Ford 501 Series - User Manual

The Ford Series 501 Rear Attached Mower is an agricultural implement designed for use with Ford tractors, excluding the LCG model, that are equipped with a hydraulic three-point lift linkage. It is available in two main models, the "56" and "76," which primarily differ in frame size to accommodate various tractor wheel spacings. The "56" model is suitable for wheel spacings up to 56 inches, while the "76" model, with its longer frame, Pitman arm, and linkage, can be used with wheel spacings up to 76 inches. This larger model allows operators to switch between cultivating and mowing without needing to adjust the tractor wheel tread. Both models can be fitted with six, seven, or eight-foot cutter bars and can be ordered with either standard or heavy-duty knife guards. Standard knife guards are recommended for thick, grassy conditions.

Function Description:

The mower's primary function is to cut crops and vegetation. It utilizes a hydraulic system for raising and lowering the cutter bar, allowing for efficient operation and navigation over obstacles. A notable feature is that when the cutter bar is raised, the inner shoe lifts 8 to 10 inches off the ground before the outer shoe begins to rise. This design provides sufficient slack in the linkage to raise the cutter bar up to 30 inches at the outer shoe, enabling the operator to clear stumps and rocks without stopping the tractor. The heavy-duty balance spring allows the mower to follow uneven ground contours, and a safety release mechanism permits the cutter bar to swing back if it encounters an obstruction, preventing damage.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Tractor Compatibility: Ford tractors (excluding LCG) with hydraulic three-point lift linkage.
• Cutter Bar Lengths: Available in 6, 7, or 8 feet.
• Knife Guards: Standard or heavy-duty options. Heavy-duty serrated or plain knife sections are available for tough or wiry crops.
• Drive Sheave and Belt Kit: Available in four sizes to accommodate various field conditions and tractor P.T.O. speeds.
• Lift Mechanism: Tractor hydraulic system.
• Inner Shoe Lift: 8-10 inches before outer shoe lifts.
• Maximum Cutter Bar Lift (Outer Shoe): 30 inches.
• Cutter Bar Lead: Designed with a built-in lead of 1-1/2 degrees (1/4" per foot of cutter bar).
• Knife Cycles (Recommended): 900-1050 cycles per minute, depending on drive sheave size.
• P.T.O. Speed (540 RPM Range): Recommended 670-410 RPM, maximum 780-480 RPM, depending on drive sheave size.
• Upper Link Lengths (Adjustable): 23, 25, and 27 inches.
• Ground Pressure (Outer Shoe): 25-40 pounds (adjustable).
• Ground Pressure (Inner Shoe): 40-80 pounds (adjustable).
• Vertical Freedom (Knife Head): Approximately 1/64" - 1/32".
• Side Play (Knife Head): Approximately 1/16" - 1/32".
• Drive Belt End Play: 0.001" - 0.004".

Usage Features:

• Attaching the Mower: A detailed procedure is provided, including adjusting tractor rear wheels, attaching lower links, leveling the crank, attaching the upper link (with a specific bracket for Ford 4000/5000 tractors), positioning stabilizers, installing the push rod (with different anchor assemblies for Ford 4000 vs. Ford 5000/6000/Fordson Major tractors), attaching the lift spring, and connecting the power drive shaft.
• Transporting the Mower: The cutter bar can be raised to a vertical position and secured with a transport rod for safe movement between fields. It is crucial not to transport the mower in the working position due to safety hazards and potential damage.
• Pre-Operation Checks: Before field operation, operators must ensure the lower frame is parallel to the ground, the upper frame is vertical, and check ground pressure for both inner and outer shoes (25-40 lbs for outer, 40-80 lbs for inner). Cutter bar lift adjustment, lead adjustment, knife register and shear, and breakout spring tension also need to be verified. Recommended P.T.O. and ground speeds are provided in tables based on crop type and drive sheave size.
• Adjustments:
  • Knife Guards: Aligned by striking with a hammer until ledger plates align, ensuring the guard lip is above the knife clip.
  • Knife Clips: Adjusted by removing the knife and striking the clip to ensure it holds knife sections without binding.
  • Register Adjustment: Shims are added or removed between the yoke bracket and cutter bar yoke to align knife sections with guards at the ends of the Pitman arm stroke.
  • Knife Guides: Shims are removed to achieve 1/64" - 1/32" vertical freedom for the knife head, and wear plates are positioned for 1/16" - 1/32" side play.
  • Cutter Bar Tilt: Adjusted by loosening nuts and rotating the cutter bar and yoke on the lower frame yoke bracket.
  • Cutter Bar Lead: Adjusted via an eccentric on the rear hinge bushing to compensate for wear, aiming for approximately 1/4" per foot of cutter bar length.
  • Cutter Bar Balance Spring: Controls the weight of the cutter bar at the inner shoe. Adjusted by lifting the mower to transport position, loosening the lock nut, and turning the adjusting nut until the outer shoe ground pressure is 25-40 pounds.
  • Cutter Bar Lift: Adjusted to ensure the inner shoe lifts 8 inches before the outer shoe starts to rise, with specific outer shoe lift targets (24", 27", 30" for 5', 7', 8' bars respectively).
  • Mower Lift Spring: Carries most of the mower's weight and controls inner shoe ground pressure. Adjusted to maintain 40-80 pounds of pressure on the inner shoe.
  • Cutter Bar Breakout Spring: Tension is adjusted to prevent the cutter bar from breaking back during normal mowing but allow it to release easily upon striking an obstruction.
  • Mower Upper Link: Adjusted so the mower upper frame is nearly vertical to prevent damage to the breakout guide, lower link, and universal joints.
  • Height of Cut: Controlled by adjusting the inner and outer shoe soles.
  • Drive Belt Tension: Adjusted to achieve 1/4" free play in the V-belt.
  • Grass Stick Adjustment: Repositioning the grass stick clamp to leave the widest possible strip between cut swath and uncut hay.
• Optional Attachments:
  • Clipping Wheel Attachment (Part No. 149188): For mowing shoulders, gravel roads, or areas with loose stones/rocks. Can also be used for weed control or cutting 1-8 inches. Requires tractors with position control.
  • Cut Free Guards (Part No. 241053): Recommended for extremely heavy, lodged, tangled, or damp hay; where material clogs conventional guards; dense specialty crops; new crops with matted growth; or loose hay/straw/trash.
  • Transport Lock Assembly (Part No. 149170): For safe transport on 9N, 2N, or 8N tractors, preventing lift links from settling when the P.T.O. is disengaged.

Maintenance Features:

• Lubrication: The mower has eleven grease fittings. The flywheel shaft housing and pulley shaft housing have large grease reservoirs and should be well-greased when new. Universal joints (A and C) should be greased every four hours, flushing out old grease. The universal drive assembly (B) should be greased every eight hours. Frame hinge bearings (A and C) require only one stroke of the grease gun. The P.T.O. drive shaft and telescoping shield (B) must be thoroughly lubricated to prevent binding. Pitman bearing (E) requires cap removal and greasing every 200 hours or once a season. Upper frame hinge (A), bellcrank pivot (B), lower frame hinge (C), drive shaft housing (D), cutter bar yoke hinge (E), and cutter bar yoke hinge (F) require light greasing every four or eight hours.
• General Maintenance:
  • Periodic checks for worn parts, improper adjustments, and loose nuts/bolts. Special attention to the Pitman arm bolts, which can loosen due to wood shrinkage.
  • Prompt replacement of worn or broken parts.
  • Keeping the knife in register and properly sharpened.
  • Storing the mower in a clean, dry place.
  • Covering the knife with rust preventive when storing.
  • Thoroughly cleaning the mower, replacing worn parts, lubricating grease fittings, and covering unprotected parts with rust preventive before storage.
• Knife and Cutter Bar Maintenance:
  • Removing the Knife: Involves snapping up the lever, lifting the Pitman arm off the knife head ball with the transport rod, stepping on the lever to spread Pitman arm straps, and sliding the knife free.
  • Removing Knife Sections: Sections are placed loosely in a vise, and the back is struck with a hammer to shear rivets, which are then driven out with a metal punch.
  • Sharpening the Knife: Sections should be sharpened carefully to maintain their original angle and bevel. Broken, badly worn, or irregular sections should be replaced, and loose rivets should be replaced.
  • Replacing Knife Sections: New sections are riveted onto the knife back on a solid surface.
  • Replacing Ledger Plates: Worn ledger plates are replaced by driving out Groove-Pins, positioning new plates, and driving in new Groove-Pins.