Identify JD mower

[RonR]

Milkman, I used to have a 1950ish JD mower. Like you, I broke the pitman. I got a chunk of 2x2 Oak and made my own. Wan't really tough and sure was cheap. I was able to use the broken one as a pattern.

Mine had a breakaway in case you hooked a stump or somethin'. If yours has that, I'd try to back it loose and make sure it functions. Might save you some pain later.

Best wishes,
ron

 

[milkman]

I just did the same thing, I found and old Oak 2x4 and ripped off a piece and made my own, good thing I had the old one for a pattern. It has to be the right length to get the sections to break on the fingers or it doesn't cut right. I got it hooked back up and mowed some, still needs sharpening and cleaned up some more. I had the sickle fastened upright on the way back to the house and running sideways on an incline, the left side got a little light, I think it will be ok for what I want, I can't just throw it around like I could when we had it on the old B.