AS 1040 YAK 4WD XL is AS-Motor’s most capable ride-on flail mower, built for sites where ruts, dips and rough ground stop standard machines in their tracks. The Vanguard V-Twin engine drives a one-metre flail rotor with 56 Y-flails, giving it the strength to mulch thick grass, bramble and young saplings while keeping a controlled forward pace.
The XL version adds larger tyres and increased ground clearance, making it the better choice for contractors and councils dealing with broken terrain, embankments and off-road access routes. Suffolk Mowers supports the YAK 4WD XL with setup help and practical aftercare for teams relying on dependable rough-ground performance.
Engineered for extreme off-road work
The AS 1040 YAK 4WD XL is designed for terrain where a standard flail mower risks grounding out or losing traction. The XL tyres raise the chassis for extra clearance, helping it glide over deep ruts, dips and uneven ground without striking the deck. Combined with a low centre of gravity and permanent 4WD, it stays steady on steep or unpredictable surfaces while the flail rotor keeps clearing heavy material.
Where the XL stands out
The higher ride height and aggressive tread pattern make a noticeable difference on access tracks, forestry edges, embankments and industrial plots where old vehicle ruts, washouts or soft patches would stop smaller machines. The XL is built to keep moving and maintain output rather than forcing the operator to tip-toe around obstacles.
Position in the AS-Motor range
The 1040 YAK 4WD XL is the top-tier flail model in the lineup. It shares the same one-metre flail system and V-Twin engine as the standard YAK but adds greater off-road capability and a higher practical work rate. Against Sherpa rotary models, the YAK XL is the clear choice for dense scrub, saplings and areas where hidden debris or rough terrain make rotary mowers vulnerable.
When the XL makes more sense than the standard YAK
Choose the XL if the site regularly involves rutted access routes, uneven banks, soft patches or areas where the deck risks grounding. The standard YAK has excellent capability, but the XL gives more margin for contractors working in unpredictable ground conditions.
Who the AS 1040 YAK 4WD XL suits
This machine is built for professional teams who need consistent performance on demanding sites. It serves contractors, councils, utilities and estates that maintain rough, uneven ground where safety, traction and productivity are top priorities.
Typical use cases
- Reservoirs, water treatment sites and embankments
- Solar parks and industrial green spaces
- Forestry margins and rough estate tracks
- Scrubland, bramble and annual growth up to 1.5 m
- Steep slopes and undulating terrain
Real-world strengths
What sets the YAK XL apart is how confidently it deals with mixed terrain. The direct flail-shaft drive gives strong cutting force, while the hydrostatic transmission with cruise control keeps speed predictable on long runs. The 56 Y-flails shred heavy material into a consistent mulch without throwing debris, which is a key safety factor around buildings, panels or fencing.
Key working advantages
- Extra ground clearance: fewer deck strikes and smoother progress on rough ground
- Permanent 4WD: strong traction on slopes and loose surfaces
- 56 Y-flails: efficient shredding of dense vegetation
- Direct rotor drive: predictable torque for heavy work
- Cruise control: useful on long or repetitive routes
- 7,300 m²/h output: reduced time on large sites
Comfort and operator control
The upright posture, long legroom and adjustable suspension seat ensure comfort for all-day shifts. Aluminium side panels shield the operator from thorns and debris, while the ROPS bar and emergency brake pedal add layers of safety expected by commercial buyers.
Built around operator needs
- Smooth hydrostatic control with integrated parking brake
- Suspension seat with end-position damping
- Ergonomic control layout for predictable handling
- Hand protection and low-vibration seating posture
Operational realities
The YAK XL is a heavy-duty flail mower, not a quick transport machine or a finishing mower. It performs best at controlled speeds on awkward ground where stability and cutting force matter more than travel speed. Soft or waterlogged areas will still challenge traction, though the XL tyres offer better float than the standard YAK.
When the XL is the right choice
If the site includes dips, holes, heavy scrub or slopes where a smaller mower hesitates, the XL provides the headroom and clearance to work safely. If the job is mainly long grass or smoother ground, the Sherpa models may be quicker.
Useful accessories
A small number of optional extras can help adapt the XL to specific conditions.
Popular additions
- Tilt meter: aids slope monitoring
- Snow blade: seasonal clearing option
- Trailer and hitch: useful for estate or utility work
Technical Specifications
| Cutting width | 100 cm |
| Engine manufacturer | Briggs & Stratton |
| Engine type | Vanguard V-Twin 3864 |
| Displacement | 627 cm³ |
| Work rate (max) | 17.2 / 23.0 kW (hp) |
| Rated power | 15.5 / 21.1 kW (hp) |
| Nominal speed | 3600 rpm |
| Traction drive | Permanent 4WD |
| Drive type | Hydrostatic, variable |
| Speed (max) | 7.3 km/h |
| Rear discharge / mulch spread | Yes (Y-flail mulch) |
| Closed mowing deck | Yes |
| Floating mower deck | Yes (surfing flail deck) |
| Cutting height | 30–110 mm (7 levels) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17 litres |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 199 × 122 × 162 cm |
| Weight | 351 kg |

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