Junk

[Fisherman305]

I commenced to rebild a MF 31 sickle bar gear box and determined that the small arm of the balancer was broken and a small part of it missing. None seems to be available new or used. It may turn out to be nothing but junk. My question is does anyone know the exact purpose of the small side of the balancer for which a small rod goes through the gear box through a needle type bearing through the balancer and the rod. It appears to me that this is more to take up space and prevent the balancer from moving back and forward. Does any one know for sure the designed purpose?

[RobertN]

You would probably get more feedback from over at www.ytmag.com I know you can still get sickle mowers, but they tend to see more use on old tractors.