Sickle Bar Ford 501 series 7' sickle mower ???'s

[jjmarotz]

My dad found this mower for one heck of a deal!!! He wanted it for his lil BX24 but, descided it would be too much for his tractor. I have a 3203 JD and we "think" it should work well for my needs..ie. roadside maintenance, pasture work, general cleanup, etc.

Now the ??'s begin When bought it had no pitman arm, straps, bearings, etc. So I scoured the net and bought new parts acording to diagrams I found online. I have already replaced all knife sections (minus the rivets, I used bolt kit as I don't have the rivet tool), new knife holdowns, wood pitman arm, pitman box assy, bearings, seal, etc.

What I don't know is what the pitman "lever & tongue" part does and how it connects to the knife bar(pic #3)??? I have a couple ideas,(last 2 pics), but want to be sure!!!! I have owners and repair manuals purchased but waiting for delivery.

Thanks to all who can help!!!!!

 

[jjmarotz]

Couple more pics.........

 

[Van Wen]

I'll check mine tomorrow, but i'm voting for the second to last pic.

 

[MT. Sparky]

Correct on the second to last pict

 

[MT. Sparky]

Check Ebay, I got parts for my mower on there.

 

[JDeerekid]

I had one for a few years back but it was 5ft and was to short for what I needed so I sold it. I picked mine up as an auction for $25. And it was in working condition just needed a pitman bar as the one on it lasted a whole 30 seconds and a coat of paint. Make sure you get a few extra pitman bars. Instead of buying them from the dealer I had my local saw mill cut me some out of ash. They lasted a long time. I just sold mine last year for $700 dollars.

Here is a website with older ford and ferguson equipment manuals that you can read online.http://www.ntractorclub.com/forums/manuals

Also another tip is to pour some oil on the cutter bar to make it run smoother and quieter.

 

[jjmarotz]

Thanks for the info guys!!!!! That helps alot!

Manuals should be here this week with any luck, but, as most of you know....when you get started on a project you kinda want to get it done and working instead of sitting around taking up space I know my 1.5 yr horse trailer project was an eye sore that I am glad to finally be done with!! But now it it's spot sits a 74' Ford Bronco that I am going to start working on, wonder how long that project will take

 

[jjmarotz]

1 other ??... what is the hole in the "ball" (where the 2 straps hook to, last 2 pics)?? Also, would one want to grease that ball to prevent metal to metal wear, or is that a non issue??

 

[rbargeron]

1 other ??... what is the hole in the "ball" (where the 2 straps hook to, last 2 pics)?? Also, would one want to grease that ball to prevent metal to metal wear, or is that a non issue??

Any grease fitting threads in the "ear muffs"? I've had Dearborn and New Holland pitman-type sicklebars - the ball should definitely be lubricated or it will wear down. Pour a little bar & chain oil (sticks better) on the whole assembly now & then.

 

[Oldmax]

I use my old motor oil on bar of my Dearborn 14-2 "Old Shaker" Still works after 69 years. I converted it to my 1715 N/H . I like it becaues it is light and my tractor handles it good.