Flail Mower Ford 917 - Flailmaster or Dealer blades?

[SirLafsalot]

I just picked up a nice Ford 917 flail mower with the 88" cut. It is in very good shape, but needs about half of the blades replaced. It has the single piece "T" shaped blades that I believe are the "standard" blade for the 917. I priced these blades at both a dealer and at Flailmaster. Flailmaster was quite a bit cheaper, of course, but I am wondering about how the quality of the blades might differ. Although I have never ordered from Flailmaster myself, I know of several people who have and they have been satisfied with their purchases. But, I am looking for a wider range of experience, since none of those people ever bought dealer stock for comparison. I am wondering whether "genuine Ford" stock is worth the extra money or not. Any thoughts?

 

[leonz]

What your referring to is the "scoop knive"

The scoop knives have a wide cut and
are fully capable of mowing good sod and
heavy brush.

You may need a second trip at the rated
540 RPM engine speed to get a nice flat cut
if the brush is heavy which is normal.

You have to keep the flailmower up to the
540 R.P.M., engine speed and not drive to
fast otherwise you will not get a nice waffle edge
cut because you are driving too fast.

Dont worry about their brand of scoop knives
as they are stamped, formed and ground
using the same methods and flailmower knives
have to have high quality steels to form and
grind them to match the Ford branded scoop knives.

 

[SirLafsalot]

leonz --

Thanks for the response. I will go for the less expensive Flailmaster knives, then.

 

[greg_g]

x2. FlailMaster is a great outfit to work with. Have you checked the condition of the belt yet?

//greg//