John Deere 350 Sickle bar mower mounting question

[jim955]

I purchased a JD 350 mower for a small patch of hay next year. I will be using a ID 955 utility tractor with it. In the operators manual it shows a triangle shaped adaptor plate bolting to the drawbar to offset the mounting of the pickup clevis. 855 & 955 models only. Part number is E62199. NLS from JD. Would anyone happen to have a plate or know the distance from the pin hole to the offset hole so I can make one? Doesn't look to difficult just not sure of the distance.

Thanks

[DT86]

I have no idea what you are talking about but in my quest to find a picture of one I came across this. John deere Plate E62199

[jim955]

Thank you, I have searched the net also and have found a few sites like this one. I feel $80 for nothing more than a flat piece of triangle shaped steel with three holes in it is pretty steep. And, I have not found any picture as yet either. Perhaps because if people saw it they wouldn't pay $80 for it?? The number, as well as noting JD has it listed as NLA came from the local dealer. The drawbar on a larger tractor can be slid to one side or the other to mount the chain clevis that picks up the bar. The drawbar is stationary in the center and cannot be moved from side to side on the 955's. So, an adaptor plate is needed to do that. I have not tried it yet, maybe it's not needed, I don't know for sure. But, the book calls it out so I'm assuming it's required.

[Farmerford]

I have two 350's, but neither has the offset plate. Seems to me you want the chain from the lift arm down to the drawbar to be as vertical as possible for two reasons: first, that will give the maximum lift to the mower head and second, it will elliminate side forces on the lift arm. In my experience, particularly with a 9' bar, the force on the chain is substantial when you are running over rough ground with the bar raised a couple of feet (but not stored) and being supported only by the chain. Even if the offset is only three or four inches, I think there is risk of bending your offset plate unless it is substantial (1/2" thick or more?) or perhaps two sided, with plates on the top and bottom of the drawbar. If the plate is substantial enough to avoid bending, there is a risk of twisting the drawbar. Don't mean to be an alarmist; just pointing out a couple of things to watch out for.

[4jd318]

I think I have one .
Gp

[jim955]

I sent you an email.
Jim