Ford 502 Mower

[Inspector507]

They sure would be. I only have to mow up against one fence....so I get "close enough" I suppose /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I was looking at one for mowing under the apple trees and for the bank out front. And at $35 I figured I could afford to buy a part or two, but MM doesn't thrill me.

 

[Glenn9643]

I believe the 501 series is a "pittman" type mower. One of these would probably work fine under the apple tree, but it's my understanding that this type mower must cut pretty close to horizonal. If you need to cut on an angle I believe a "wobble-box" type (pittmanless) sicklebar would serve your purposes better.
Some models that I came up with to consider were
JD 350
NH 451, 450, 455
MF 238 (with cast head, not welded)
Ford 505
IH 1300
Case 10
Ford 515 (apparently has a bad reputation)

I may be wrong about some of the above being wobblebox type mowers, but tried to find some info before I made the effort to look for one seriously. I recently bought a NH 451 that looks to be in good condition but doesn't appear to be set up properly (routing/fastening of lift cables to cutterbar). This model is still manufactured (probably with several changes since mine was sold) and I have ordered an owners manual that should help clarify my situation! I believe parts and manual are available for the IH 1300, probably the JD 350, and perhaps others. That would be a big factor to me in deciding to buy! Good luck on finding one.

 

[Inspector507]

Glenn,
Thanks for info on the models and types.

 

[sweettractors]

Yes, The range of motion is approx 35 degrees above and below horizontal with pitman mowers and 45 below and 90 above with beltdrive (pitmanless) mowers. The JD 450 is also a nice addition to your pitmanless list as well as the 41 MF. I agree that the 515 is the dud in this group. Many of my customers are wanting to hold the cutterbar in a fixed position while mowing and as far as I know the best machine for this type application is the new Double Action Sickle Bar Mowers that have as a option, a hydraulic cylender lift kit that does a noce job for these special requirements.--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Over 1000 Pieces of New and Used Equipment at 2 Locations in Ky*

 

[Glenn9643]

In a couple of posts above I made statements regarding the Ford model 515..."I've heard bad things about the model 515." and "Ford 515 (apparently has a bad reputation)". I didn't stop to think when I made these general statements. Now I’ve received emails from concerned 515 owners wanting to know what the problems are with their mowers!

I have been studying many posts in various forums and other places in my search for a sicklebar. Being totally unfamiliar with any particular models I first began to realize there were two general types... Those older models using a pitman stick to drive the cutter and the newer models that use a wobblebox. After deciding that I need a wobblebox type that will cut at an angle to the ground I then started trying to figure out which particular models were pitman type and which were wobblebox type. In the search for information regarding models I ran across several that indicated that the frame on the 515 was prone to break and a few posts that were just generic statements that the 515 should be avoided. My statements in the above posts were based on this information and not on any personal experience. I also read many posts indicating that the owner was satisfied with his 515, and had I found one for sale when I was looking I would have bought it if it appeared to be in good condition.

When I made the disparaging statements in the above posts I now realize that I should have been more specific and also stated that I wasn’t the resident expert in this area. A google search will provide many more posts from owners indicating good service than those with problems. I apologize to any 515 owners who may have been concerned after reading the posts, and hope your mower lasts another lifetime!