Technical
Striping in the rain
the impact energy, which is a function of the speed and mass, is still typically much less than a rotary. The impact energy is still adequate to cut organic material but, when a blade comes into contact with foreign objects, the transferred energy is dramatically reduced. The result should be that any thrown objects ejected don’t travel as far. Use this advantage to gain confidence in safely working in public spaces.
Mowing when wet
The overall machine weight and traction characteristics will generally dictate what weather conditions you can mow in. However, there will always be some borderline conditions. The airflow through the flail head is much more linear than a rotary. This linear airflow keeps the discharge area clear, self‐cleaning the unit. Compared to a rotary which has a more complex airflow with more restricted or trap points that encourage wet clippings to clump and leave an uneven discharge. Use this advantage to try and cut in wetter conditions and leave an acceptable finish over a rotary mower.
What’s important as turf gets finer?
To use these fundamentals to get the best results when mowing fine turf areas, extra attention should be paid to:
Material removed
The impact cutting method of a flail needs material to work against when making its cut, as there isn’t a stationary bottom blade
Types of flails for turf
There are many types of flail blade for different conditions. Typical blade types vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they follow common principles.
Heavy hammer flails: with a high mass for pulverising stalky material. They have significant material mass to increase life when cutting the most extreme materials
A formed blade: can require less power as it is shaped to move less air. Supported on a pin for areas of a higher quality with less hidden debris
A multi bladed, Y knife: cuts vertically into the grass. These require less power and are very efficient at cutting material that is laying over. Unless blades are used in high numbers, they can leave a ribbed appearance
A shackled, curved knife: allows movement in all directions for applications that may encounter lots of ground debris
A combination carbide knife: offered exclusively by Müthing uses a shackle mounting for low profile and ability to move in all directions. A flat Hardox® blade material achieves best wear characteristics throughout its life without sacrificing toughness
142 I PC APRIL/MAY 2018
as found on a cylinder mower. The firmer this supporting material is, the more consistent the cut. To get the best consistency on finer turf, a good rule of thumb is to think opposite from the advice often quoted for rotaries. Taking off more than a third of the leaf should be the starting point to ensure you aren’t just brushing over the tips of the grass.
Blade Condition
Flail mowers can cut with rounded blades but, as conditions get finer, it’s evident that cleaner cuts are going to come from sharper edges. If the flail has been more regularly used for rougher maintenance, make sure the blade edges are in good condition to achieve the best results on the finest areas.
Mow Speed
As the flail moves forward through grass, the blades cut material in an arc at different heights down to the set height of cut. The slower the speed, the more opportunity for cuts and the better the consistency. This is especially important on finer, shorter turf and a reduction in mow speed may go some way to giving the desired consistent finish when the blades aren’t in perfect condition or there is not quite enough supporting material to hold up the grass being cut. Remember, if you are already using the core advantages of a flail, you are getting results cutting more off, less frequently, in potentially worse weather conditions. A small reduction in speed means you are most likely still be on top with productivity
Work safely in public spaces
and avoid potential double cutting of other methods.
Bonus benefits to remember for fine turf Mulched clippings
Flails, by their nature, mulch the grass as it is cut. The Müthing flail system is designed with patented additional shredding teeth to maximise this mulching. These mulched clippings will rot down from the surface faster, bringing back a high level of presentation sooner. The mulched clippings also return more nutrients, evenly over the cut surface compared to a rotary cut.
Rolled finish
Most flail mowers are supported at the rear by a full width roller. So, if attention is paid to cutting direction you can use rollers to get a professional striped finish, bound to bring in compliments from the public.
Ransomes has incorporated these benefits to create the HM600, a new wide area ride‐ on flail mower using Müthing mulching technology. If maintenance specifications are forced to be modified, explore your options and think about how these benefits could support a new regime.
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