Ford 917L Special Flail Mower

[wirlybird]

Ok, thanks for the tip. I decided to go with a series 4 instead of 1 since it wasn't much more and can handle higher HP so helps for future upgrades and I figure it is just stronger.

 

[wirlybird]

Ok, so it is parts time.. Any suggestions on a good place to go? Or is it google and see what comes up?!!

Also looking for the v-belt. I have the size but what do I want to look for?
I'm sure I don't want a regular v-belt for a car!

 

[DaveMueller]

I believe that's the same as a New Holland 22BU6001 (at least mine is, 917L 5' offset). There are a few go-to places online for parts. I usually buy from Messicks. I think Coleman is another.
I read somewhere that the OEM belt was a dual/side by side belt. Mine has two normal V belts. Nothing special about them. I don't think the parts chart below makes much sense, but you should be able to figure it out from googling the part numbers.

10.	86517930	[1]	V-BELT,0.66" W x 51.20" L	FOR
10.	V20829	[2]	BELT, TRANSMISSION	WIN V-Belt, 60"

 

[wirlybird]

Mine is the 22BU5001, just looked at the tag today.
I think I figured out the belt. The number, 86517930, seems to cross to a Gates B48 Hi Power II Belt. Local auto parts store has it and dimensions are very close.
It is an agricultural/equipment belt so should be good.

 

[arto98607]

Hi all, new here.
I just purchased a Ford 917L Special that seem pretty complete and in decent condition.
I found a manual on eBay for it but otherwise do not know much! Never had a flail mower before.
I've Googled around for threads and conversations on it but found few.
Hoping there are some here with knowledge and experience with this mower I can ask questions of!

First thing I need is to replace the PTO shaft. I got a nice slip clutch shaft with it but as you can imagine it doesn't fit due to the slip clutch.
My first question would be "what is the overall collapsed length of the PTO shaft"?

Second question is this. Since the unit is belt driven is it ok to not have a shear bolt or slip clutch setup? Will the belt provide necessary slip?
Thanks for any info.

I have the exact same 5' Ford 917L flail mower as you and have posted several times in TBN "Attachments" thread about rebuilding it last summer.
By the way, Ford 917L and Ford 917 flail mowers are totally different models!

If you search in the General Tractor Topics / Attachments you will find several posts about Ford 917L mower.

Here is my post #6859 with few photos:
Flail Mower - Let's talk flail mowers


Here's mine with Ford 1310 tractor:

 

[wirlybird]

HAHA!! Mine is a little more rusty or is it the Ford "patina"?!!
Looks like you have the 60" Mine is a 50"
Paid $275 for it and it is complete including flails in decent condition.

Got a belt today for it. The Gates B48 Hi Power II Belt is definitely heavy duty. $20 at the auto store.

Now to get it on and fit the PTO shaft and see what happens.

 

[arto98607]

If I remember right the 50" model does not have a spring loaded belt idler pulley like 60" model has.
The operator's manual will clarify that and explain how to adjust the belt tension.

 

[wirlybird]

Ha, get this. New PTO shaft came and it has a slip clutch even though the ad was for one without. Good but crap! Slip clutch is too big to fit on the flail.
Order another shaft.

 

[wirlybird]

If I remember right the 50" model does not have a spring loaded belt idler pulley like 60" model has.
The operator's manual will clarify that and explain how to adjust the belt tension.

Correct. Single belt and it adjust by moving the whole gear box and tube assembly. Pretty easy.
Got the belt on and it is stout. Great belt.
New PTO shaft came with a slip clutch so no good. Ordered another shaft!
Borrowed one from another mower so I could try it out. Runs great. No vibration, noises etc.
Bearings all tight and spin easily.
Now for blades. They are all there and not too bad. A few bent ones. Some look to be reversible but I think others may not be. The cut is pretty good but I think could be better. Or at least it seems so the way people rave about these things!

I'll replace blades if not too costly but if it gets up there I'll save the cost for a new 5 foot flail mower.
I ran this one into 3 foot grass and it didn't bog at all. Cut left something to be desired but the grass is wet.
Cut depth set at 2 1/4 inches.

 

[wirlybird]

Mine is the 22BU5001, just looked at the tag today.
I think I figured out the belt. The number, 86517930, seems to cross to a Gates B48 Hi Power II Belt. Local auto parts store has it and dimensions are very close.
It is an agricultural/equipment belt so should be good.

In case anyone is interested the Gates B48 belt I listed fits perfect and is very heavy duty.