Fast hitch flail mower question

[Drfting1]

Ok, picked up the new "59" Cub the yesterday , was going over her to see what she might need. Now I'm going over this mower, overall I don't think it's in bad shape, but it's definitely going to need new knives, is there a certain size for these, I have no knowledge of this type of mower and where would the best probable place to get these?... Thanks in advance

[Barnyard]

Flailmaster.com

[Drfting1]

Flailmaster.com

Thanks... I did a basic search earlier today, had no idea what I was looking for, it's going to need all new blades and missing a few rings, now with the rings, can I use the ones that are on it, or should they be replaced also?.
Have a feeling I'll be asking more questions when it's time to work on this mower... Don't even want to try to start to figure out to doing replacement times on the York rake...

[Don McCombs]

Before you spend big bucks replacing all the knives, make sure the cutter bar and roller bearings are in good shape. BTW, that is a Model LB, for an offset Lo-Boy.

[Drfting1]

Thank you for the heads up on model, I didn't know, the roller has rust like most of it, and roller spins freely, seems ok to me.... I can hand turn the shaft and everything spins with minimal effort.... but can't compare since I have no experience with it... I'll try to post a picture of the underside tomorrow.... Thanks

[Dale Finch]

I recently replaced the roller bearings on my Mott belly-mounted flail. It was easy to tell they needed replacing, more on the right than left. Just see if there is slop in the vertical, i.e. grab the roller and see if you can pull up on it. I'll bet mine move about 1/4" or more!

[CapeCodCubs]

Before you spend big bucks replacing all the knives, make sure the cutter bar and roller bearings are in good shape. BTW, that is a Model LB, for an offset Lo-Boy.

Good eyes Don, can a LB model be used with a standard
F Cub? Pretty rare mower.

[inairam]

Don, What makes it a LB model? How could you tell?

[Don McCombs]

Chris,
It can, but the PTO shaft will be on an angle as opposed to straight back (see next answer).

inairam,
The length of the shaft between the 90 degree gearbox and the cutter shaft pulley. Long on standard Cub, short on Lo-Boy.

[Frozenstate]

You can probably sharpen the blades. They are not cheap and you need a lot of them. Check the gearbox oil and get the grease fittings all free. It might work fine, a few missing blades may not really matter.

[CapeCodCubs]

Having all the blades keeps the roller shaft balanced.
I have a sharpener, they are out there.
2 types of blades, btw rough cut and the longer
Finish cut.

You can borrow my sharpener if you want and I have tons of good used blades that are still good and can be sharpened you can have. Long finish type

[CapeCodCubs]

Thanks Don for the explanation. I knew there was a difference but didn’t know the specifics.

Drove with Bob Phillips 44 hours non stop round trip to get one in Moulton Alabama

[mva1958]

You can sharpen the blades with an angle grinder. You mentioned having a few missing "rings" - sounds like you have the ring-mounted shorter knives which might be tough to hold and sharpen at the same time- maybe grab them with a long pair of pliers to hold them steady? My FH mower has the longer pin-mounted knives and sharpening isn't difficult at all. Member John *.?-!.* cub owner has a video on the subject:

[Drfting1]

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Having all the blades keeps the roller shaft balanced.
I have a sharpener, they are out there.
2 types of blades, btw rough cut and the longer
Finish cut.

You can borrow my sharpener if you want and I have tons of good used blades that are still good and can be sharpened you can have. Long finish type

Thanks for the offer of borrowing your sharpener..... But think it will be difficult doing any sharping here... The shaft seems to be solidly in place with no play and spins with ease, so I'm guessing bearings are ok... I'll hook it up and run once I get this cub running (and mower lubed up) and see how runs

[Don McCombs]

Judging from what I can see in the latest photo, you have very few remaining blades and those that are there are completely worn out. Time for new ones.