AS 701 SM Flail Mower – 70cm Professional Slope Machine

The AS 701 SM is a 70 cm walk-behind flail mulcher designed for banks, verges and tight areas where a wider flail becomes hard to control. Its B&S Series 3 engine, locked differential and steady gearing give it the drive needed to cut through dense growth while staying predictable on awkward ground.

It suits contractors, councils and estates that need a smaller, more agile flail for steep or irregular terrain. The pendulum-mounted deck and 20 pairs of Y-flails keep the cut smooth through uneven ground, and the automatic parking brake adds confidence when stopping on a slope.

Working capability and real-world use

The AS 701 SM is built for banks, verges and rough areas where a full-width flail feels too bulky. The 70 cm rotor with 20 pairs of Y-flails keeps a steady bite through tall grass, weeds and brash, and the pendulum-mounted deck smooths out bumps so the machine doesn’t jolt the operator every time the ground changes shape. It’s the kind of flail you pick when the terrain is uneven, narrow or awkward rather than wide and open.

Where it sits in AS-Motor’s range

It’s the more agile partner to the AS 901 SM. You lose some width and outright power, but gain easier handling on slopes and tighter access. Compared with the heavier Allmäher models, the 701 offers the calmer “flail feel” that suits scrub, rough edges and mixed growth. Contractors often pair the 701 and 901 together: the 901 for open runs, the 701 for the tricky bits.

Who the machine suits

• Contractors working verge edges, banks, drainage channels and solar sites
• Councils needing a controlled pedestrian option for slopes and tight ground
• Estates and farms with awkward access, narrow banks and brashy growth

It appeals to users who already run machinery and want a flail that’s easier to position and pivot than a 90 cm unit. The lighter weight makes a real difference when working across slopes or around obstacles all day.

Strengths that matter day to day

• Solid mulching performance in tall grass and scrub without the harsh rebound of a rotary system
• Stable handling on slopes thanks to the locked diff and low centre of gravity
• Smoother ride over uneven ground with the pendulum-mounted deck
• Steering and brake clutches give tight, controlled manoeuvres around posts and banks
• Handlebar adjustments let different operators stay comfortable during long sessions

Operational realities

The 701 is still a professional machine, so planning your approach on steep or broken ground matters. At just under 200 kg it stays planted, but operators need to work steadily and use the drive and clutches rather than trying to haul it around by force. It’s not the fastest choice for large open meadows, but it excels where you need precision and secure footing.

Accessories worth considering

• Twin tyres: boost grip and stability on difficult banks
• Steel wheels: add bite when mowing across slopes
• Steel hand guards: protect controls and hands in thorny growth
• Grip heating: helpful for early-morning or winter contracts
• Hour meter: makes service scheduling easier for fleet users

How Suffolk Mowers Supports Your Purchase

Suffolk Mowers supplies the AS 701 SM fully set up, tested and ready for work. We check the drive system, flail rotor, cables and safety features so you’re confident taking it straight onto banks and rough ground. If you’re using the machine on tricky slopes, we can also advise on accessories such as twin tyres or steel wheels.

We hold common service parts, flails and consumables, and our workshop handles routine servicing, mid-season overhauls and repairs for contractor fleets and estate teams. If you need support on safe handling, slope technique or setup for specific ground conditions, we’ll walk you through it. Our aim is to keep your machine reliable, productive and working safely throughout the season.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions About AS 701 SM