Setting up a 488 Haybine

Fred Werring · Apr 23, 2014

So how do you guys do it?

Got a 488, has never cut as clean as I think it should. Has stub guards.

How do you adjust your guards and hold downs? I've read where some of you just slip a pipe over the ends of the guards, the hold downs give me fits trying to keep them parallel to the section.

Don't use it as much since the disc mower came on the farm, but there are days when I've got help and can run 2 mowers, I'd like to get it cutting a little cleaner.

Any tips you've got to make it easier...my knees and back keep reminding me I'm not 30 any more, and working under the reel....

Thanks

Fred

Brendon Warren · Apr 23, 2014

I use a long bar with a loop welded on it to go over the point of the guard to straighten them back out. I switched mine over to the long guards, they seem to do a lot better than the stubs. I'm sure someone will have a different opinion.

Leroy · Apr 23, 2014

Cannot see how stubs could possibly work. Go against all that a guard is supposed to do.

Shetland Sheepdog · Apr 23, 2014

It is considered common knowledge that stub guards don't cut quite as clean as finger guards, but will cut through more trash, lodged, etc, where the fingers plug!
Another consideration would be reel position (I'm no expert on that), and cutter-bar tilt.
With stub guards, it is important to keep your hold-downs in proper adjustment!
I switched a NH 477 from fingers to stub guards years ago, and found it was a definite improvement for me!
JMHO, HTH, Dave

hd6gtom · Apr 23, 2014

My reel is set as far ahead as it will go and set down low. I am able to tilt the guards up or down using the shoes on the back of the header and the hydraulic cylinder. Mine has regular guards, all new a couple of years ago, I can see no reason to switch them to something else. It will leave a hayfield looking like a golf course. Is the belt on your reel good? mine was worn and slipped it allowed the reel to slow down, resulting in rough cutting. If I remember I had to replace the reel belt tensioning spring too. I use chrome under serrated sections, replacing them every 2 years.

Hayfarmer · Apr 23, 2014

I switched my JD1209 to stub guards a few years back and it was an amazing difference. I think it depends upon the type hay you have what works best. I have the JD adjustable hold downs on every other guard, would put them on every guard if they not so expensive. Keep sickle right down on guards. Sometimes the stubs get worn to where they don't cut right and need to be changed also.

Fred Werring · Apr 24, 2014

Biggest reason for the stub guards was clogging, they don't.

I don't think they "Guard" very much, just give you a cutting surface.

Thanks

Fred

Hayfarmer · Apr 24, 2014

I used wrong terminology on my response. What I meant was I use the JD adjustable guard tops, not hold downs

Setting up a 488 Haybine

Fred Werring

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Brendon Warren

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Leroy

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Shetland Sheepdog

Well-known Member

hd6gtom

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Hayfarmer

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Fred Werring

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Hayfarmer

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