MF #32 wear parts problem

kopeck · Jul 6, 2015

I'm trying to finish up my #32 mower. It was a basket case when I got it, some parts broken/missing or just plain worn out. Everything that's not the sickle bar it's self is it fine working order.

What I'm running into though is some of my new wear parts aren't working so well.

I had to replace a few rock guards. The old malleable one are NLA, only the heavy cast ones are available. First off how do you adjust those suckers? I pounded the heck of of them with out getting a long of movement. Second, the section tip clearance it VERY little in these new guards, in fact I have a couple that seem to be rubbing. Any one run into that before? I have a few older cast ones that look identical and they have more clearance.

Second, I bought some universal knife clips, similar to these:

http://www.sickleservice.com/parts/knifeclips/457-064.html

The little tabs that the back of the section runs in again it's almost zero clearance. Do they maybe need a little "run in" time to loosen up?

I knew I was going to have to take some time to make every thing right but boy these mowers take some fussing with!

K

wellmax99 · Jul 7, 2015

Ko,
not to discourage you, but my dad bought a new MF 32 mower in 1960, it worked fine then, but time has moved on.

in later years I replaced the sections in the two blades and all ledger plates on the guards.

Fortunately I had a MF dealer close by that was able to provide the proper parts. I just never found aftermarket parts that would fit the mower properly.

In my humble opinion, a MF #32 mower is more of a weed cutter than a heavy hay cutter. Again that is just my opinion.

be sure you get the blade in register (time) when you complete the rebuild, it will cut much better.

do you have the proper MF operators manual for the mower, that might help as it explains setup and maintenance adjustments. might check ebay, I see one from time to time.

good luck with the mower,

Bill VA · Jul 7, 2015

I haven't had to adjust the guards with the big hammer - yet, but they look tough. One thing to do is put a straight edge across them so they are
flush with each other from ledger plate to ledger plate. It might be the hold down that needs adjusting vs the guard.

On your old guards, you can replace the ledger plates - they are riveted on.

The tips on my sickle sections don't rub the guard, but if they do, I'd just grind them down a bit.

Not sure what to tell you on the hold downs.

My 32 has been a very good mower - so far - knock on wood.

Good luck,
Bill

kopeck · Jul 7, 2015

I do have the manual.

The knife register is correct and I was able to replace all the ledger plates on the good guards I had left but I still had to buy a few of the new cast Chinese jobs to fill in the holes.

After thinking about it I think I can't make my generic clips work by either shimming under them OR just cutting the darn tabs off. The originals didn't have them, I can't see why I would need them now.

I'm not looking to make a high production hay machine but I would like something that I can trim my fields with and maybe make a few bales down the road it need be.

K

wellmax99 · Jul 7, 2015

one other thing I forgot to mention.
the blade kick back device, you may be on top of this item.

but if not: you want to loosen the blade kick back spring nut, push the blade against a tree or something and be sure the kick back mechanism releases and is working properly

then retighten the kick back nut, but not too tight!!!!!! if rusted up just clean it good, but do not apply any lube as it will not hold in place if lubed.

believe me: you want this device to work, if you were to ever hit an unseen object in the field, otherwise you will tear your mower to pieces.

reason I mention this, the mower is old and maybe this device has not be active in years, it could be rusted up, it has to work!!!!!!!!!!
otherwise, blade sections and guard ledger plate replacement would be child's play compared to gearbox or frame replacement.

keep an extra pitman on hand somewhere, they do break and yours may look good, but be dry rotted.

you may be getting tired of my rants, but this old #32 mower and I go back 50+ years, so we have seen and done most all of it. many ac covered over the years.

MF #32 wear parts problem

kopeck

Member

wellmax99

Member

Bill VA

Well-known Member

kopeck

Member

wellmax99

Member

Similar threads