Best ride-on rough meadow?

[Hornbeam]

Thanks again lads. The tow-behind flail option is not really practical... I need a 'compact' all in one mower. I've looked at Stiga Parks/Husqvarna types but I have my doubts about their ability, durability and concerns over the low deck design in cutting tall vegetation. The Grillo/AS type is certainly the best option (I'll have to rattle my piggy bank harder!)… any other makes to consider/reject: Ausa, Etesia... ?

 

From an arthritic perspective a self-propelled walk-behind Hayter Condor/Ferris is little different to a strimmer albeit I'd be walking as opposed to shuffling/stumbling! Don't get old!

Edited June 25, 2020 by Hornbeam

[Peter 1955]

I use a customer's Husqvarna ride on mower, which has interchangeable flail and cutter decks. I have to say that with the flail on, I haven't found anything it can't cope with. From memory there's about twenty petrol horsepower behind me, and as long as you drive it sensibly, belt life is very good. 

One word of warning though, if you wish to change between flail and deck, although it can be a one man  task, it's way easier with two people, especially if one of them is strong and fit. Second word of warning is that with the flail fitted, because it's so heavy, power steering, and hydraulic lift are virtually essential. 

Edited June 25, 2020 by Peter 1955

[Blake@waveney]

We demoed a grillo, AS and efco. 
 

all did exactly what we wanted. The grillo cut the best but where unable to get one quick enough. The efco 4x4 was great but had plastic panels (can’t trust staff) but much cheaper, The AS by far was the better built and less maintenance required and we could get one very quickly. The staff here love it 

[Blake@waveney]

Can’t comment on others as could not find a local supplier at the time. 

[Blake@waveney]

We also have a stiga with flail. It’s now not required. 

[Hornbeam]

Ah ha! I see that Westwood now do an open fronted 'high grass mulching deck' (as opposed to prissy manicured lawn-deck) for their T60 and T80 garden tractor-mowers which sounds ideal:

- it has a towing hook for scarifiers/chain harrow... shopping trolley!

- local agents and readily available… unlike commercial Grillos, AS, etc

- is affordable! - well £4000 ouch!

but..

- how durable are they? at 3-4 cuts p/a over 10 years it should outlive me!

- does the front axle have enough articulation for mole-hills/rabbit holes?

 

Anyone?