From the field to shredding

  • 27 September, 2024

If you are a farmer who seeks to improve the efficiency and yield of your work, flail mowers are an essential option to consider. These versatile and efficient machines are an investment that can radically transform your farming, improving the management of plant residue and facilitating the preparation of the soil for new crops. In this article we will explore what flail mowers are and their advantages, and we will provide handy tips for an effective use.
 

What are flail mowers?

Flail mowers are agricultural machines designed to shred or chop plant materials, such as grass, bushes, straw, corn stalks, sugar cane, tree branches and other plant residue. These machines have various applications in farming, including the management of crop residues, the preparation of the soil for subsequent processing, the reduction of plant waste and the production of biomass.

Flail mowers are equipped with knives, hammers or other tools that chop plant materials in smaller pieces, facilitating their management and decomposition. Depending on the model and on the specifications, flail mowers have various capacities and configurations to suit the specific needs of agriculture and the land.
 

What are the advantages of flail mowers?

The use of flail mowers offers several advantages, including the reduction of plant waste, the increased fertility of the soil thanks to the decomposition of shredded residues, the preparation of the soil for future crops and the facilitation of cleaning and maintenance operations in the fields.
 
  • Reduction of waste - Flail mowers are designed to chop vegetation or plant residues, such as straw, corn stalks and other plants, thus reducing the quantity of waste to be disposed of in the fields. This not only helps maintain the work area clean, but also reduces the accumulation of organic material, preventing any phytosanitary issues.
  • Natural fertilisation - The shredded residues can be left on the land to decompose naturally, thus enriching the soil with essential nutrients. This decomposition process promotes the soil’s health and reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers.
  • Easier field cleaning and maintenance - By reducing plant residues and keeping the fields clean, flail mowers facilitate access for subsequent operations with other farming equipment. 
 

4 tips for effective use

To prolong your flail mower’s life, the Muratori team recommends

  1. Regular maintenance - Make sure that you maintain your flail mower in excellent condition by performing checks and maintenance regularly. Check the tools to make sure that they are effective and replace them, if needed. Lubricate the moving parts and check that they are all in good condition.
  2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations - Read the owner’s manual that is provided by the manufacturer carefully and follow the recommendations for a safe and efficient use of your flail mower. Respect the capabilities and limitations of the machine and avoid using it in extreme conditions that could damage it.
  3. Monitor the height of the cutting - Regulate the flail mower’s cutting height based on your specific needs and the type of product to be shredded. Make sure not to regularly touch the ground while you work, so as to prevent the early wear and tear of the tools and of the transmission.
  4. Choose the right configuration - The flail mowers are available in various configurations to suit the specific needs of your land and crops. Make sure to choose the appropriate model and accessories based on the type of soil, the type of crop and the size of the area to treat.
At Muratori we manufacture versatile flail mowers for tractors with powers ranging from 15 to 120 HP. These flail mowers consist of a sturdy frame that supports a rotor shaft on which floating tools are mounted, such as knives of various types or hammers. These tools, rotating at high speed, shred the materials present on the ground, including grass, shrubs, light wood, pruned branches, and crop residues. Muratori flail mowers meet the needs of farms, fruit growers, wine growers, gardeners and maintenance operators.

Among the various options there is the possibility of front mount, side shifting (mechanical or hydraulic) and various ways to adjust the cutting height such as side skids, rollers or wheels (front or rear) so as to obtain an optimal shredding

The Muratori range of flail mowers includes:
 
  • Flail mower for compact tractors - Suitable for both professional and hobby use, ideal for use in confined spaces.
  • Flail mower with collector - Equipped with a container for shredded grass or fallen leaves, ideal for parks, gardens, and sports fields.
  • Medium and heavy stalk choppers, mulchers and shredders - In addition to grass and shrubs, they can work on crop residues and pruning shoots, chopping even those of large diameter.
  • Side flail mowers - They can be used in a highly displaced position with respect to the tractor and are ideal for cleaning roadsides, embankments, ditches and hedges.

In conclusion, flail mowers are an indispensable tool for optimising farm work, improving the management of plant residues and preparing the soil for future crops. By following the tips above and by using your flail mower responsibly, you can maximise the benefits and obtain satisfactory results in your farming.