John Deere Big # 4 sickle bar mower

Tom/Idaho · Jul 23, 2020

Am in the process of rebuilding a Big #4 mower and would like to find an
owners manual and would like total length of pitman arm.
Only number I can find is : Z854-H
Any help is appreciated,
Tom/Idaho

wore out · Jul 23, 2020

Unless you can find the exact dimension, simply cut it a little long, drill and bolt one end, then clamp the other end temporarily, and verify that the knife is "in register", adjust as needed, then drill the holes and trim it a little, as needed.

"In register" means that the tips of the knife sections are in the same position relative to the guard tips at each end of the knife stroke.

On most "old" mowers the knife section tips will be centered with the guard tips at both ends of the stoke, some "newer" mowers have a stroke a little longer than the distance between knife section tips, so the tips will pass the guard tip centerlines a little at both ends of the stroke. As long as the distance they go past is the same at both ends of the knife stroke the sickle is "in register".

Jon Erickson · Jul 23, 2020

Wore out explains it Very Well.

Joel Sanderson · Jul 24, 2020

Try: Z7329 H

That's what's shown in The Horsedrawn Mower Book (by Lynn R. Miller). That book's well worth having if you're restoring a horse drawn mower. It has most of the manuals from different companies in the back, including the John Deere mower.

You gonna pull it with a team? Nicest way to mow hay there is. The machine's ahead of you and beside you, so you don't have to twist to look back, and there's no heavy tractor pressing the hay into the ground--so it dries better. It's quiet, and a good team (or single) can make perfect corners.

The first picture is my McCormick New 4. Nicest mower I've ever used. The second picture is a Deering Single that I sold a few years ago. Handy thing. Had a foot lift that would pick it all the way up and lock or partway and back down again. I wish I still had it now that my team is gone and I have only one horse.

Joel

James Howell · Jul 24, 2020

Agree with Joel.

Take a look at [b:654c4848f0]PITMAN, PITMAN AND BOX STRAPS[/b:654c4848f0] illustration below.

Hope this helps.

Tom/Idaho · Jul 24, 2020

Great pictures! Wish I could!
Thanks to all.
If I am unable to find the exact length, I
will certainly use the terrific advise from Wore Out.
Sounds like he has been there, done that, a time or two.
Thanks again,
Tom/Idaho

John Deere Big # 4 sickle bar mower

Tom/Idaho

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wore out

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Jon Erickson

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Joel Sanderson

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James Howell

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Tom/Idaho

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