Mowing Sickle bar mower hookup questions

Donnyj · Jul 4, 2005

Finally a rear view if needed.

RobS · Jul 5, 2005

I know nothing about sickle bar mowers but it almost looks like you could get rid of the arch piece altogether. The lower pins are on the frame and you could attach your top link to where the arch top link is now. What is the purpose of that arch thing? Looks like an old quick-attach contraption?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Donnyj · Jul 5, 2005

I have no idea. Dad last used it on his 8N he had at the time. He has not used it for at least 10 years.

RobS · Jul 5, 2005

Time to call in the resident experts. I sent a PM to Soundguy, maybe he can help /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

HODAK · Jul 5, 2005

I agree with RobS. Looks to me like there is no need for that arched part and those round bars. Definitely looks like something that was added later. Let us know how you make out.

sweettractors · Jul 5, 2005

That NH bracket is standard equipment on the 450 and 451 mowers and was designed to stabilize the left and right sway of the mower when attached to the tractor. I think you have 2 options: 1-Remove it altogether and use your tractor sway limiters (shown in your picture) to limit sway 2-Possible to remove the mowers lift arm pins and replace with longer pins that would allow the tractor lift arms to be spread apart more and hopefully prevent rubbing--Ken Sweet
Phone 270-528-3323
Email sweet@scrtc.com

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Over 40 Used Cultipackers in Stock Today*

Soundguy · Jul 5, 2005

Asfar as I know.. those are adjustable links, with stop pins. I guess you could cut them off.. But I'm going to dig thru some lit I have and take a look. A friend has a similar mower and I'll email him.

Soundguy

Cowboyjg · Jul 5, 2005

Call Pat C. at the Mountain City co-op. He's in the tire dept. He'll buy anything and might even give you enough for a small down payment on a new one.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I've got an old Ford 501. Cuts fine but not quite as ugly as yours, close, but not quite.

BTW...I agree with Ken.

Donnyj · Jul 5, 2005

I don't think dad would like me selling his mower. Even though it has sat around for all those years. I asked him to sell it to me, but of course those "old" guys will never get rid of anything. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I like the suggestion from Ken Sweet about removing the whole thing. I dropped that front attachment last week on my foot while trying to free up those pins. I had to replace the original top link that was on the mower. It was to short. Just now getting the swelling down on my foot. It does cut good though. I don't use it enough to justify a brand new one. Maybe twice a year.

Soundguy · Jul 5, 2005

Ok.. here's some info. I couldn't dig up anything meaningfull int he documents i looke dthru.. but did contact a few friends that use NH sickle bar mowers. Here are two of the responses I got:

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( i had to cut about 3" off my NH 450 HS to get it to work on my CENTURY tractor its the same setup as a KIOTI, they kept getting into my remotes when i would raise it, didn't take but a couple of remote repairs to getta a torch and redneckify it

New Holland sells a compact tractor top link mount kit to keep it away from the lift arm.

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Hope this helps.

FWIW.. It does look like you can cut those arms down and not miss much. Might as well check on the availability of that toplink part the other fellow refered to though. if it's cheap enough.. might be worth it.

Soundguy