Ford 515 sickle mower breakaway

nwford · Jun 13, 2019

Have been messing with this Ford 515 three point sickle mower for a couple years. No matter what I try I can't seem to get the breakaway arm to hold as it should. It will release just driving across the yard with the mower down. I've adjusted the length three bolts holding the main the spring and it doesn't seem to help any. I can grab the end of the sickle bar, pull with one arm and get the breakaway arm to release. Can't see any obvious issues in the latch as I currently have it apart. Anyone out there have one of these and any advice?

Grandpa's Fords · Jun 14, 2019

I have a 501 that had the same issue a couple years ago. Cleaned shined adjusted, removed and replaced. No visible wear. My guess was that there was enough slop in the carriage of the old girl that it wouldn't hold no matter what.
I welded a short chunk of 3/8 chain to the arm and a c shaped piece of 5/16 mild round stock to act as a hook on the carriage. If it hit anything it would bend the hook before it broke anything. Has worked well for a couple years now. Carry a hammer in the tool box to bend the hook back down as needed. Not a resto or show piece just very useful.

Ford 515 sickle mower breakaway

nwford

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Grandpa's Fords

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