Sickle Bar NH 451 7' sickle mower???

[Glenn9643]

NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

I've been looking for a wobble-box type sickle mower to cut ditchbanks, under trees, and around the pond. I'm going to look at a NH model 451 today and would like input as to particular things to watch for. On the phone the owner said that it's "perfect" condition. Asking price is $300 which seems to be in line with what I've seen others sell for in this area. I've not seen anything but good remarks in searching for information about this model mower but there's nothing like experience if it's available! Thanks in advance.

 

[sweettractors]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

Look close at the U shaped part of the frame where the trip attaches at the rear (behind the drive head) and also the pully bracket that your lift cable runs thru at the left corner (standing at back of mower)--The blade should fold back into transport position and rest squarley on its receiver and spring loaded retainer. you would like to see no welds and nothing sprung in any of these areas of weakness. Make sure your drive pullys line up and the drive head runs out ok and has no "slack" in the drive head--Hope this helps a little--$300 is a Very good price for a straight 451 mower--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New and Refurbished Sickle Bar Mowers*

 

[HayDR]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

Either your the owner does not know the value of a NH451 or it is stolen. WE put NH 451 mowers in auctions that have been traded in that are in disrepair. Even in nonworking condition they bring $500-700. A new NH451 is $4,200. If the mower is as said normal value is $1,000- $1,500.

 

[Glenn9643]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

Thanks Ken.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

I would agree that $300 for a NH 451 is very cheap; especially if it is in good condition. I paid $1350 for one last year in excellent condition. Before you buy it make sure it will fit your tractor. I bought mine hoping to use it on my new Kubota L3430 HSTC, but found out it does not fit. The lower links on the 3PT were fine. It's the third or top link that didnot fit. The NH 451 mower has a mechanism attached to the top link that uses a cable setup to lift the cutter bar. The mechanism would not fit between the Kubota's upper 3PT lift arms. Fortunately, it fit on my old Allis Chalmers D14 with an aftermarket 3PT setup. It a great mower for the activities you mentioned.

I believe this fit issue may be an issue with most CUTs because of their scaled down 3PTs. Just check it out to be sure it will fit before purchasing.

OrangeGuy

 

[nomad]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

$300 is nothing - it's material cost. I estimate it weighs about 300LB. The price of 1 lb of sheet metal is about $0.70. So, only its material cost is $210. Casting parts are more expensive. So, $300 is its material cost only. And if it is working, it is "a steal."

 

[Darren]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

Add my vote to the others. For $300, I'd have been there yesterday to buy that mower.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

Go to www.fastline.com and search for a New Holland 451 and see what you find. Cheapest one there was $695.

 

[Glenn9643]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

CCI,
I don’t believe it was stolen, as the owner has been in business in Lafayette for 30 years and appeared to be reputable. As for the price, he called me with his price after seeing my ”wanted” ad in the market bulletin. I paid what he asked and hope that we are both happy!

OrangeGuy,
I haven’t tried to mount it on the tractor yet. Looks like it might be a ***** to fasten the top link bracket to the tractor though… Apparently you remove your top link and fasten the mower top link bracket directly to the tractor; then put the top link between the bracket and top link on the mower frame. Hydraulic top link should really pay off here with raising and lowering the cutter bar. I’ll just have to see how the mower balances when I hook up the lower 3ph arms and go from there.

The paint’s a little rough and one grease fitting is missing but everything else was greased and oiled. No obvious repairs, welds, and nothing appears to be out of alignment or sprung. If it turns out I can’t use it on my tractor the way it is I can probably make some adjustment or at a last resort sell it with no loss.

Can the year of manufacture be determined by the serial number?
Sperry Rand New Holland Model 451
SN 219880

 

[kensfarm]

Re: NH 451 7\' sickle mower???

"The mechanism would not fit between the Kubota's upper 3PT lift arms."

That's the problem I had w/ the NH 450.. on my TC35D.. I adjusted the side connectors to there highest position.. and was able to make it work.. I'd really like to find a operator's manuel.