Firstly, what is a tractor slasher?
A slasher is a piece of agricultural machinery that can be used to manage paddocks and pastures, it can handle overgrown grass and maintain areas that may contain rocks or other forms of debris. A slasher is perfect for applications such as; rail corridors and unmanaged paddocks, to name a few. They are perfect for tiding up large areas, however, they do leave windrows (a long line of heaped material / grass) due to the mower’s swing back blades. Not only are windrows aesthetically unappealing, they smother and kill the patches of grass below and can become a potential fire hazard in bushfire season.
Slashers should not be used in close proximity of people or livestock. They have the capacity to throw debris during the slashing process. Flail mowers are a safer option as they operate with a closed-door environment minimising the opportunity for thrown objects. Our German range of Muthing mulchers are certified for thrown objects; Müthing mulchers up to 3.2 metres have undergone Independent Thrown Object Testing and comply with ISO/WD 17101-2. Ensuring they can operate in public spaces safely, perfect for council and grounds care applications.
You will find that slashers are a more affordable option than a flail mower and have lower ongoing maintenance costs because they have fewer moving parts. So, if budget is a main concern for your pasture management then a slasher might be your best option.
So, what is a Flail Mower?
A flail mower or mulcher is also a piece of agricultural machinery that can be used to manage pastures and paddocks, however, it provides a number of other benefits as well. By using a mulcher / flail mower you can enhance your soil quality, boost pasture vitality, minimise weeds, enhance water retention and cut down the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Flail mowers do not leave windrows like a slasher, they can also manage dense grasses while delivering a neat finished cut, generating an evenly distributed layer of mulched material. This mulch unlike windows decomposes quickly, returning nutrients to the soil, enhancing soil structure and fertility while preventing erosion.
Flail mowers by eliminating windrows reduce fuel loads, assisting in the prevention of grass fires. They also provide an even finish similar to a finishing mower so they are perfect for not only pastures but house paddocks / yards as well. They also have the capability to mulch saplings, size of sapling depends on the flail mower specification.
Another benefit of managing pastures with a flail mower is it reduces the likelihood of disease infestation from pests, over time it will reduce your need for fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, reducing input costs.
In conclusion, when deciding on a slasher or flail mower you need to consider your application (whether you have a focus on sustainable farming), the finish you require, maintenance and your budget.
Next you need to consider what size flail mower or slasher you require i.e. which size suits your tractor’s horse power. Southern Cross Ag Machinery has a large range of entry level flail mowers and slashers through to agricultural machinery suited for contractors and councils. If you have any queries or would like to discuss which tractor attachment would suit your application best please call us on (02) 4932-3011 or email sales@sxm.com.au, we would be more than happy to assist.
