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A flail mower is one of the most versatile ways to clear and maintain land, and it works on more machines than most people realise. The right model depends on what you already own: a tractor, a skid steer, an excavator or an ATV. This guide covers how flail mowers work, how they compare with a slasher, and how to match one to your machine.
How a Flail Mower Works
A flail mower has a rotor fitted with many small hammers or blades. As the rotor spins, the hammers cut grass, weeds and light brush and chop it into fine mulch that stays on the ground. Because the cutting parts are small and hinged, a flail copes well with uneven ground and leaves a tidy finish without a lot of clean-up.
Flail Mower or Slasher?
Both cut vegetation, but they suit different jobs:
- Flail mower: many small hammers on a rotor. Best where you want a finer, more even finish and mulch left behind, and on rough or uneven ground.
- Slasher (rotary cutter): one or more large swinging blades. Often chosen for open paddocks and thicker growth where finish matters less.
If the main job is regular maintenance and a clean result, a flail is usually the better choice. If it's occasional rough clearing of open paddocks, a slasher may be enough. For a deeper comparison, see our guide to flail vs rotary mowers.
Choose by the Machine You Already Own
| Your machine | Type | Example model | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tractor (rear 3-point) | 3-point flail mower | TMG-TFM60 | 1550 mm working width, 22–45 kW (30–60 HP), Category 1 hitch, PTO shaft included |
| Tractor (verges and ditches) | Ditch bank / offset flail mower | TMG-TFMO70 | Hydraulic side offset for cutting beside the tractor |
| Skid steer | Hydraulic flail mower | TMG-SFM72 | Universal mount, hydraulic motor with belt drive, 28 flail hammers |
| Excavator | Brush cutter flail mower | TMG-EFM32 | 3–5 ton excavators, 38–60 L/min hydraulic flow, case drain line required |
| ATV / UTV | Tow-behind flail mower | TMG-AFM40 | 1000 mm working width, 13.5 HP petrol engine, side shift |
Tractor Flail Mowers
Match the mower to your tractor's power and hitch. The TFM60, for example, needs a tractor of roughly 22–45 kW (30–60 HP) with a Category 1 three-point hitch and a 540 RPM PTO. For verge, ditch and slope work, an offset ditch bank mower lets you cut beside the tractor rather than directly behind it. Our guide to side shift offset flail mowers goes into more detail.
Skid Steer Flail Mowers
A skid steer flail mower runs from your machine's auxiliary hydraulics through a hydraulic motor and belt drive. It mounts on the universal skid steer attachment plate and suits roadsides, building sites, farm tracks and overgrown paddocks. The TMG-SFM72 has 28 flail hammers.
Excavator Flail Mowers
An excavator flail mower is a brush cutter for reach and access: steep banks, creek lines and tight spots where a tractor can't go. Match the mower to your excavator's weight class and hydraulic flow. The TMG-EFM32 is rated for 3–5 ton excavators and 38–60 L/min of flow. It also needs a case drain line fitted before use. See our excavator attachments guide for sizing by weight class.
ATV and UTV Flail Mowers
A tow-behind ATV or UTV flail mower is a good fit for smaller properties, tracks and fence lines. The TMG-AFM40 is a 1000 mm tow-behind flail with its own 13.5 HP petrol engine and side shift, so it doesn't draw on your ATV's power.
