Flail Mower Let's talk flail mowers

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Hello all, I purchased a Ford 917 22-183 Flail yesterday, that seems to be in good shape mechanically but I can't seem to find the flail hangers anywhere to replace the missing flails.Also, when I go to replace them do I offset each blade from the previous mounting point in rotation? I have already ordered a new belt as well. Thanks for any help. View attachment 658168View attachment 658169View attachment 658170

The blades should be in ever 3rd (evenly spaced) hole. If I remember correctly they should be about 6-3/4" apart (each blade covers about 2-1/4"). You start each row 1 hole off from the last row. You can re-use the holes as long as they're not torn out. If they are, then adjust everything so you don't end up in a torn out hole. Is that a 5' mower (62")? Then you should have 9 "stations" per row for a total of 27 stations on the unit.

For hangers search for "7502617". Now that Flailmaster is gone Ford flail owners are almost out of luck for replacement parts. For blades you can use the standard Ford "airplane wings" or you can switch to the Alamo "Y" type blades for a less expensive option.

For the belt, make sure you get a banded belt. "B54/02 Banded Belt, 21/32" x 57" OC" is what you're looking for. I got mine from D&D PowerDrive (sold on Amazon) for $17.

 

[aslack99]

The blades should be in ever 3rd (evenly spaced) hole. If I remember correctly they should be about 6-3/4" apart (each blade covers about 2-1/4"). You start each row 1 hole off from the last row. You can re-use the holes as long as they're not torn out. If they are, then adjust everything so you don't end up in a torn out hole. Is that a 5' mower (62")? Then you should have 9 "stations" per row for a total of 27 stations on the unit.

For hangers search for "7502617". Now that Flailmaster is gone Ford flail owners are almost out of luck for replacement parts. For blades you can use the standard Ford "airplane wings" or you can switch to the Alamo "Y" type blades for a less expensive option.

For the belt, make sure you get a banded belt. "B54/02 Banded Belt, 21/32" x 57" OC" is what you're looking for. I got mine from D&D PowerDrive (sold on Amazon) for $17.

None of the holes are torn out on my mower, I am looking for a complete set of the "Y" type slice (7501971) to replace all of the blades, as that seems to be what is recommended vs the single blades.

I believe I have 11 stations per flange which would call for 66 single slicers. 72" cut.

I did order the belt you referenced from Amazon already.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

None of the holes are torn out on my mower, I am looking for a complete set of the "Y" type slice (7501971) to replace all of the blades, as that seems to be what is recommended vs the single blades.

I believe I have 11 stations per flange which would call for 66 single slicers. 72" cut.

I did order the belt you referenced from Amazon already.

Look for M-100759 or M-105319M. Those are the Alamo blades that fit the Ford mower. M-100759 is the standard duty, M-105319M is the "extreme duty". I put the M-105319M on my Ford, but I was using the mower to reclaim CRP land. I have heavy duty ones made by Flailmaster on my Alamo. They're 0.130" thick instead of 0.106" thick like the standard blades. For reference, the extreme duty is 0.192" thick. Forged blades are available as well (M-108381), but they're more expensive. Alamo blades will be far more available because that seems to be what m highway departments use.

Your model number is the same as mine, and mine was a 62". Messicks has the number mixed up on their parts site. 22-183 says 72" but Ford never made a 72" in the 917, just 62", 74", and 88". If you look up 22-184 it comes back as 74", and 22-185 is their 88". So you should have 9 stations per flange.

A few (not real good) pictures of what my 917 looked like under the hood (before new blades and after new blades):

 

[aslack99]

Look for M-100759 or M-105319M. Those are the Alamo blades that fit the Ford mower. M-100759 is the standard duty, M-105319M is the "extreme duty". I put the M-105319M on my Ford, but I was using the mower to reclaim CRP land. I have heavy duty ones made by Flailmaster on my Alamo. They're 0.130" thick instead of 0.106" thick like the standard blades. For reference, the extreme duty is 0.192" thick. Forged blades are available as well (M-108381), but they're more expensive. Alamo blades will be far more available because that seems to be what m highway departments use.

Your model number is the same as mine, and mine was a 62". Messicks has the number mixed up on their parts site. 22-183 says 72" but Ford never made a 72" in the 917, just 62", 74", and 88". If you look up 22-184 it comes back as 74", and 22-185 is their 88". So you should have 9 stations per flange.

A few (not real good) pictures of what my 917 looked like under the hood (before new blades and after new blades):
View attachment 658270View attachment 658271

Thank you very much. I like options. I wish Flailmaster was still in business.

 

[arto98607]

.......................zip........................ Now that Flailmaster is gone Ford flail owners are almost out of luck for replacement parts.................zip.................

Probably so for Ford 917 model flail mower owners.

I think Mott/Alamo flails will fit Ford 917L which is a different little newer design.
(The only difference is the mounting hole 5/16" vs 3/8")

OEM 917L parts are available but pricey.


917L rotor:

 

[jthibodeau89]

Thank you very much. I like options. I wish Flailmaster was still in business.

Me too. I could stop by on my way home from work. Bought a full set of spare blades for both of my JD flails when they were on closeout discount. (25A, and 390).

I'm considering one of the heavy duty Victory flails (EMHD-86) for a fence row and ditch bank mower. Perhaps replace the 390.

 

[FlailMaster]

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted here in some time but many of you call on me for parts. I wanted to let you know that National Parts - Flail Master will be closing our doors very soon. The company announced on Friday of last week we were to start liquidating our inventory to close the business. I know this was a very difficult decision for the owner of the company as we have been in business for almost 55 years. His father started this company in his garage all those years ago. This saddens me too as I have come to love my work and all of the folks who have trusted me over the past several years to help maintain your machines. If you are looking to stock up on any parts for your flail - now is the time. We have sold so much of our inventory in just a few short days. Two parts in particular I know are very hard to come by at a decent price are the Ford 220398 single piece blade and the hanger 222157. Pricing online is crazy.

Anyhow, I understand if the post needs to be removed due to the nature of "business" it may be outside the rules. I just wanted to be certain to give everyone a heads up before we close for good.

& I want to say thank you to everyone who has done business with us over the years. We are grateful. I hope you all a blessed future.

Sincerely,
Carrie

I wanted to let everyone know that National Parts - Flailmaster is currently re-organizing the company and hope to have more info available soon as to when we will be manufacturing again. We are still taking orders and continuing to service our customers should you need anything this season.

 

[FlailMaster]

Thank you very much. I like options. I wish Flailmaster was still in business.

We are working on getting things altogether. Look for an announcement to come soon! For now, I am still taking orders for the parts we manufactured and others - stock is still available and I'll be happy to help y'all.

- Carrie

 

[Industrial Toys]

Curious. Do you sell hammers for the Van-Wamel "PERFECT" ditch mower, made in Holland ?

AND, is there any alternative? I don't like throwing away a hammer because I hit one stone and it can't be sharpened on account of the shape and balance.

 

[jthibodeau89]

We are working on getting things altogether. Look for an announcement to come soon! For now, I am still taking orders for the parts we manufactured and others - stock is still available and I'll be happy to help y'all.

- Carrie

Fantastic news Carrie. I look forward to your announcement.