Ford 917L Special Flail Mower

[wirlybird]

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.

 

[ovrszd]

I've got a six foot 917.

Length of PTO needed is easily determined by measuring the distance from you tractor PTO to mower PTO.

No need for a slip clutch PTO shaft.

 

[wirlybird]

I've got a six foot 917.

Length of PTO needed is easily determined by measuring the distance from you tractor PTO to mower PTO.

No need for a slip clutch PTO shaft.

Thanks for the info. This one is 5 foot. I did measure but just being overly cautious before ordering!
I figured the belt should act as a type of slip joint. Shear pin won't work on this setup unless you get a special yoke.
Well hopefully once I get a shaft on it everything will spin ok!
Next will be to adjust, lube and tighten stuff as needed.
Do you know if the flail's are reversible? So much to learn.

 

[ovrszd]

Make sure to measure the PTO shaft in the raised position as well as the lowered position. Get a shaft that doesn't collapse all the way when at it's shortest length.

My roller height is adjustable. Then I fine tune with the top link to get the cut I want.

There are several different types of blades offered. Some reversible, some not.

Here's an online company that offers most wear parts including blades. Good place to educate yourself on the variables.

Flail Mower Blades and Parts - Flail Master

Flail-Master® offers replacement flail mower blades and a large variety of other flail mower parts for mowers being used by roadside maintenance crews, vegetation management, public works departments, orchards, and personal use. Manufactured right here in middle Tennessee, our “Made in America”...

flailmaster.com

 

[wirlybird]

Make sure to measure the PTO shaft in the raised position as well as the lowered position. Get a shaft that doesn't collapse all the way when at it's shortest length.

My roller height is adjustable. Then I fine tune with the top link to get the cut I want.

There are several different types of blades offered. Some reversible, some not.

Here's an online company that offers most wear parts including blades. Good place to educate yourself on the variables.

Flail Mower Blades and Parts - Flail Master

Flail-Master® offers replacement flail mower blades and a large variety of other flail mower parts for mowers being used by roadside maintenance crews, vegetation management, public works departments, orchards, and personal use. Manufactured right here in middle Tennessee, our “Made in America”...

flailmaster.com

Thanks you. I did find Flail Master!
I learned about measuring raised and lowered when I did my tiller!
One question, what series shaft do you think this thing should have? Would series 1 be enough or should I get something like a series 3 or 4?

Looks like a series 1 may be enough for my JD but thinking ahead maybe a stronger one isn't a bad idea.

 

[ArlyA]

Neat project I wish I was going. Does your JD have 20hp?

 

[wirlybird]

Neat project I wish I was going. Does your JD have 20hp?

Yes, 20HP, 3 cylinder Yanmar diesel.

 

[leonz]

Hello wirlybird,

I want to welcome you as the newest resident member of the Flail Mower Nations.

Please fill in the rest of your details as there may be a fellow resident member of the Flail Mower Nations that is close to you and can help you if needed.

 

[wirlybird]

Found a new series 4 PTO shaft at a reasonable price so going with that.

 

[DaveMueller]

Be careful with raising and lowering, depending on the size (diameter) of the shaft it will rub on the leading corner of the mower housing.