Sickle Bar Sickle bar mower questions

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

I just purchased a sickle bar a 1960's sickle bar mower, the cutter is only about a year old and the machine seems to be in pretty good shape overall. My question is, is there any rule of thumb on HP to size like there is for rotary cutters. I know its a little late to ask since I have already purchased it (still haven't picked it up yet though), but will my CK30 be able to run it??

OrangeGuy · Jul 12, 2006

How large is the cutting bar? 5',6', 7' or 9'? HP won't be problem. 6' horse drawn mowers were easily pulled by two horses. Is it pull type or 3pt? 3pt might cause some problems if it if larger than 6". Not a power problem, but a weight problem. Extended cutter bar can act as a lever to tip tractor. Also check for attachment problems. I purchased a New Holland 451 3pt 7' sickle mower and found out it would not fit my new CUT.

OrangeGuy

Noodlearm · Jul 12, 2006

sorry about the lack of info. It is a pull type 7'. The brand name is New Idea I believe. I don't know the weight, but definately don't think that it will be a problem pulling it. Never thought about the arm acting as a tipper but I think the weight of my tractor should help there. Previous owner used a regular 540 rpm pto. If you need any other info, please let me know

Farmwithjunk · Jul 12, 2006

The cutter bar on a sickle bar mower, even 9'ers, isn't heavy enough to tip a tractor on it's own. I've got a New Holland 451 with a 9' bar. I can lift the cutter bar by myself. I'd guess it weighs in at around 120 -140lbs. I've seen (Haban?) sickle bars on lawn and garden tractors (usually 4' or 5'). There isn't much effort to powering one. Most have adjustable drives that allow full cutter speeds with less than 540 RPM PTO speeds because of the low power requirements. That allows low engine RPM's, saving fuel.

OrangeGuy · Jul 12, 2006

New Idea made good mowers. AGCO now owns New Idea. Your tractor should have no problem operating this 7' pull type mower.

OrangeGuy

Noodlearm · Jul 13, 2006

Thanks for the info. I had never heard of the brand. I won the bid on Ebay, the seller ended up being only 5 minutes from my house so I kind of pre-inspected it. I ended up paying $255, I don't know if thats good or bad. I know it works, have seen what he cut with it so I am not too upset even if I may have overpaid. I never even checked out prices on new ones.

ArchyD · Aug 15, 2006

I just purchased a used Sickle mower that appears to be a New Holland 451. It is older and in pretty poor condition. But the major question that I have is how to hook it up properly.

It is a three point mount, but has an extra bale in the front that folds down and appears to need to connect to something static on the tractor and a piece on the back of the unit that is attached to the front bale with a bar. Then there are the regular 3 pt attachment points. Also where should I look for the serial data plate to be located?

Doc_Bob · Aug 16, 2006

Pictures, I love pics.
Bob

Farmwithjunk · Aug 16, 2006

ArchyD said:
I just purchased a used Sickle mower that appears to be a New Holland 451. It is older and in pretty poor condition. But the major question that I have is how to hook it up properly.

It is a three point mount, but has an extra bale in the front that folds down and appears to need to connect to something static on the tractor and a piece on the back of the unit that is attached to the front bale with a bar. Then there are the regular 3 pt attachment points. Also where should I look for the serial data plate to be located?

That "bale" you're refering to attaches to the tractor where you ORDNARILY attach your 3-point top link. Then the top link attaches to the "bale", then attach the implement end of the top link to the rear "bale" on the mower. That mechanism is what raises the cutter bar when you lift your 3-point hitch. So, have I further confused you?

Serial data plate is on the main frame, on the left side standing behind the mower facing the back of the tractor. There was a model 450, very simular to the 451, then about mid production in the 451 series, a few changes made. Later models being heavier in the frame.

Good mowers. I've owned one since 1974. Cut a BUNCH of hay and a few pond banks with mine.

ArchyD · Aug 16, 2006

As this is my first exposure to a sickle bar mower and I don't have an owners manual, I am at a loss on this one.

If I understood you correctly, the first attachment is the top of the first "bale"
(what is the proper term for that?) to the top link connection point on the tractor. The second is the top link to the second connection point, and the two lift link points. And of course the PTO.

There is the piece on the rear of the unit that is connected to the first "bale" and moves with it. It has a hole on the extreme rear that is apparently a connection point for something. Can you tell me anything about that?
ArchyD