Guide to buying a flail mower: how to choose the right model
NEWS · 15 May 2024
The grass mulcher is an essential piece of equipment for maintaining gardens, lawns and green areas. Its main function is to shred grass, brushwood and brambles, making them easier to dispose of and promoting the growth of healthy, even turf.
Choosing the right lawnmower for your needs is not always easy, as several factors come into play. Here are some aspects to consider:
1. Compatibility with the tractor
The first step is to check the compatibility of the flail mower with the tractor to which it will be coupled. You must consider:
- Tractor power: The flail mower needs adequate power to operate correctly.
- Hitch type: Make sure the flail mower is compatible with the tractor hitch (e.g. three-point or front linkage).
- Weight of the flail mower: The tractor must be able to support the weight of the flail mower.
- Drive shaft: The speed and direction of rotation of the tractor drive shaft must be compatible with that of the mower.
2. Type and size of soil
The type of soil on which the flail mower will be used influences the choice of model. For flat soil with low grass, a light flail mower with knives may be sufficient. For rough soils and with more robust vegetation, a heavier mulcher equipped with hammers is required.
3. Type of use
In addition to the distinction based on the material to be shredded (grass and brambles, prunings and logs), it is important to consider the type of use of the mulcher. In particular, we can distinguish three macro-categories:
Flail mowers for working in vineyards and orchards
These models are designed for cleaning soil between the rows of fruit trees, vineyards or tree crops in general. They are characterised by their compact design and narrow cutting width, which allows precise work even in confined spaces.
Flail mowers for tilling soil
Stronger and more powerful than the vineyard/fruit models, these mulchers are suitable for shredding tall grass, brambles and small shrubs. They can be used to maintain lawns, uncultivated fields and green areas in general.
Forestry mulchers
Designed for heavy-duty work, forestry flail mulchers are capable of shredding weeds, small logs and dense vegetation. They are equipped with very strong hammers or fixed tines and a heavy-duty frame to take the blows.
4. Characteristics of the flail mulcher
In addition to compatibility with the tractor and the type of soil and application, several technical characteristics must be considered when choosing the right mulcher. In this section, we look at the main aspects to consider:
- Displacement: the flail mower can be fixed or with lateral or hydraulic displacement. Lateral displacement facilitates work near obstacles.
- Frame: the frame is made of steel for durability and impact resistance.
- Cutting tools: Flail mowers can be equipped with knives, mallets or other cutting tools. Knives are suitable for uncultivated grass and small prunings, while mallets are more suitable for large prunings and woody material.
In addition to these main features, it is also important to consider other aspects such as working width, power requirement, presence of safety systems and ease of maintenance.
Zanon is a leading Italian company in the production of flail mowers for tractors. It offers a wide range of models, designed to meet the needs of every type of user.
Some characteristics of Zanon flail mowers:
- Robustness and reliability: built with high quality materials, Zanon flail mowers are able to withstand even the toughest working conditions.
- Versatility: available in different configurations, the flail mowers Zanon can be used for shredding grass, brambles, prunings and small logs.
- Safety: equipped with advanced safety systems, Zanon flail mowers guarantee a high level of protection for the operator.
In this article we will take a closer look at two types of flail mowers: the RCV mulching roller and the TFA flail mower.
TFA Zanon: Mulcher for efficient and versatile green maintenance
The TFA flail mower has a robust steel frame with rounded sides for working close to plants without damaging them; a transmission box with PTO 1 3/8’ Z6 free wheel. The rotor with helical cutting system ensures greater shredding efficiency and the chrome-plated rotor bar ensures easy and precise adjustment of the working position
Let us now review the various main components:
- Hammers or knives that can be interchanged according to cutting requirements.
- Counter-blades for finer, more uniform shredding.
- Height-adjustable rear levelling roller to follow the course of the soil.
- Height-adjustable support skids for optimum adaptation to different soil conditions.
- CE-compliant safety guards for maximum operator safety.
Zanon's RCV mulching roller: for effective and sustainable mulching
Zanon's RCV mulching roller is a versatile and efficient tool that offers numerous advantages for sustainable soil and crop management. Equipped with wear-resistant steel blades, this mulching roller allows grass blades to be bent and cut over cover crops, creating a natural ‘vegetable blanket’. The roller can work either in the front or rear position of the tractor and, thanks to its lateral movement, allows the area to be treated to be completely covered, optimising the passage between rows in vineyards and orchards.
Choosing a Zanon mulcher means relying on a high quality, safe and reliable product.
Are you looking for a cutting-edge mulcher that meets a wide range of requirements and always guarantees impeccable results? Contact us and we will show you the most suitable model for you!