Ford 918?

[Builder]

Is this the "undesireable" Ford 918 flail? Flail Mower 96" - Ford

 

[greg_g]

Nope. Seems the owner doesn't even know what model it is. I've got a 74 inch 917H. So I'm pretty sure that's the 88" model 917. But there's not enough detail in the photo to ascertain which sub-model (917, 917A, or 917H). The photo below is of a 918H.

//greg//

 

[dieselscout80]

Is this the "undesireable" Ford 918 flail? Flail Mower 96" - Ford

That looks like my Ford 917 flail mower.

 

[Builder]

Sooooo, is this one of the "bad" ones? Looks like it's overpriced from the condition it's in judging by the photos.

 

[greg_g]

Not sure what "one of the bad ones" means here. My 917H is a gem. >30 years old and still cuttin'. That said, I don't know a thing about the 918. And "overpriced" is in the eye of the beholder. 917s haven't been made since the 80s, so Mother Nature has had quite a few years to work on the paint jobs. If it's mechanically sound, $1100 might not be such a bad price. If I ever chose to part with my 74-incher, I'd be asking up in that neighborhood too.

Consider that something in that class of flail sold new today - would likely cost six times that much

..greg..

 

[Builder]

Not sure what "one of the bad ones" means here. My 917H is a gem. >30 years old and still cuttin'. That said, I don't know a thing about the 918.
..greg..

There's been a few members that have the opinion that the 918 is undersized in the bearings, etc. areas making it less desireable.

 

[Builder]

Finally found out it's a 917 flail. It has some spots rusted through the sheet metal. Owner will take considerably less than asking price.

I assume you can't get sheet metal parts for them anymore, correct? If I could replace them, it might be worth a shot.

Owner said it still mows good-mechanically sound, but it was stored outside.

 

[CharlieS]

A visit to New Holland's website, and do a parts search for the 917 will yield good breakdown of parts and assembly. You're probably correct that sheet metal isn't available however most of the flat pieces can be sheared and/or bent by a local steel fab shop and easily cut to shape as needed drilled and mounted.
Flails, stirrups, and link's are available at flailmaster.com.
The I.D. plate if its readable, should have a number such as 22-xxx and will identify the individual mower model.

 

[greg_g]

I assume you can't get sheet metal parts for them anymore, correct?

Not necessary. According to the NH parts website, the 88" frame assembly is part #7502524, the 88" rear guard assembly is #7502087, and the cut-to-fit rear deflector is #7502394

The parts system is pretty easy to use, but you can only get to it by first starting at an authorized dealer website.

//greg//

 

[Builder]

OK, thanks.:thumbsup: So your running a Ford 917 90" cut flail and like it pretty well?
I may take the plunge on this thing. It'll probably cut fine and I can replace sheet metal as needed.

Would you consider this flail medium, or heavy duty? Is it heavier duty than caroni flail?

 

[greg_g]

I'm running a 917H, but only a 74 incher. The "H" is for heavy duty, the "L" is for light duty, and I'm not sure what the "A" represents. But it's exceeded my expectations, convincingly replacing both a 72" rotary cutter and an 84" finish mower. Got it at an equipment auction for $150, put about $400 into it, and saved myself from having to buy a new one up in the $5000-$6000 range. Sold the other two mowers for $1400 by the way. A net gain is pretty hard to come by in this economy.

The 917 was made for quite a few years - '73 to '86 I think - and had several variants: basic 917, -A model, -L model, and -H model. So you'll have to follow the advice about finding the tag, and determining which specific model you're considering. In my estimation, they're all somewhere between good and bullet proof. But it pays to know which specific variant you're going to be ordering parts for.

//greg//

 

[CharlieS]

Not necessary. According to the NH parts website, the 88" frame assembly is part #7502524, the 88" rear guard assembly is #7502087, and the cut-to-fit rear deflector is #7502394

The parts system is pretty easy to use, but you can only get to it by first starting at an authorized dealer website.

//greg//

Although in my experience, while still listed, many if not all parts for this older equipment will be obsolete/not available.

 

[greg_g]

Although in my experience, while still listed, many if not all parts for this older equipment will be obsolete/not available.

What's your point? Simply assume it's too old and write it off? With the parts numbers I offered, all it takes is a free phone call to a NH dealer to find out. My guess - should the frame assembly and/or rear guard assembly still be obtainable - is that the price would likely make repair more practical.

//greg//

 

[Builder]

Found another one. Seller does not know model: 8' Ford Flail Mower 3-PTH

 

[greg_g]

Judging by the length of the transmission output shaft, I'd speculate that's an 88" model 917. Not enough detail in the photo to determine if it's a 917H. Only way I can tell if it's the heavy duty version, is if there are two 3/8" pin holes above and below each lower lift point.

//greg//

 

[Builder]

I can't get over how beat the paint on these flails look on CL. It's virtually impossible to find one with any resemblance of paint left on it.

 

[greg_g]

You too would look beat - if you were parked out in the weather that long. I guess you don't realize how old these machines really are. If you want a better looking appearance, you have to shop New Holland (and of course pay accordingly). What you've been showing us are machines that were built before Ford even changed their name to NH. Pretty sure the last 917 flails were manufactured in 1985, the serial on mine suggests it was built in 1978

//greg//

 

[CharlieS]

According to the NH website the 917H was built until 08/90

 

[CharlieS]

What's your point? Simply assume it's too old and write it off? With the parts numbers I offered, all it takes is a free phone call to a NH dealer to find out. My guess - should the frame assembly and/or rear guard assembly still be obtainable - is that the price would likely make repair more practical.

//greg//

I wasnt aware i was making a "point". Nor was i assuming its too old and needs written off.
I simply stated the fact that while FNH parts lookup may show a complete parts breakdown of the older equipment, in many cases parts listed will not be available. My own experiences bear that out in some cases.

 

[greg_g]

According to the NH website the 917H was built until 08/90

Again, I'm mystified as to your intent here. I'll confess to being one model year off, NH shows the standard 917 actually ceased production 12/86. Pretty sure my 1985 guesstimate should have been close enough for forum work. And the first A model was made way back in 3/73 by the way.

But there's no confirmation yet that it's even an H model that's currently being addressed. So again - what's your point?

Regardless, the actual message that I was trying to convey is - being parked outdoors for anywhere between 20 and 37 years will take a toll on even the best of paint and preservative jobs !

//greg//