Flail Mower 5' ford flail mower 22-123 new to me

[boatyard]

I found a low mileage 5' Ford flail mower today on Craigslist. $200 dollars. It has been outside much of it's life, but the sheet metal is still solid, if a bit pitted. Sandblast,
paint, and a new home out of the weather will serve it well. The mower is clearly low mileage. It has 36 cutters, 4 rows of 9. They are all there, they are intact, heck they are pretty near to sharp. I think that they are original. Oil in the gear box. Grease in the fittings. The belt needs a tighten/ replacing.
So, can I sharpen the blades? The only numbers I can pull off the tag are 22-123, or is it 22-I23. It really looks like 22-I23. The serial # is 1809 or I809. Again it looks like I809. How do I find out when it was build? Can I get parts when they are needed? Can you put safety chains on a flail mower.
I will try to post a couple of picture tomorrow. Thanks

 

[airbiscuit]

There are lots of aftermarket places that sell a variety of replacement knives. Bearings can be found at auto parts stores. PTO parts at farm supply stores. Also Case/New Holland/Ford may still be able to supply parts.

Do post pics.

 

[leonz]

Good Morning Boatyard,


I want to welcome you as the newest Member of the "Flail Mower Nations".
There is no passport required to enter or exit the beer garden entrance to the "Flail Mower Nations" nor taxes required for residency nor any records kept of who is a resident of the "Flail Mower Nations" due to the potential for visits from black helicopters.

We are very friendly bunch except when it comes to bragging rights for mowing quality=fussiness in mowing quality and for killing invasives like poison ivy and oak with dethatching blades and dethatching which is the removal of old dead grass clippings to promote sod health.

You have a ford flail mower with the scoop or what many refer to them as the duck foot knives.

The knive hangers need to be inspected with a work light to make sure they are not cracked before you use it and replace any damaged knives and or knife hangers and the nuts and bolts. Be sure to use blue loctite to secure them as you want to be able to change them when they are damaged.

Most of the New Holland or Ford flail mower models can also be equipped with dethatching blades and the side slicer knives.

Ideally you want to use a wet grinder to sharpen flail mower knives whether they are the scoop or side slicer type.

Please call Messicks equipment to order a manual for your flail mower they are very familiar with them.

I also want you to read the entire flail mower thread so you can be much more familiar with the verticutting method of grass mowing which is much more gentle than the use the typically savage rotary mower or rotary cutter that tears the grass blade rather than slicing it.


You also need to remove the V belt guard and clean all the rubber dust and grease
off the flail mower to expose the grease fittings that are typically buried in ribber dust and grease. Adding to this you need to replace the old V belt with either a new Kevlar V belt or a standard rubber replacement V belt.

Your gear oil needs to be changed with fresh gear oil as well as it has moisture in it and will cause rust in the gearbox of the flail mower.

You also need to be vigilant in examining the oil seals and checking them while operating the flail mower to make sure the seals are still in good condition and do not leak oil.

You do not need safety chains for a flail mower used for mowing grass and brush.

Read the mowers operating and service manual to set it up correctly, ask questions on the forum, and marvel on how beautiful your mowing job is after your first use.

Happy Mowing.

 

[ovrszd]

Yes you can sharpen the blades. Be careful doing so. Don't get them hot, that softens the metal and the sharp edge won't last very long at all. I use a flapper wheel on an angle grinder.

It's 22-123. I believe they were built from 1964 thru 1972. Might be a bit off on that. A CNH dealer might be able to clarify what year yours is by the serial number.

Here's a very good source for parts. They too might be able to help you with the age by the serial number. Flail Master | Your BEST Choice for Quality Mower Parts

I'm sure you could add safety chains if you see the need. Not sure which rotation your mower has?? My 917 rotates forward, same direction as the tractor wheels when pulling it. Most flails rotate backward, opposite direction of tractor wheels when pulling. Those that rotate backwards might spit out a rock or loose material lying on the ground. Mine does not and it has no safety shield on the front at all.

Post pics of your mower when you get a chance.