Ford Mowing Machine

"It was the best of machines, it was the worst of machines." If you do have a 501, you'll want to be sure to obtain an Owner's Manual right away for it. I have one that I was ready to junk during the first year I had it. It was a bear to mount and clogged constantly when I was in the hay. I then got an Owner's manual and some advice from this forum.

I learned the steps needed and the sequence for doing them when I mounted and dis-mounted the machine. It now takes less than 5 minutes to mount or dis-mount it. I bought a new set of ledger plates and adjusted the clearance between them and the blade. I adjusted the swath board to make a clean gap in the hay at the end of the sickle bar. I made a minor adjustment to the angle of the bar and to the alignment of the blade when it was fully extended and fully retracted.

The machine works great now. I've used it for about 5 years on my 18 acre hay field doing at least two cuts per year. For the money invested, I couldn't ask for a better machine.

Good luck with yours.

Tom in TN

http://tinyurl.com/7rkhb

I hope that a particular guy will respond to this message. Some time ago, I copied my manual and sent it to a fella who had gotten my name through this forum. He subsequently scanned the manual into his computer and sent an image file back to me. It was really great. I sent the file to a couple of other guys for their use, but right now I can't remember where it is on my computer.

I'll look for it this weekend when I have a little more time. Maybe the guy who scanned the manual will see this note and respond also. If worse comes to worst, I'll copy my manual and mail it to you if want.

Tom in TN