. I have heard that the Steiner tree farm mower can do a really good job at cutting through brush and it is only 44 in wide.

[@arlisspropertyservicesllc5943]

All flail mowers regardless of size start at $7250. Adding a hydraulic flip kit is another $500. Changing the drum from Y knives to fine cut will cost $1800. Each drum is balanced for the knife being used.

[@12vmoneypit]

What are your thoughts on the diesel's power vs the kubota gas? I gave a 430 max diesel and am contemplating getting the ventrac 4500 diesel vs the kubota gas.

[@steiger256]

I really wanted the diesel when I got my 430, But I was told they were underpowered. I have never tested the 430 diesel. I have used both Kubota gas and diesel Ventrac. The gas does have more power. The diesel has pleanty of power for me. I do not feel it lacks as bad as many claim. I am on flat land tho. I am trying to find some hills to do more tests on the diesel. I am going to upload a video soon with my thoughts on the diesel. I love my 4500Y so far. It has all the power I need.

[@12vmoneypit]

@@steiger256 the 430 diesel is definitely lacking in power. Rated at 21 but I guess it's closer to 18 in reality.

[@steiger256]

@@12vmoneypit I am pretty sure you are right on that. I have heard that before.

[@markw2266]

I have a 4231 turbo diesel, what I can add to the conversion is... hills. When I'm on a big hill with the 72" deck in tall thick grass I'm thankful for every last HP and that one is rated at 31. I hear the point of belt slippage vs HP however the terrain your on makes a huge difference.

[@georgecass8529]

I'm kinda confused now because I watched a video of another doing the samething . But he said the Y knifes has the better cut and the one you are using is for heavier brush and didn't have as good as cut as the Y knifes.

[@steiger256]

The Y knives are for heavier stuff. I have the scoop knives on this one. The weeds grew up a little taller than I wanted them to, But it was not easy getting a flail to try. I am going to try to da another video in the spring of both Y and scoop side by side if I can get both flails.

[@jasonbarber8107]

What would you say is your average speed? Do you think the cut quality advantage is enough to justify using this over the tough cut? It seems like when I use my tough cut I can go around 3.5-4mph thru almost anything. So I just wonder how much slower this would be. It just seems like the cut quality is way better

[@steiger256]

I have done some other videos that I will be uploading soon. Shows different scenarios of the flail. I also am going to have one side by side Tough Cut vs Flail. Pretty interesting results. Average speed in this was 1.5 to 3.5 This was some tall thick material and I probably should have cut a little higher than 3 inches, But I wanted to see what it could do. I also wanted to test the diesel also. The tough cut would mow this faster, But the cut quality of the flail cannot be matched. Check out the other videos when they come out. I tried to test this in almost every scenario to see what it would do. Each time I tried something different I got different results.

[@jasonbarber8107]

@@steiger256 I’m very interested to see. I demoed the flail early on and was totally sold on it but was worried about speed so went with the tough cut. Now I’m wondering if I need to get that as well. I think the tough cut is great for brush and maybe areas that don’t need to be as manicured.

[@steiger256]

@@jasonbarber8107 The tough cut is really nice for rough areas. Swamp areas and heavy thick brush. The tough cut works well in tall dense growth as well. I wish i would have bumped it up 4 inches to see speed. I was very pleased. I think i may hsve to try to find a fast cut flail to test next. The problem is you can never have enough Ventrac attachments. Lol

[@Mike-qj1nu]

Can you cut yard grass with a flail mower ?

[@steiger256]

Yes you can. I just did a video on it. Should be a few videos ago.

[@Mike-qj1nu]

@@steiger256 Thanks i was watching it

[@arlisspropertyservicesllc5943]

Yeah, and it aint great either. Lots of long, clumpy grass. Not very impressive in my opinion.

[@stephensfarms7165]

Should have cut this for hay, to feed the cows. Not mow it down. Nice machine thou.

[@jonwagner2045]

The best thing I got for my diesel was a turbo ! 2 times the power

[@steiger256]

Does it really make that much of a HP increase? I was just about to upload a diesel video I did. What RPMs are you running.

[@travisteeter5072]

Kubota diesel is way under powered compared to the older Daihatsu w/ a turbo. Looks like most people are going Kubota gas now

[@steiger256]

@@travisteeter5072 The Kubota gas is the number 1 seller. I have never used the older turbo models, But I have read where they had overheating problems. That is just what I have read. I know they were powerful and people loved them. I still think the Kubota diesel does pretty well on flat ground.

[@jonwagner2045]

3600

[@Bubba45347]

almost rake it bale it

[@rickeyburke2596]

Who can afford 30,000$ for a mower?

[@buffomarinus17]

Your next project, turbo the Ventrac! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpiwfKyrebplfqM

[@JymmYxOtzikO11]

Wild bushes genocide video 😱🤮, be aware about what are you doing man , they have souls too like human being.. 😱