Let us simplify your decision between the new RollerBlade flail mower and the standard Flail Mower.
We consider the RollerBlade, introduced in September 2016, as the best choice for Market Gardeners. With a built-in adjustable full length roller, a lower dome design, and thicker and wider blades, the RollerBlade produces a smaller plant particle size in a single pass. It’s perfect for mowing cover crops, especially on raised garden beds because the roller eliminates scalping and quickly shreds short plant material for quick decomposition. In most cases, cover crop mowing requires the lowest possible height setting, so the anti-scalp roller is a natural advantage for market growers as it avoids soil damage.
The RollerBlade is also advantageous because its overall length is shorter than the standard Flail Mower. Since the RollerBlade lacks caster wheels, it’s easier to mow in V-ditches and other rough terrain because the roller is located closer to the tractor wheels.
The standard Flail Mower, which BCS has offered since 2008, is still the best choice for all-purpose mowing. Its caster wheels make it easier to maneuver, and its 4” max cutting height makes it more ideal for mowing tall, dense material. Keep in mind that the standard Flail Mower can be outfitted with an optional full-length adjustable roller, but it’s an extra cost and is not height adjustable–it’s only capable of being utilized in the lowest height setting.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Cutting Height
RollerBlade: 0.5″ to 2.5″
Standard Flail Mower: 0.5″ to 4″
Available Widths
RollerBlade: 30″
Standard Flail Mower: 24″, 30″, 35″
Caster Wheels
RollerBlade Flail Mower: No
Standard Flail Mower: Yes
Anti-Scalp Roller
RollerBlade: Yes
Standard Flail Mower: Optional
Easy-to-Use Hand Crank for Height Adjustment
RollerBlade: Yes, adjusts roller
Standard Flail Mower: Yes, adjusts caster wheels
Chamber Dome Shape
RollerBlade: Lower to produce smaller particle size
Standard Flail Mower: Higher to process more vegetation per unit of time
Individual Flail Blade Width
RollerBlade: 42.25 mm (1.66″)
Standard Flail Mower: 32.25 mm (1.27″)
Compatible Tractor Models
RollerBlade: 732 and up
Standard Flail Mower: 24″; 722 and up 30″; 732 and up 35″; 749 and up