Are Flail Mowers Better Than a Brush Hog, Rotary, or Finish Mower? Frontier FL1161 Review & 1st Use

Thinking about upgrading your mowing setup for your compact tractor? In this video, I share my first use and honest review of the Frontier FL1163 flail mower — and why I finally ditched my so-called AutoConnect belly mower. I’m using this on my 2023 John Deere 3033R with a cab, and after way too much frustration with the mid-mount deck, I decided to explore better options. I’ll explain why I chose a flail mower over a finish mower or bush hog, how it performs on both grass and tall brush, and how well it cuts compared to a finish mower — a big question people always ask. This mower checks a lot of boxes for me: ✅ Cuts grass beautifully ✅ Blazes new trails with ease ✅ Mulches small sticks ✅ Stores compactly in the barn ✅ Offset reach for better access around trees and fences 🚜 If you’re running an off-grid homestead like mine here in Michigan (60 acres of untamed land!), this kind of versatility is a game-changer. 📹 Footage includes: mowing thick grass, reclaiming a trail that hasn’t been touched in years, and some smooth aerial drone shots for a full view of the results. 💬 Drop a comment if you’re considering a flail mower or had issues with your AutoConnect system — especially if you’re on a 3033R! 🔔 Subscribe for more off-grid gear reviews, tractor talk, and homestead projects. Link to Frontier FL1163 Manual Offset Flail Mower: https://www.deere.com/en/cutters-shredders/flail-mowers-and-shredders/fl11-series/ Link to Stump Wrecker Stump Bucket from @GoodWorksTractors https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/gwt-john-deere-green-mini-stump-wrecker-limited-edition/ #FlailMower #FinishMower #BrushHog #TractorMower #CompactTractor #JohnDeere3033R #FrontierFL1163 #OffGridLiving #HomesteadTools #TractorAttachments #MowingComparison #CutQualityTest #LandManagement #TrailClearing #lawnmowingsimulator @JohnDeere