Was cutting hay tonight and fought the 1209 plugging the sickle. Not heavy hay, first cut came off May 15 but weather and work schedule has kept me from getting it cut until tonight. It's mostly orchardgrass with some bluegrass, red clover, and alfalfa. Clover and alfalfa stems were tough. Hold downs were all tight, not missing any sections standard guards are all in good shape and sharp. Sections are all under-serrated and have some wear but didn't seem like they shouldn't cut fine. Was cutting at 2.5-3mph at 530 rpm pto. My 1650 has a 1600 engine so it won't get to 540 pto due to the differences in governed engine speed (1900 vs 2200(?)). I need to replace the sickle drive belt I think or at a minimum check and adjust tension on it.
I managed to get it all cut but it's not pretty. Any suggestions short of replacing with new sections and stub guards?
I managed to get it all cut but it's not pretty. Any suggestions short of replacing with new sections and stub guards?