ncridgerunner1
Member
I have been looking to buy an small affordable flail mower for my kubota BX23 for more than a year and finally ran across a 50" Ford 917L. The seller wanted $650. After carefully inspecting the unit and detecting no problems other than minor surface rust we settled for $575. Brought it home, shortened the PTO shaft, lubricated it, and mounted to my 3PH. This mower made my rough field look like a lawn and my tractor didn't bog down a second even in heavy grass. Needless to say, I'm happy with the performance but after seeing what others paid for a 917L and even though small flails seem as scarce as hen's teeth in my area, I'm beginning to wonder if I may have paid too much.
Two people have asked what a mower like this would cost new and I could only guess (since they are no longer made) between $2500 and $3000. Is this close?
Of course the seller didn't have an operator's manual and it would be nice to find one if anyone has a good source.
Even though, one of my friends says its "bad karma" to repaint a Ford blue attachment Kubota Orange, it would look better matching my tractor. How is the best way short of sandblasting to remove rust and condition the old paint for repainting? Obviously it would look better to paint it after a complete dis-assembly but since it is a mower not a show-piece, is it worth the time to tear it all down?
Are there any special concerns or operating tricks with the 917L other than making sure it is well lubricated? The seller says the belt is about a year old. The knives look good and it is obvious that at least 3 of the side cutter type knives have been replaced though I cannot detect any unusual vibration and the cut is good.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Two people have asked what a mower like this would cost new and I could only guess (since they are no longer made) between $2500 and $3000. Is this close?
Of course the seller didn't have an operator's manual and it would be nice to find one if anyone has a good source.
Even though, one of my friends says its "bad karma" to repaint a Ford blue attachment Kubota Orange, it would look better matching my tractor. How is the best way short of sandblasting to remove rust and condition the old paint for repainting? Obviously it would look better to paint it after a complete dis-assembly but since it is a mower not a show-piece, is it worth the time to tear it all down?
Are there any special concerns or operating tricks with the 917L other than making sure it is well lubricated? The seller says the belt is about a year old. The knives look good and it is obvious that at least 3 of the side cutter type knives have been replaced though I cannot detect any unusual vibration and the cut is good.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.