Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[dieselscout80]

I picked up a Ford 917 flail mower tonight for $100.00 it has a bit of rust, but it seems to be ok. I'll post some pics tomorrow when its not raining.

I think it's a 917 H and I think its a course cut model. The guy said it had three rows of 11 knives (33 total) and Flail-Master - Mower Replacement Parts, Commercial Riding Mower Parts, Rotary Cutter Parts, Blade grinders, Trimmer Line, Mowing Accessories - Flail Master - Flailmaster - lists that as the course cut model.

It does need paint.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think it's a 917 H and I think its a course cut model.

With the unshielded drive/power shaft and partially open pulleys, be careful to shut it down before getting off the tractor. That shaft in particular looks quite hazardous.

 

[dieselscout80]

With the unshielded drive/power shaft and partially open pulleys, be careful to shut it down before getting off the tractor. That shaft in particular looks quite hazardous.

I think Ill make or buy a shield since I know at some point my son will be running it.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think Ill make or buy a shield since I know at some point my son will be running it.

Good idea. Not sure whether you can buy something but it shouldn't be that hard to make a U shaped hood over the power shaft and also maybe close up those pully shelters.

Sometimes it seems excessive to worry about these things but if you have any doubt take a look at some of the OSHA photographs of farmers who get tangled up in power shafts and belt mechanisms.

 

[dieselscout80]

I think it's a 917 H and I think its a course cut model. The guy said it had three rows of 11 knives (33 total) and Flail-Master - Mower Replacement Parts, Commercial Riding Mower Parts, Rotary Cutter Parts, Blade grinders, Trimmer Line, Mowing Accessories - Flail Master - Flailmaster - lists that as the course cut model.

It does need paint.

Well now I don't think its a 917H, but rather just a course cut 917.

It worked great a cut grass to 2' tall with no issues and that is with it only having one belt (it is suppose to have two). I'm running it with my IHC 424 diesel.

 

[dcyrilc]

Well now I don't think its a 917H, but rather just a course cut 917.

It worked great a cut grass to 2' tall with no issues and that is with it only having one belt (it is suppose to have two). I'm running it with my IHC 424 diesel.

Nice! Sounds like you got a great deal and a winter project to clean it up and repaint it.:thumbsup:

 

[nwbearcat]

With the unshielded drive/power shaft and partially open pulleys, be careful to shut it down before getting off the tractor. That shaft in particular looks quite hazardous.

I think that's a rule regardless of shielded or non shielded equipment right? Never leave the seat with the PTO engaged? That's the rules we had on our farm, also NEVER allow any riders at any time while operating a mower, and limit riders during other projects, no more than needed on open station tractors.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think that's a rule regardless of shielded or non shielded equipment right? Never leave the seat with the PTO engaged? That's the rules we had on our farm, also NEVER allow any riders at any time while operating a mower, and limit riders during other projects, no more than needed on open station tractors.

Yes, I completely agree but it would be even more important to enforce when there are unshielded rotating objects around!!! What I worry about in addition is well intentioned but naive people walking up to you while the unprotected drive components are spinning.

 

[SuperCobra]

Ok - I too have read the entire thread.

Early on someone asked about mulching leaves but I never saw a definitive response. I have dozens of oak trees and millions (billions?) of leaves. Does anyone with the standard ASC Caroni 1900 setup use it on leaves? Will it pulverize them so you don't have to worry about picking them up off the lawn.
TIA,
Randy

 

[Reg]

Ok - I too have read the entire thread.

Early on someone asked about mulching leaves but I never saw a definitive response. I have dozens of oak trees and millions (billions?) of leaves. Does anyone with the standard ASC Caroni 1900 setup use it on leaves? Will it pulverize them so you don't have to worry about picking them up off the lawn.
TIA,
Randy

Yes.

It will do the same with garden hose and tarps, pieces just not worth picking up (-: