Flail Mower Need Advice buying a Ford 60 inch Flail Mower

[brin]

I have found a Ford 60 inch cut flail mower that I can buy for $450.00 ..

I have always used a Bush Hog brand bush hog so I am not familiar with the flail mowers except what I have learned about them on TBN. What are some things I need to know about it to decide whether to buy or not..I know what to look for on a bush hog but no experience with a flail....I assume Ford would be a good brand.. Any information greatly appreciated..

 

[greg_g]

My flail is branded as a Jacobsen. But Ford actually built them. So technically it's a Ford 917 with orange paint. Mine's a 74-incher, but the 917 was available in several widths. Even if yours isn't a 917, it would help if you posted the model number. Some other forum member may have one

//greg//

 

[TrinityInspiredFarms]

I just bought at auction a flail mower that I was told was a Mott but turns out, according to Flail-Master.com, to be a Jacobsen. It is 92" wide at the top of the flail housing and has a plate near the slip-clutch which says "Identification Number 71 U-1111".

Flail-Master.com is sending me a Jacobsen replacement belt that I burned off Saturday in my first attempt to flail, It had worked great for about 30 - 45 mins., then it rumbled a bit, smoked for a few seconds and spun freely - belt gone!

It has 3 rows of hammer blades 12-13 sets wide I'm guessing that it has a 74 cut, but i need to measure for sure.

I read on this site that it is actually a Ford Model 917 Flail Mower manufactured for Jacobsen and I found the New Holland web site with various parts listed as ?2-206 Ford 917? Can anyone confirm this is actually a Ford manufacture? Are the parts interchangeable?

What would cause the belt to burn off? I had someone look at it yesterday and they said that it spun freely and did not believe that the bearings were gone.

 

[TrinityInspiredFarms]

New Holland Website:

New Holland Agriculture

Parts listed under:

22-184 FORD 917 SERIES FLAIL MOWER 74" (3/73-12/76)

Looks to have been Maunfactured at Ford between 1973 and 1976 although my Identification number is 71 U-1111. Don't know if the 71 is a year or model number. Machine is painted yellow and has no decals. Any ideas?

 

[leonz]

I just bought at auction a flail mower that I was told was a Mott but turns out, according to Flail-Master.com, to be a Jacobsen. It is 92" wide at the top of the flail housing and has a plate near the slip-clutch which says "Identification Number 71 U-1111".

Flail-Master.com is sending me a Jacobsen replacement belt that I burned off Saturday in my first attempt to flail, It had worked great for about 30 - 45 mins., then it rumbled a bit, smoked for a few seconds and spun freely - belt gone!

It has 3 rows of hammer blades 12-13 sets wide I'm guessing that it has a 74 cut, but i need to measure for sure.

I read on this site that it is actually a Ford Model 917 Flail Mower manufactured for Jacobsen and I found the New Holland web site with various parts listed as ?2-206 Ford 917? Can anyone confirm this is actually a Ford manufacture? Are the parts interchangeable?

What would cause the belt to burn off? I had someone look at it yesterday and they said that it spun freely and did not believe that the bearings were gone.

If the V belt is weathered it will be much weaker as the rubber has been rotting and the shock loading of the rotor start up will add friction and stress to the old belt.

It would be a good thing to invest in a set of kevlar belts from Kaman or Tractor supply or NAPA for your flail mower as you will have belts that will last longer in use.

 

[jedolson]

I've got a yellow Ford 917A 88" flail mower. Right and left bearing housings broke out. Turns out Bush Hog made these for Ford for a while (not sure how long) at any rate Messicks.com had the parts from Bush Hog...the bearing housings, bearings and snap rings. Anyone had experience installing these I'd sure appreciate any advice...looks pretty straight forward but, ya, we all know how that goes.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My Dad burned the belts right off my 917. Had it too close to the ground and was using it like a Harley Rake! He thought he was doing a GREAT job! Not impressed!

Make sure the main drum is not damaged. That aforementioned 917 was in rough shape. The flanges were all bent back making blade changes a problematic job.

Make sure the gearbox has oil and the thing turns freely.

You can use double belts or single belts. Probably the double belts are better against slipping but I got by with the singles and they were cheaper.

I still have a six or six and a half foot 917 fine cut mower. They are great HD long lasting machine unlike much of the light duty junk being built today.

I still remember buying my first one back in the eighties. Brought it home in the back of a company van. A Ford Aerostar with a four banger and manual trans!