Off set flail mower width

[spikeislander]

Hi all just ordered one and went for 2.5 m as currently have a standard 2.3m Kuhn and thought it would be a step forward to go wider.
This one is on the arm which flicks up and down etc, and I am wondering if I have gone to wide and the 2.2 m would have been a better option, I am sure I could change order.
I thought it would swing back directly behind but doesnt come back quite behind leaving about an extra couple of foot outside tyre so not sure if it might be a bit clumsy.
What have others got and is 2.5 to big?

 

[Heathland]

I had a couple on demo in the summer but in the end I bought a Kuhn VKM 280 ,the thinking was it would save time on the hedge cutter mowing the dykes,but you had too get so close to the top of the dyke it was dangerous.
Very impressive bits of kit but the idea of all that weight hung out one side and the stress on the machine didn't fill me with confidence,I did look at some second hand ones,out of curiosity, and they were all completely knackered,

and they were not very old.
Sorry,Probably doesn't answer your question tho.

 

[spikeislander]

Is the vkm the one directly behind? I am wondering whether you are right . only me and dad using it so should be pretty steady with it. Oh well we will see.

 

[Tractorstant]

Wasn't one of Kuhn's finest machines to be honest. Can't remember the actual product code (was 6-7years ago) ok if you wanted to side a hedge or some ditch work but it's a lump of a thing to have hanging out of the side! VKM is an amazing bit of kit. Sold loads of them. Like I said was years ago they may have got better the side arm ones.....

 

[spikeislander]

That's what I am hoping to go round quickly and do verge ditch bank and possibly one pass on hedge. Just to keep tidy

 

[spikeislander]

Thinking it might be easier to put on on a damp morning during harvest than a hedge cutter.

 

[spikeislander]

Also as we have brought alot of big hedges under control we get about ten foot of "sucker's" from black thorn hedges come out and get pretty big. Hopefully with a full offset I won't have to run tyres over them?

 

[Tractorstant]

Can you go front Mounted?

 

[Tractorstant]

Think they used to be called a TB211?

 

[spikeislander]

No afraid not got ,linkage but no PTO. It was the right money so if it's not for me I won't lose much. Spoke to a few neighbours who like theirs.

 

[Tractorstant]

Oh it's a good machine don't get me wrong, huge Kunh fan, was just a bit like me at 14 "gangly" make sure there is no slack in the check chains really get it solid on the back, and again from memory you may need to slow the flow down on your hydraulics.....

 

[Banana Bar]

Wasn't one of Kuhn's finest machines to be honest. Can't remember the actual product code (was 6-7years ago) ok if you wanted to side a hedge or some ditch work but it's a lump of a thing to have hanging out of the side! VKM is an amazing bit of kit. Sold loads of them. Like I said was years ago they may have got better the side arm ones.....

And I think you sold me one

 

[Tractorstant]

You would have got it at a great price....mates rates. (I don't accept any liability)

 

[Heathland]

Sorry @spikeislander it's a rear mounted machine not a offset.
I do think some offset machines offset further out then others,if that makes sense,which was my only concern next to some very deep dykes.
My VKM made very sort work of my very over grown ELS boarders,but like you said hedge cutters are not very handy machines to fit,especially in harvest, but I decided it was safer just to use the hedge cutter.
Best of luck with your new machine.

 

[s~~t shoveller]

Got a tb211 here and get on okay.have to get a bit close to bank tops so wider head might be better from that pov if it offsets it more.in laws have different make which has a roller on the end so when it's upright you can rest it on that which I think is an improvement.just general flail mower things that have gone wrong with it and it is indeed a bit gangly but we are all family labour and careful and it's fine for us.

 

[Oscar]

We use to have a weaving supplied (Agrimaster?) 2.65 m off set and a front 2.5 m Kuhn combo. This was a great set up as there was a 0.75m overlap so did nt matter about missed bits turning and on steep slopes. However t he rear topper would only probably extend 1.9 m past rear tyres (710 on 80 inch wheel centres) and when set vertical ie to trim a hedge, you had to drive in the hedge as it did not extend out enough. It would be better on a smaller tractor orn narrow wheels

 

[spikeislander]

Thanks for comments guys I think it's a case of a compromise some days offset will be better other days not. I do like the fact when I do the first cut or if long I don't get the wheel running some down which then flicks up. I do a lot of paddocks which they just want a tidy lawn type job doing.
Suck and see.
Thanks for comments still don't know whether to bring it down to 2.2 but same money and a foot isn't going to make much difference really

 

[Rusty#1]

We use to have a weaving supplied (Agrimaster?) 2.65 m off set and a front 2.5 m Kuhn combo. This was a great set up as there was a 0.75m overlap so did nt matter about missed bits turning and on steep slopes. However t he rear topper would only probably extend 1.9 m past rear tyres (710 on 80 inch wheel centres) and when set vertical ie to trim a hedge, you had to drive in the hedge as it did not extend out enough. It would be better on a smaller tractor orn narrow wheels

Oscars old kuhn, it's been brilliant, keep in meaning to check the belts but they keep on going

 

[spikeislander]

Looks good if I had front PTO I would consider a push pull one . very nice set up

 

[Oscar]

Hi Rusty, looks good! Belts do seem to last a long time. I think those are only second set fitted in 2009 and we did around 500- 700 acs a year of margins and enclosed hill ground ie tough work. Happy your pleased with topper!