Filmed at Sunderland Council, the video follows the installation of three SL420 Compact Sidearm Flail Mowers, demonstrating both setup and operation in a working environment. Chris starts by explaining the cable control system, mounted inside the tractor cab. Each system is fitted to suit the tractor model, giving operators a comfortable and practical layout.

The cable control version uses four levers, while the electric control model is available with a single joystick. Chris walks through how the controls work, comparing the arm of the machine to a human arm for simplicity:

• The first lever controls the “armpit” or base pivot.
• The second lever operates the “elbow,” moving the arm in and out.
• The third lever adjusts the “wrist,” allowing the flail head to move up and down.
• The fourth lever controls the rotation of the flail head itself, switching between forward and reverse cutting.

The SL420 flail head has a 1-metre cutting width and comes standard with back-to-back flails and an adjustable rear roller. The roller can be set using bolts on the top and bottom, ensuring the right height for grass cutting, verge work, or embankment maintenance.

For added flexibility, the SL range includes an optional high-clearance front hood, interchangeable with the standard full-cover hood, allowing for greater debris flow when cutting thicker vegetation. The rear-mounted flail head is a unique feature in this size category and enables the SL420 to flat-top at up to 3.4 metres high.

Each model includes safety shut-off valves on all three hydraulic rams, ensuring safe operation during maintenance or when switching attachments. Quick hydraulic connectors make it easy to swap between the flail head and other tools, such as a finger bar.

To handle a variety of cutting conditions, the reach angle can be adjusted by moving the ram pin to different mounting holes, extending the machine’s reach for working below the tractor on banks or ditches. Both the SL320 and SL420 are equipped with a 75-litre oil tank featuring an integrated gauge and thermometer, plus an easily accessible hydraulic filter.

The oil tank is mounted on a sliding frame, which can be moved inward for transport or storage, or outward for better stability during extended reach work. This can also be upgraded to a hydraulic slide system for added convenience. Underneath the machine, pallet tine slots allow for safe and easy storage when lifting with a forklift.

Each SL420 comes ready-fitted with a top link on one side, while the lower link arms can be unbolted and rotated for different configurations. The hydraulic pump is designed to swing through the frame, making the SL420 compatible with reverse-drive tractors such as BCS or Antonio Carraro models, so the mower can operate in front of the tractor when required.

Built for real-world use, the SL420 represents the best of Ryetec’s approach to design, compact, efficient, and engineered for longevity. Its precision control and reach make it ideal for verges, embankments, and difficult-to-access terrain, trusted by professionals across the UK for safe, reliable, and productive mowing.

Explore the SL420 Compact Sidearm Flail Mower