I'm having problems with my Ford 501 sickle bar - two problems.
1. I can't get it to cut very low. It doesn't cut the lower "undergrowth" grass very well - just pushes it down, resulting in a cut that is about 4 in high and a bit ragged. Is this normal? I'm used to seeing disc mower cuts, which are very low and perfectly clean. Can I get close to that, or is it just the nature sickle bar mowers to not cut as low/clean?
2. I'm having a lot of vibration. I've experimented with different adjustments and can seem to make it better, but still pretty bad. Is this normal?
I don't have all the regular mounting parts that go with these mowers. The top link stabilizer is missing, as well as the link that attaches to the left lower lift arm to raise/lower the cutter bar - just a homemade bracket with a rod. (see pic)
Does anyone have some experience with knowing how to properly set these up? Between the top link and the side to side leveler, there's a lot of adjustment that can be made - what is correct? Is there some sort of procedure I can go through to get it set properly?
Thanks!
1. I can't get it to cut very low. It doesn't cut the lower "undergrowth" grass very well - just pushes it down, resulting in a cut that is about 4 in high and a bit ragged. Is this normal? I'm used to seeing disc mower cuts, which are very low and perfectly clean. Can I get close to that, or is it just the nature sickle bar mowers to not cut as low/clean?
2. I'm having a lot of vibration. I've experimented with different adjustments and can seem to make it better, but still pretty bad. Is this normal?
I don't have all the regular mounting parts that go with these mowers. The top link stabilizer is missing, as well as the link that attaches to the left lower lift arm to raise/lower the cutter bar - just a homemade bracket with a rod. (see pic)
Does anyone have some experience with knowing how to properly set these up? Between the top link and the side to side leveler, there's a lot of adjustment that can be made - what is correct? Is there some sort of procedure I can go through to get it set properly?
Thanks!