JD 350 Sickle Mower Questions

Bill VA · Oct 10, 2014

Going to look at a John Deere 350 sickle mower this weekend.

Is this a good mower or something to be avoided?

What should I look for from a wear and tear stand point?

Was this the last model sickle mower JD made?

From pics I've seen, hook-up to the 3 pt looks pretty simple.

Not sure if the one I'm going to look at is 7' or 9'

Thanks!!!!!!
Bill

Roger in Iowa · Oct 10, 2014

Last mower made. Tractor needs drawbar that swings to the side (some are fixed and doesn't work).

Check for backlash in the drive sheave to knife moving in mid stroke.

Condition of guards and knife, but they are replaceable.

Cutterbar tight to the main drive head/frame.

FFF · Oct 10, 2014

The 350 was a very fine mower, well designed and works well. As mentioned, you need a swing drawbar.

James Howell · Oct 10, 2014

We have 4 <a href="http://youtu.be/k63x3K_3AM4?list=PLCUEeGboEbi9lZeitHoI9GA2HKYB2_Zyg">John Deere 350 sickle mowers</a> and use them to cut hay.

Check the inner shoe for breaks and/or welds.

Check the four bolts under the inner shoe that secure the cutter bar and make sure they are not broken.

Check the cutter bar to make sure it is not bent and has no cracks and/or welds.

Pull the drive belt to rotate the yoke and check to see if sickle knife moves freely.

Check the pulley bearings on the drive pulley.

Make sure it has a complete drive shaft; especially the pulley drive side.

Check the outer shoe to make sure it has a ledger plate and stripper.

Make sure that both ends of the spring are not broken and/or welded.

Make sure the adjusting bolt has a handle and the adjusting bolt is not bent.

Make sure the cutterbar release latch is all there.

Make sure it has a complete grassboard.

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Check to make sure the drawbar clevis is available.

Hope this helps.

Bill VA · Oct 11, 2014

Great info - thanks!!!!!!!!!

Bill

RayP(MI) · Oct 11, 2014

Check for wear on bearing and driving pin at inside end of knife bar. Can be a real mess if worn. Also be sure knife bar fits properly in cutter bar hold downs, and plates that hold it behind the cutter bar.

JOCCO · Oct 12, 2014

Check the gear box /wobble drive unit that is the big issue if broke or worn run!!!

quantech · Jun 11, 2017

James,

I hope note and question this finds you in good spirits and health.

I have watched every video you made, and read every posting on the 350 Sickles. Thank You for all that I learned!

I just finished my first hay cutting here in Iowa. The sickle bar has loosened. "the four bolts under the inner shoe that secure the cutter bar" cannot back out as the nuts spin the in the hexagonal "seats"/"valleys" making it impossible to get a wrench on the nuts to keep them from spinning.

Do you have a tip for bolt removal, and then replacement with bolts that have the right size nuts for the hex slots?

I assume you understand exactly what I am referring to.

Thank You Again,
Steve

JD 350 Sickle Mower Questions

Bill VA

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Roger in Iowa

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FFF

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James Howell

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Bill VA

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RayP(MI)

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JOCCO

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quantech

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