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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5.

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unioncreek

06-05-2007 06:46:14




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I cut my orchard grass/alfalfa hay about two weeks ago and it cut fine. I was going to cut some tall fescue for a neighbor and I was plugging up constantly. A couple of questions. What should the clearance be between the bottom of the section and the ledger plate? And also should the cutter bar be running parallel to the ground? If you have any other suggestions on getting this to cut let me know.

Thanks,
Bobg

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Dave H (MI)

06-05-2007 11:48:40




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to unioncreek, 06-05-2007 06:46:14  
Just a couple comments. If you don't have that one and a half tooth at the end you will plug up like crazy. My new one from TSC did not have it and I fixed that quick. Second, if there is any moisture deep in the hay (dew, etc) it can give you fits with clogging. Last, I just play with the angle on mine when I have trouble until I find where it works best. Good old mowers but they do have their bad days and you just have to keep working until you figure out what the trouble is.

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georgeky

06-05-2007 08:01:55




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to unioncreek, 06-05-2007 06:46:14  
If that fescue was mowed with a bushhog previous to this it will cause lots of problems. The dead thatch will be hanging on the tips of gaurds. If fescue is clean it is as easy to mow as any hay.



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Hayfarmer

06-05-2007 07:15:52




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to unioncreek, 06-05-2007 06:46:14  
In the operator's manual for the #5 it lists a series of adjustments to make your mower cut best. The outer end of the sickle bar needs to lead the inner end when there is no load, amount of lead depends upon length of the bar. Should be minimal clearence between sickle and ledger plates and both need to be in good condition. There is also an adjustment for register. On the #5 I believe the sickle knives should go from the center of one guard to the center of the one next to it. If the plugging is on the inner end you may need a new shear plate, on the outer end there is a half ledger plate and I use a special section, like a 1 1/2 section to help with plugging. I don't know about tall fesque but assume it must be tough to cut. Make sure you run the sickle at full speed. There was a sprocket available for them to speed up the sickle but I'm sure they aren't available from Deere. If you don't have an operator's manual, you can generally pick one up on e bay or at tractor shows. and they have a wealth of information. Mine even has the parts book and hitch info in the back.

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Roger in Iowa

06-05-2007 07:15:44




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to unioncreek, 06-05-2007 06:46:14  
Ideally there should be no clearance between the ledger and sickle section. Clearance should be between the section and holddown, and that very minimal. If parts smoke, they are too tight. A folded dollar bill works for clearance. Section edges should be sharp, as well as ledger edges. Replace or sharpen.

Cutterbar to the ground is determined by gauge shoe height. More important the outer end of the cutterbar should lead the inner end. Get a manual for adjustment!

Going too slow can result in plug. Crop should look like a waterfall as it is cut.

Roger in Iowa

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unioncreek

06-05-2007 08:38:41




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to Roger in Iowa, 06-05-2007 07:15:44  
The register is correct on the mower, that was the first thing I checked. I'll have to check to make sure the end of the cutter bar is leading. Most of the ledger plates are new, but I'll have to check the clearance. If the clearance is too much do I bend the hold down or the guard?

Bob



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Roger in Iowa

06-05-2007 10:30:40




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 Re: Trouble cutting tall fescue with JD #5. in reply to unioncreek, 06-05-2007 08:38:41  
Usually bend the hold down, but if a guard is lower (or higher) than its companions, bend the guard (may be hard to do). They make tools to bend guards, but usually use a large hammer.

Roger in Iowa



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