How an Excavator Flail Mower Works
A flail mower has a horizontal rotor fitted with rows of blades, driven by a high-torque direct drive hydraulic motor. As the rotor spins, the blades cut and chop whatever the head passes over. A self-levelling head follows the ground, a height-adjustable roller sets the cutting height, and a pre-set flow control valve with anti-shock and anti-cavitation protection looks after the motor.
Mounted on an excavator arm, the flail can reach banks and slopes from firm ground, across ditches and fences, and up to hedge sides and tops, all from the cab.
What Excavator Flail Mowers Are Used For
- Cutting grass and weeds on banks, verges and slopes
- Trimming hedgerows and field margins
- Clearing brambles, brush and gorse from overgrown land
- Cutting back growth on ditch sides, drains and watercourse banks
- Keeping fence lines, tracks and site boundaries clear
- Clearing light growth and small saplings before groundworks
Choosing the Right Size
Match the flail to your excavator's operating weight, then check your machine's auxiliary oil flow and the thickness of the growth you'll be cutting:
If your machine's auxiliary flow is below a flail's range, the rotor won't reach full speed, so pick the size that suits both your machine and its hydraulics.
Y-Blades or Hammer Blades?
The 0.8–2 and 1.5–3 tonne flails use Y-blades, which suit grass, weeds and lighter growth up to 20mm thick. The 3–7 and 5–10 tonne flails use heavier-duty hammer blades, which cut thicker brush, brambles and hedgerow wood up to 40mm and 80mm.
Hydraulics and Fitment
Every flail in our range comes with two hoses for flow and return and needs no drain line. Maximum pressure is 200 bar on the 0.8–2, 1.5–3 and 3–7 tonne flails and 220 bar on the 5–10 tonne flail. To confirm fitment, send us:
- Your excavator make, model and operating weight
- Your quick hitch make and model, if fitted
- Pin diameter, pin centres and dipper width
- Your auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure
Our guide on how to measure an excavator for a new bucket shows how to take the pin measurements.
Before You Cut: Debris, Hedges and Nesting Birds
A flail can throw stones and debris, so keep everyone well clear of the working area and walk the ground first for wire, fencing and other hidden objects.
In England, hedgerows on or next to agricultural land can't be cut or trimmed from 1 March to 31 August unless an exception applies. See the government guidance on hedgerow management. It's also an offence to damage or destroy an active bird's nest, so check hedges, scrub and long grass before you cut. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size flail mower do I need for a mini digger?
For micro and mini diggers up to 2 tonnes, the 0.8–2 tonne flail mower runs on just 15–24 l/min. For 1.5 to 3 tonne machines, the 1.5–3 tonne flail mower comes in 800mm or 1000mm widths. Check your machine's auxiliary flow against each one.
How much oil flow does an excavator flail mower need?
It depends on the size. Our range runs from 15–24 l/min on the 0.8–2 tonne flail to 60–80 l/min on the 5–10 tonne flail, and each product page lists the flow for every width.
Do excavator flail mowers need a case drain?
Not the flails in our range. Each one comes with two hoses for flow and return, with no drain line needed.
Can a flail mower cut hedges?
Yes. Flail mowers are ideal for cutting grass, brush and hedgerows, and the excavator's reach lets you cut hedge sides and tops from the cab. Keep to the hedge-cutting dates and check for nesting birds first.
What's the thickest material a flail mower can cut?
Up to 80mm on the 5–10 tonne flail mower. For bigger stems and small trees, use an excavator tree shear.
How long does delivery take?
Usually 7 to 10 working days, as each flail is confirmed to suit your machine before it's supplied. Ask us if you need one sooner.
