I am going to look at a 5' Ford 917 Flail mower on Craigslist. Does anyone know what years the 917 was made? I have never owned a flail so any advice as to what to look for in evaluating this mower would be appreciated. The asking price is $500.00. The owner said he would hook it up and demonstrate it for me. How does the price sound?
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Hello Jerry I do not know of the date(s) that they were first manufactured.
Be sure he greases it before he runs it to show you where ALL the grease fittings are.
As far as inspecting it you need to look at the three point hitch and see if there is any give to the mounting frame arms, check all the welds especially at the corners and then the knive hangers and then if it seems solid, buy it.
Any welding repair will be simple and easy to fabricate the steel parts if needed to reinforce the corners, but if it was stored indoors that is plus in your favor.
Replacement parts are available, and all the bearings and V belts
are available locally or from flailmaster and others including the Ford folks.
Ask if he has any spare knives and hangers that can be bought with it as well as they will be no good to anyone else unless they own a 917.
When you take ot home be sure to remove the V belt guard
and wash the area with hot water and then dig out all the
rubber dust and grease to expose the grease fittings.
The B sized belt(s) will need to be roplaced most likely, so purchase the green Kevlar replacement belts for that size.
I do not know what size the unit uses but be sure purchase them with the same lot number if you need two V belts.
Fortunately for us most used flail mowers are diamonds in the rough that need a little care after we take them home.
Please let us know what type of rotor it has when or if you bring it home.
