CASE IH 1190 Mower Conditioner

I've an IH 1190 mower that I've used for years. For my beef cattle operation on a series of small pastures/hay ground it works very well. I've been trying to adjust the header float, the right side can only be picked up by my skidder, while the left side appears normal around that 60-70# that's recommended. My question: What do those 2 bolts that extend down into the 2 coil springs fasten into? It's impossible to see the ends, or to feel them. The parts book shows a nubbin that looks like it's fastened or wound into the top of the spring. The bolts turn, although they need a long 1/2" ratchet to twist them, but don't feel much different then the other side. The bolts are either stripped, which I doubt because then turn to tough, or the "piece" they are fastening to is turning in the top of the 2 springs. It just appears odd to me that both would be doing this. The header skid plate really flattens the grass on that side. Thank's for your 2 bits guys!

The piece in the spring that the bolt threads into is called a spring plug. It is highly unlikely that it is turning in the spring since they bind in really tight. They have a slightly tapered external thread that fits the ID of the spring. Does cranking on the bolts seem to draw anything up? If not it likely that either the threads on bolts or in the spring plugs are stripped.

You say you've had the machine for years - has it always been heavy on the right side or did something change? Was it used when you got it? I see in the parts book that there are different springs for left and right and also for the 7- and 9-ft models. Could have the wrong springs been installed at some point?

Thanks Brendon - Drawing on the bolts does nothing, both bolts feel the same. I'll putz with it a bit this weekend, since we just had a couple of inches of rain and the hay progress has stopped big time for a couple of days. I suppose I'll have to cut the heads off, and withdraw the springs. This machine was picked up a year ago, as a very low use unit, but it'd been sitting outside with a couple of issues. A lower roller brg had gone out years ago and the machine was replaced and parked outside. I picked it up because it was so straight, the knife area was virtually unwore, the guides nice, square edged where the knive sections operate, rollers excellent. Sprockets and chains almost as new. Took it apart over the winter, looked it all over, new knife section and it works really well. didn't even think about the float springs, I'd never had an issue with those over the years with the various 1190s I've worked with. This one is an early one, still in IH red with their labels. My other, very well used one is the black and red Case IH deal, and I see no difference. That's the story on it. The other reason I brought it home, both spindles had been replaced and welded in nicely with the replacement parts.

there are specs in your owners manual that show what the length of those speings should be when extended. You loosen the bolts (and jam nuts) and adjust to proper length. After adjusting lift the header manually and check for about 55 lbs of weight.My chart (990) has anote to add one inch of length to the left spring. For some reason less tension on left side.