501 Sickle Mower

[Danny Prosser]

I have one a model 14-94 I think and I measured it to be 6'. JWA it's the one I bought from you a few years back. Anyway bout all I know with them is their a pain to mount! So I keep it mounted on my 640. It leaves strips not cut and gets grass stuck in some of the blades or guards. I'm retiring in September and want to rebuild it over the winter. I use it to "weedeat" around my pond so I figure it I rebuild it it should last me the rest of my life. Does anyone know where I can get a kit with everything I need or what all I will need to get or check? Thanks for any and all recommendations. Like I said I only know their a pain to mount. I did print a manual off line for it so I got it adjusted right.

 

[sweetskillsrk]

I've never seen a kit, but maybe someone knows of one available somewhere. Make sure you replace or refurb the grass guards too. With your sickle leaving a strip of grass, it sounds like you could be missing a couple guards in that spot or maybe those couple teeth are super dull. I'd replace most of the hardware when you do all the work too, I've lost a few guards because bolts broke or backed out. I get most of my hardware from Messicks, it's good quality (better than Tractor Supply) and very affordable, even with paying shipping. I buy few actual parts from them though because they're so expensive otherwise.

I have a 515 myself and I'm with you, it's a massive pain to mount! It's darn near impossible by yourself. Definitely worth having another tractor to keep it hooked up. My wife wouldn't appreciate it, but my back sure would, haha. While we're on the subject, anyone have tips? If I parked it on top of a couple pallets, the extra height may help make it easier to handle and mount?

 

[old]

I have one a model 14-94 I think and I measured it to be 6'. JWA it's the one I bought from you a few years back. Anyway bout all I know with them is their a pain to mount! So I keep it mounted on my 640. It leaves strips not cut and gets grass stuck in some of the blades or guards. I'm retiring in September and want to rebuild it over the winter. I use it to "weedeat" around my pond so I figure it I rebuild it it should last me the rest of my life. Does anyone know where I can get a kit with everything I need or what all I will need to get or check? Thanks for any and all recommendations. Like I said I only know their a pain to mount. I did print a manual off line for it so I got it adjusted right.

I've never seen or heard of a kit to do that all I ever do is go to a farm and home store and buy the section and guard and on all mine I have been switching to bolt on section so I can change them with out pulling the bar out

 

[Steve in IL]

Danny - Don’t spend too much time or money on that 501. I likely have a full knife bar and several guards you can have (if I can find them!). Where are you located?
Alternatively, I’d think there is likely everything you need in a local used tractor parts scrap yard. People just don’t use sickle bar mowers much anymore.

 

[Keith Williams]

I've never seen a kit, but maybe someone knows of one available somewhere. Make sure you replace or refurb the grass guards too. With your sickle leaving a strip of grass, it sounds like you could be missing a couple guards in that spot or maybe those couple teeth are super dull. I'd replace most of the hardware when you do all the work too, I've lost a few guards because bolts broke or backed out. I get most of my hardware from Messicks, it's good quality (better than Tractor Supply) and very affordable, even with paying shipping. I buy few actual parts from them though because they're so expensive otherwise.

I have a 515 myself and I'm with you, it's a massive pain to mount! It's darn near impossible by yourself. Definitely worth having another tractor to keep it hooked up. My wife wouldn't appreciate it, but my back sure would, haha. While we're on the subject, anyone have tips? If I parked it on top of a couple pallets, the extra height may help make it easier to handle and mount?

I remember placing ours on top of cement blocks and bricks to get it level and elevated to ease mounting.

The uncut strips and grass stuck in the guards are because the knife is not being held tight against the ledger plates in the guards.

First check that the guards are all in a line. Look down the length of the bar and check the alignment. A pipe over the end can be used to adjust them.
Next check that the sections on the knife are all tight and sharp. A light filing can go a long way in making the knife cut better.
Next would be a check of the ledger plates. They need to be tight, flat and sharp. On some guards the ledgers plates can be replaced, other guards must be replaced in whole.
Next would be a check of the hold downs and wear plates. The wear plates must push the knife forward to keep it tight against the ledger plates while the hold downs hold the knife down against the ledger plates.
This last part is my guess as to your main problem.
HTH
Keith

 

[Keith Williams]

I have one a model 14-94 I think and I measured it to be 6'. JWA it's the one I bought from you a few years back. Anyway bout all I know with them is their a pain to mount! So I keep it mounted on my 640. It leaves strips not cut and gets grass stuck in some of the blades or guards. I'm retiring in September and want to rebuild it over the winter. I use it to "weedeat" around my pond so I figure it I rebuild it it should last me the rest of my life. Does anyone know where I can get a kit with everything I need or what all I will need to get or check? Thanks for any and all recommendations. Like I said I only know their a pain to mount. I did print a manual off line for it so I got it adjusted right.

Check WEBB CUTTING COMPONENTS. They have listings for parts for a 501.
They had parts for my 451 NH. I cut quite a bit with it.
Keith

 

[Danny Prosser]

Danny - Don’t spend too much time or money on that 501. I likely have a full knife bar and several guards you can have (if I can find them!). Where are you located?
Alternatively, I’d think there is likely everything you need in a local used tractor parts scrap yard. People just don’t use sickle bar mowers much anymore.

Thanks but I'm in Tennessee down near Memphis.