Güde GSM 500 Flail Mower – 500 mm, 7.2 HP, Integrated Mulching
The Güde GSM 500 is a professional flail mower equipped with a robust 4-stroke engine delivering 5.3 kW (7.2 HP) and an integrated mulching system. With a cutting width of 500 mm, adjustable cutting height from 5 to 40 mm, and mulching function that shreds grass into small fragments, it is suitable for maintaining lawns and medium-sized green areas with even distribution of organic residue. The transmission with 2 forward gears and 1 reverse gear ensures easy handling on uneven terrain. As an official Güde distributor since 2007, Krollit provides technical support and spare parts for this reliable model.
The Güde GSM 500 combines engine power, generous cutting width, and integrated mulching in an easy-to-handle machine with a width of 750 mm. The flail system shreds grass into small fragments, distributing them evenly across the lawn to enrich the soil with nutrients. The mechanical transmission with two forward gears ensures the right speed for every type of grass and ground condition.
Main Features
- Robust engine: 4-stroke, 5.3 kW / 7.2 HP, 224 cm³ displacement
- Cutting width: 500 mm (50 cm) with flail system
- Adjustable cutting height: 5 positions, range 5–40 mm
- Mulching function: Integrated, shreds grass into fragments for organic enrichment
- Mechanical transmission: 2 forward gears (speed 1.2–2.8 km/h), 1 reverse gear
- Fuel tank: 3.9 litres for extended operating time
- Starting system: Manual recoil start for reliable ignition
- Wheels: 254 mm rear tyres, 200 mm front tyres for stability
- Compact width: 750 mm for easy access in narrow areas
- Balanced weight: 102 kg for balanced traction on moderate slopes
Who the Güde GSM 500 is suitable for
| User profile |
Use case |
Technical reason |
| Professional gardener / landscaping company |
Maintenance of green areas from 2000–5000 m² with mulching |
500 mm width + flails + integrated mulching reduce maintenance cycles; natural soil fertility increases |
| Public green area / park maintenance |
Common areas, roadside greenery, municipal parks |
Flails shred evenly; mulching distributes nutrients; 102 kg weight helps movement on soft ground |
| Semi-rural farmer / smallholding |
Maintenance of lawns, crop edges, mowing areas |
2-speed transmission adapts to dense grass; mulching enriches the soil; adjustable height for sequential mowing |
Not suitable for:
- Areas smaller than 500 m² — the power is excessive and running costs are high
- Wet and heavy grass after rain — the flails may clog and mulching becomes less effective
- Ground with slopes above 15° — the weight of 102 kg and mechanical traction reduce stability
Technical Specifications
Engine and Power Supply
| Parameter |
Value |
| Engine model | 4-stroke engine, Otto cycle |
| Rated power | 5.3 kW / 7.2 HP |
| Displacement | 224 cm³ |
| Rated speed | 3000 rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 3.9 litres |
| Fuel type | Petrol RON 95+ |
| Fuel consumption | ~2.5 l/h at rated load |
| Starting type | Manual recoil start |
| Specific CO₂ emissions | 693.12 g/kWh |
| Noise level LWA | 120 dB(A) |
Cutting and Mulching Capacity
| Parameter |
Value |
| Cutting width | 500 mm (50 cm) |
| Cutting system | Rotating flails |
| Available cutting heights | 5, 10, 15, 25, 40 mm |
| Number of height positions | 5, central adjustment |
| Mulching function | Integrated, shreds grass into 5–15 mm fragments |
| Residue distribution | Even across the lawn, organic enrichment |
| Estimated working capacity | 3000–5000 m² per maintenance cycle |
Transmission and Control
| Parameter |
Value |
| Gearbox type | Mechanical belt drive |
| Total number of gears | 3 |
| Forward gears | 2, 1.2 km/h and 2.8 km/h |
| Reverse gears | 1, reduced speed |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Rear tyre diameter | 254 mm, 10 inches |
| Front tyre diameter | 200 mm, 8 inches |
| Tyre type | Solid rubber |
| Brakes | Integrated pedal with parking lock |
| Internal turning radius | 120 cm |
Dimensions and Weight
| Parameter |
Value |
| Length | 1170 mm (117 cm) |
| Width | 750 mm (75 cm) |
| Height | 600 mm (60 cm) |
| Net weight | 102 kg |
| Gross weight, packaged | 121 kg |
| Balanced centre of gravity | For stable traction on slopes up to 15° |
Compliance and Certifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Emission standard | Compliant with EU regulations |
| Krollit item number | 95482 |
| Warranty right | 2 years, right of withdrawal |
| Certificate of conformity | Available on request |
| Manual available | Italian / German / English |
Standard Equipment
- Complete flail system
- Central height adjustment for 5 positions, 5–40 mm
- Brake pedal with parking lock
- Instruction manual with maintenance diagrams
- Ignition key, 2 copies
- Safety notices, Italian/German/English available
- Pre-sale inspection: engine tested, all systems functional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a traditional lawn mower and a flail mower?
A traditional lawn mower has fixed blades that cut cleanly. A flail mower has rotating flails that shred grass into 5–15 mm fragments. Mulching distributes these fragments across the lawn, enriching the soil with organic matter and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. The cutting cycle is slower, but the nutritional benefit is greater.
Can I use the GSM 500 on wet ground?
Not recommended. Wet and heavy grass tends to clog the flails, reducing cutting and mulching efficiency. Waiting until the lawn dries, late morning or the following day, ensures better cutting results and even fragment distribution.
How large is the fuel tank and how long does it last?
The tank holds 3.9 litres. With an average consumption of 2.5 l/h at rated load, it provides about 90 minutes of operating time per full cycle. For long jobs, a reserve fuel container is recommended. At reduced speed, 1st gear, operating time increases significantly to over 120 minutes.
Can I adjust the cutting height while working?
Yes. The central lever allows you to choose between 5 positions, 5–40 mm, without getting off the machine. Ideal for moving from weed-covered areas to well-kept lawns in sequence, adapting the height to the vegetation type.
Is noise a problem in residential areas?
Certified noise level: 120 dB(A). It is very high, above any traditional lawn mower. Legal only during daytime hours, 7:00–19:00 in Italy. Strongly discouraged for densely populated areas. Ideal for public parks, rural areas, and open spaces away from homes.
What are the annual maintenance costs?
- Engine oil: 5–10 euros, change every 100 hours
- Air filter: 15–20 euros, cleaning/replacement every season
- Spark plug: 10–15 euros, every 2 years
- Replacement flails: 40–60 euros, complete set every 50–80 hours
- Transmission belt: 20–30 euros, if worn, every 2–3 years
Total estimate: 100–150 euros/year for intensive professional use.
How does mulching work compared to collection?
Integrated mulching shreds grass into small fragments and distributes them evenly across the lawn. There is no collection bag. The fragments decompose quickly, enriching the soil with nitrogen and organic matter. For collection, if required, contact Güde for a replacement kit, not standard.
Is the GSM 500 suitable for steep slopes?
Yes, up to a maximum inclination of 15°. On steeper slopes, rear-wheel drive stability decreases and the risk of tipping increases. It is not recommended on marshy or unstable sandy ground where the weight of 102 kg could cause the machine to sink.