Replacement Pitman Wood 149197 Fits Sickle Mower 501

What It Is

The Replacement Pitman Wood 149197 is a connecting rod assembly for sickle bar mowers. It transfers power from the mower’s drive to the cutter bar, converting rotary motion into the back-and-forth action that cuts grass or hay.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Primary fit: Designed for the Sickle Mower 501 series (often used on older Ford, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson tractors).
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces OEM part number 149197.
• Measure before buying: Pitman wood length must match your original – typical length is about 30 inches from center-to-center of the mounting holes. Verify the hole diameter (usually 5/8” or 3/4”) and the distance between holes.
• Check your mower’s brand/model: Not universal – confirm your mower’s make, model, and year. Some 501 variants use different pitman lengths.
• Deck size irrelevant: This part is for the drive linkage, not the cutting deck.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Made from hardwood (often oak or maple), pre-drilled, and includes bushings. Inspect for cracks or loose grain on arrival.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate – you’ll need basic hand tools, but may require removing the old pitman and aligning the new one with the drive arm and cutter bar.
• Common gotchas: The wood can swell in wet conditions, causing binding. Apply a light oil or wax to the bushings and keep the pitman dry when stored.
• Lifespan: Typically lasts 1-3 seasons with normal use. Replace if you see splintering or excessive play at the pivot points.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Sickle Mower 501 and need a direct, affordable replacement for a worn or broken pitman wood, this is a solid choice. It’s not for other mower brands or models, but for the 501 series, it fits correctly and works reliably for light to moderate cutting. Skip it if you want a metal pitman or need a different length.