I was cutting a 20 acres piece today, I had many troubles with the main gear box that runs the sickle. First thing that happened was the top bolt sheared right off. I drilled it out and put a new grade 8 bolt in there. Machine ran fine. 1 round later I see the gearbox shaking again, now the bottom bolt was loose. I tightened it along with the top one again. I sheared the top one 2 more times and stopped to tighten the bottom one several times. When all was said and done, I came home with both bolts sheared off and a loose gearbox. What could be causing this? The hay was a bit tall, but I was going very slow, especially after a few bolt replacements. The shaft that drives the gear box has 2 u-joints in it, they have some slop but not bad, 1 was cool all day, the other was a bit warm, but not hot. The sickle seems to move freely, and it was cool to the touch as well. I just can't figure this one out, but it is binding quite badly if its shearing a grade 8 bolt. Not sure if its related, but the bolt that holds the sickle to the gearbox came loose today too. But had problems before that, and after, but it never loosened again once I replaced it, but gearbox problems did go on. I hope you can help. Thanks!
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