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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

how to set up a sickle mower

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cb in wisc

08-31-2007 09:33:47




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Okay, I admit I don't cut a lot of hay. I did buy a used New Idea 7'sickle mower. And I use this cut along the driveway and a small 3 acre field. But, every time I use it, somewhere on the bar it plugs up. It is usually on the far end, but sometimes in the middle, sometimes on the near end. I've tried different speeds, settng the pitch of the bar, adjusting the ledger plates and holddowns. I've changed out some guards and knife sections too. I have to yet to take it out to cut some hay and have one trouble free time. Any ideas?

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Jimmy King

09-01-2007 21:48:00




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Something I didn't see here may or may not effect the mowing, but if I remember right and we are talking about 40 some years ago. The sickle bar needs about 2 inches of lead on the outer end.



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Lee in Iowa

09-01-2007 21:45:59




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Buy a new sickle keep it sharp, smooth sections especially if you're mowing grass hay, double combine style guards {no ledger plates}, put two non-clog guards on the inside end of the bar, and remove the shoe assembly from the outer end of the bar and replace it with another guard. The non-clog also called stubby guards are two piece separate top and bottom and only extend as far forward as the sections and can be put on the whole bar, but I haven't found that necessary. I have set up both JD and IH this way and mowed hundreds of acres of alfalfa and and alfalfa grass hay with few problems and I mow right along with a disc mower in the same field.

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Larry T

09-01-2007 19:26:58




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Are you raking the field and along your road clear or are you letting the thatch build up? If you dont pick it up than you will plug the next time and it will continuously plug your sickle.



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banjo

08-31-2007 22:52:40




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Like the rest have stated, it happens. usually with me it is some left over hay that was missed with the rake that hangs in front of the rock guards. Also the dew needs to be off with sickle mowers or at least close to being dry.

personally i like using sickle mowers.



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msb

08-31-2007 20:39:38




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Two things come to mind. Thatch build up from only cutting and not taking the hay off and a rusty sickle bar. They don't do well if they aren't shedded after the rust is worn off. Then give her a good coat of used engine oil,once you get her slicked up that is.



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paul

08-31-2007 20:38:22




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
Sounds normal to me.

You can micro-adjust the mower for your specific hay & conditions, but 'here' the type of hay I cut & the conditions change by the hour much less week so that gets pointless.

Sharp sickle, sharp ledger plates, in register, & the special section & 1/2 knife on the far end, and you should be as good as any of us.

--->Paul



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Leroy

08-31-2007 14:35:24




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
If you have everything set up correctly and with good sharp sections and ledger plates and the inner and outer shoes set to carry the bar at the proper height and that double outside section on then it is in the ground or type of grass as those sicle bar mowers will mow hundreds of acres without pluging. the shoes should carry the bar for about a 2 1/2" high cut. Could it be you are trying to cut to low? And there are special guards with runners built into them if the bar wants to drag the ground too hard in the middle.

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mark

08-31-2007 12:34:50




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
More than likely, there isn't anything wrong with how you're running the mower. It's just the nature of the beast. That is why you can buy them so cheap anymore....something that works better has eclipsed the old sickle bar. I can't afford a disc mower for no more than I'd use one and I catch myself eyeballing the occasional sickle mower that floats by at a bargain. BUT, all I have to do is recall 40 years ago mowing with an old JD #5 and the constant aggravation and I quit thinking of a sickle mower real quick. In their day...they sure beat a scythe hands down and still do for that matter. But before I'll put up with one, it's easier to hire somebody to come do the mowing.

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David Snipes

08-31-2007 11:27:45




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
That seems to be a recurring problem with them. I can clear most of my plugs by just running the mower while backing up a few feet and letting it drag on the ground. The type of grass does make a big difference.



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55 50

08-31-2007 11:19:11




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 Re: how to set up a sickle mower in reply to cb in wisc, 08-31-2007 09:33:47  
A lot depends on the field, type of hay, the ground underneath, what the weather has been etc, etc,
I have a sickle mower set up as close to correct as it can be and I have some of the same problems you listed so it"s most likely not your setup. Just yesterday I tried to cut some on some low peat ground. After two shorts swaths, I quit. The tractor tires looked like I had been driving in water (we have had nearly 7 inches of rain in the last 3 weeks) and the undergrowth was causing plugging like you mention. Last year the same area cut just fine.

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