INTRO
When it comes to mowing your property, whether it’s a lawn, field, or right of way – there are different types of mowers to choose from. The most common types are rotary cutters, finish mowers, and flail mowers. Each of these mowers has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your needs can make a significant difference in the quality of your mowing results!
1. Rotary Cutters
A rotary cutter is a heavy-duty mower that uses spinning blades to cut through thick vegetation, such as tall grass, weeds, and brush. Rotary cutters are ideal for clearing large areas of land and cutting through tough, thick vegetation. They’re also capable of handling uneven terrain, right of ways, and slopes. With their strong cutting power, rotary cutters are suitable for maintaining fields, pastures, and meadows. However, they may leave behind rougher, uneven surfaces than a finish mower.
Rotary cutters are available in different sizes, ranging from small models for compact tractors to larger models that can be pulled behind higher horsepower tractors.
2. Finish Mowers
A finish mower is designed to cut grass and other light vegetation, leaving a smooth, even finish on your lawn or field. They’re generally lighter and less expensive than rotary mowers, but they’re not as effective at cutting thicker vegetation. Finish mowers are suitable for maintaining lawns, parks, and golf courses.
3. Flail Mowers
A flail mower uses a series of blades on a horizontal shaft to cut through thicker vegetation like brush and small trees. Flail mowers are better than rotary mowers in cutting thick vegetation, and they leave a finer cut surface than rotary mowers. However, they can be more expensive and may require more horsepower than other types of mowers.
Flail mowers are ideal for maintaining roadsides and ditches, orchards, and vineyards. They’re also capable of handling uneven terrain and rocky areas. Unlike rotary mowers, flail mowers can cut in both forward and reverse directions, making them more versatile in tight spaces.
So which mower should I buy?
The best mower for you will depend on what terrain you have, how much area you have to cover, what size and horsepower tractor you have, and the finish quality you’re looking for. If you need to cover a lot of ground quickly, a rotary cutter or flex-wing mower would be the perfect fit! If you’re wanting a polished, nicely cut lawn – the finish mower would be the best fit. If you’re mowing along fences, cutting through dense material, or want to mow ditches and other hard to reach areas – the flail mower or offset flail mower would be a great fit.
To recap:
- Rotary Cutters: Ideal for clearing large areas with thick vegetation. Can handle uneven terrain and rocky areas. Leaves rougher, uneven surfaces than a finish mower.
- Finish Mowers: Ideal for maintaining lawns, parks, and golf courses. Leaves a smooth, even finish on the lawn. Not as effective at cutting thicker vegetation.
- Flail Mowers: Ideal for maintaining ditches and right-of-ways, fence lines, orchards, and vineyards. Can cut in both forward and reverse directions. More expensive and may require more horsepower than other types of mowers.
If you need help making a decision, our territory managers and dealers are always available to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect mower for your needs!