Need help with JD 1209 cutterbar

[slowzuki]

As a note on what the hold downs are used for, they keep the knives tight to the guards which are the "anvil" of the cutting action.

Overserated knives aren't usually resharpened, underserated can be resharpened a few times.

I agree, don't use the impact for tightening the sections, but its great for removing them and installing and removing guards. Guard bolts will get pretty rusty if you leave your machine outside, make sure you replace the nuts every few years as they get rusted out.

I've not had any trouble myself with the bolt heads, but our machine has bolt type hold downs. They have a larger clearance at the spot the cutter bar runs. Even the long bolts for the double thick drive part of the cutterbar clear it fine.

 

[BryanM]

I put it back together last night less a couple guards, due to very rusted bolts and hold downs. I probably need a few hold downs looking online for some good prices. I think they are called high clearance hold downs to allow the nuts/rivets to slide under hold downs. I probably need some wear plates too.

I think I got it figured out just looking for good deals!

ZZvyb6 I am having a blast with the equipment and haying a bit, I also had all my hay bought. Thant always makes ya feel like your doing something worth while!