Help with Ford flail ID?

[POC]

Found this mower locally on FB. Guy is only asking $250 for it. Says it needs a roller bearing and a new belt. It is obviously a Ford. Ad says it is a 5' and it's apparently offset. I have a 35hp tractor, that should be big enough to run this, right?
It's about an hour away, so I can't just run over and look at it. I'd like to see what those parts might cost prior to going. I have the pics he posted. He is supposed to look for a tag tomorrow, but any help you all can give is appreciated.
Also, what other things should I look for when purchasing a used flail?
Thanks

 

[3Lfarms]

Go to the ATM and get $250 and go to that mans house with your trailer...now.
If all the knives/parts are there, hand him the $250 and ask if he can load it on your trailer with his tractor.
You will have to put a little money into it in the form of maintenance items. Even if you have to replace all the knives, it's still a great deal.

 

[POC]

That's what I'm thinking.

 

[joecdeere]

looks like one of the 918L mowers, agreed, you should already be home with it!!!!

possible parts link to look at - New Holland (987572) - FORD 918L FLAIL MOWER 6" LIGHT DUTY (6/9-12/3) Parts Diagrams

 

[3Lfarms]

See if you can turn the roller and the rotor by hand from underneath. You probably can't turn the input shaft by hand due to the gearing, but from underneath, you should be able to get a feeling for the condition of the bearings. Look for grease zerks at both ends of both roller and rotor. If they are missing, then you know the bearings will need to be replaced.
The fact that the guy has it sitting on a pallet is a good sign that he takes care of his stuff, so it looks like it's a good machine. Make sure all the knives/hammers are there before hooking it up to your tractor. Change the gear oil in the box, change the belts if needed and grease it up good and give it a go. AgriSupply has good PTO shaft covers shipped to your house for under $70.

 

[POC]

Thanks everyone.
I was going to go get it tomorrow, but he has prior engagements and I work today and this weekend. But Monday I'm going to get it.

 

[Spanner]

I'd want to know if the rotor shaft was straight. Since it only needs a roller bearing and it has enough belting to run no-load get him to hook it to his tractor and spin it up. Check for vibration - Bent shaft - Walk away.

It's had a hard life - (Large) Reinforcing plates welded to the 3PH suggest big cracks. Look at that from underneath. And the front skirt is bent (I know it's old).

I suggest you offer him slightly above scrap value. He wants rid of it for a reason.

 

[POC]

He said he'd hook it up and run it for me. He also said he didn't like it as much as the rotary mower.

 

[POC]

Got the mower tonight. Can't find an information plate anywhere on it. But I'm pretty sure it is a 917L. I've looked at many pics and exploded diagrams on Messicks website.
I'll post some pics tomorrow when it's light outside.
From the looks of things I'm gonna have to replace 1 roller bearing and build up where that roller rod has worn from the bearing being out. The idler pulley has rusted through where the belt rested against it. Need a new one of those. And many of the knives seem in bad shape.
So, I'll have to put some money into it, but he ran it for me and there wasn't a bunch of shaking or squealing or anything.
I'm happy so far.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have had a couple of 917s. Still have a fine cut. Yours is not the same. The 917s have a curved body not segmented for one thing. Most were yellow.

 

[POC]

In pretty sure this is a 917L.
As you see in this picture I stole from Google, it does have a segmented body, the 3rd piece of the A frame is a flat bar, it has a square gearbox and that cover over the pto shaft has a cover that attaches to that bar from the A frame.

The 907 series has a round body...?

 

[POC]

Here's pics...

I was surprised how "flimsy" the knives seemed.
Looks like both roller bearings need replaced.
Plate on the back to match the ones by the A frame.
Still think I came out with a good buy...

 

[Industrial Toys]

No, I was saying that any 917 I ever saw had a totally curved body. Maybe, it's a really old one. Those knives look like my fine cut ones. They do a nicer job than the heavier ones and actually withstand the stones better in my experience.

I googled images and see a lot of the rounded 917s. A couple of your version. I notice it does not have the side to side stiffening tube. Maybe, it's a lighter version. I will never forget that my first 917 weighed about a thousand pounds. I knew that because I used a company Ford Aerostar van (4cyl, std, POS) to get it home!

 

[POC]

917A and H have a round body, the L, like mine has the segmented body and it does seem to be lighter weight. I am able to move it around by myself.

 

[leonz]

Hello POC,

I want to welcome you as the newest member of the Flail Mower Nations
from the great State of Indiana.

It looks like you have a good winter project for the heated garage during the
winter.