Flail mower vs Brush hog/Shredder

[Kenster]

I'm in the market for a replacement brushhog. The deck on mine is now shot, as is the drive. I'm hoping to find a decent used one for around $500 and my buddy down the road is going in for half. Neither of us need it more than maybe three times a year.

I ran across a five foot flail mower. The owner claims all the knives and the rotor and tabs are in great shape and he is throwing in extra knives, belts, clevis etc. He is selling because they sold the property and don't need it anymore.

I don't know anything about Flail Mowers. The owner claims the cut is very clean, like a finish mower and it doesn't throw out debris like a shredder would.

He's asking $600.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Ken
 

[Jim in Ma.]

If the ground is level they work pretty good. You cannot cut with them when it's wet.
 

[Jim WI]

Town just mowed the roadside a month ago with a flail mower. It does look good, but not quite as good as my yard does. I use a finish mower. On the other hand, I don't let the grass get a foot or more tall before I mow, so that probably has some affect on the appearance. Sounds like a good price.
 

[Jim in Eastern NC]

Looks like the Jims are on this one. My experience is that flail mower works fine on grass, broomstraw, etc. But if you have saplings growing up the flail mower will flail the bark off but leave them standing. The bush hog leaves the surface a bit rougher but handles a lot more trashy field jobs.
 

[souNdguy]

flails require more maintenance$$ rthan rotary.. and cost more.. though if that one is in good condition.. that is a cheap price.

i buy and fix up used hogs from 0-200$ around here..

good luck..
 

[Jim SC]

What are you using the bush hog for, grass or trash? Flail mower works very well on smooth land and grass, not so good for trees, corn stalks, thick trash. They leave a more manicured grass than a hog, but seem to require more maintenance and may be a little more expensive.
 

[Kenster]

[Matt L]

Depends on the flail more you find. I bought a 7 footer off craigslist thats rated to 4" trees. Requires 40-80 hp tho....... I need more tractor


Couldnt pass it up for $200 tho.