I have a 918H Ford Flail mower, 71" cut. My little 550 pulls it, but sometimes seems to have to work hard to do so. I'm pretty new to the tractor game, so it could be my mistakes causing the issue.Anyway, the mower seems to act like it gets bogged down. Sometimes I have to stop the tractor to let the mower "spin up" again. I am mowing in first gear, with RPMs set to the "PTO" mark (around 1950?). The governor does kick in (but sometimes seems like it does so a little slower than I think it should). I've sharpened the blades on the flail, but that may have done nothing. I haven't tried new blades. It seems like raising the 3pt hitch a little helps, but it doesn't get the grass as short. I tried lengthening the top link, and that helps, but the front skids are no longer on the ground. All this in grass just about 8 inches! I would think the flail would cut that stuff like butter! (I hope my tractor isn't "broke" and loosing power!) Before I put any more work into this thing, can I get opinions on whether to cut my losses and get rid of the flail, or should my 550 handle the 918H? I am personally leaning towards selling it and getting a used finish mower of the "deck and pully" type (King Kutter, or something similar). Thanx in advance for your help and patience. Thanx,
Matt
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