Remote control flail mower

[bluedog225]

I don’t see any other threads on this. I’m fairly convinced I’m going to buy a remote controlled flail mower of Alibaba. I’ve got 3-5 or so acres of overgrown pasture in the middle of my place. I’m seeing reports of getting this thing delivered for around $2,000-3,000.

The Gravely Ovis is nice. But it comes in upwards of 10x the price.

I’m prepared to deal with import stuff and working on the probable quality issues. There are some positive reports on the interwebs. Along with some negative reports.

On the positive side, the thing is fairly modular. And most parts can be replaced from online sources. Electric drive tracks. 1200mm flail.

There is a choice on the engine. Gasoline LONCIN 459CC or diesel Koop 195. There’s some medium good reports on the Loncin. And not a lot on the Koop.

Assuming I’m going to have trouble with the engine, sooner or later, which one do you think?

I’d be generally competent to repair or replace a gasoline engine. I’ve never worked on a diesel.

Thanks

 

[whateg01]

Can it move a trailer up a hill?

I don't have an opinion but I'm watching because I think this kind of stuff is pretty cool. Add gps to it and some AI and just say go mow the grass.

What kind of control do these use?

 

[CluelessPro]

I've got a sneaky feeling you're going to get some folks wanting to add your order.

I think for your own expectations if you go at it with little expectations and view it all as an experiment, you'll have a much better time.

 

[djbmw]

I don’t see any other threads on this. I’m fairly convinced I’m going to buy a remote controlled flail mower of Alibaba. I’ve got 3-5 or so acres of overgrown pasture in the middle of my place. I’m seeing reports of getting this thing delivered for around $2,000-3,000.

The Gravely Ovis is nice. But it comes in upwards of 10x the price.

I’m prepared to deal with import stuff and working on the probable quality issues. There are some positive reports on the interwebs. Along with some negative reports.

On the positive side, the thing is fairly modular. And most parts can be replaced from online sources. Electric drive tracks. 1200mm flail.

There is a choice on the engine. Gasoline LONCIN 459CC or diesel Koop 195. There’s some medium good reports on the Loncin. And not a lot on the Koop.

Assuming I’m going to have trouble with the engine, sooner or later, which one do you think?

I’d be generally competent to repair or replace a gasoline engine. I’ve never worked on a diesel.

Thanks

Why do you need a flail mower though? Why not a rotary cutter/brush hog (i assume you have a tractor)?

If you need an offset because of sloped hills... you could DIY one if you have a backhoe...

 

[bluedog225]

I think the remote is just servo controlled actuators for the electric drive motors, height adjustment pistons, and throttle. RC helicopter or airplane stuff.

I was under the impression that flail was more robust for light brush. I’ve got mesquite and youpon holly up to 1”. I don’t care about a manicured finish.

If this thing runs, it will be cheaper than the alternatives (no tractor yet).

And keep me out of the snakes and ticks.

And it’s cool.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Would a rental goat inside an invisible electronic fence be cheaper?

 

[txvwnut]

Flail mowers are more for finish mowing than heavy overgrown pastures, if you look at the cut quality of both machines you'll see long stalky cuts left in piles. A rotary cutter would've chewed that up more and not left quite as big of piles.

 

[djbmw]

I think the remote is just servo controlled actuators for the electric drive motors, height adjustment pistons, and throttle. RC helicopter or airplane stuff.

I was under the impression that flail was more robust for light brush. I’ve got mesquite and youpon holly up to 1”. I don’t care about a manicured finish.

If this thing runs, it will be cheaper than the alternatives (no tractor yet).

And keep me out of the snakes and ticks.

And it’s cool.

My 5' rotary cutter can easily take down trees up to 4" in diameter, keeps me well above any snakes or ticks,... but it does require you to have a tractor with decent PTO power. Having said that, have you looked for well used tractors (25 to 50hp) in your area?

 

[Lassen Forge]

I wonder what kind of a grade it will pull? We use a flail on the back of a tractor to cut grass, scotch broom, and other ugh up in our olive orchard.... but it does take a bit of power to pull it through.

Funny thing was I was watching that GPS Self driving tractor on Clarkson's Farm - if I only had a few hundred thousand for one of those - I would be SO down with it.