sickle mower adjustments

[ModMech]

I am asking for advice, we recently purchassed a very nice older JD #39 sickle and have mouted it to our B2410. Yes, it is a little small but it works!

We did not get an OM with it and the local dealer was unable to offer any advice because most hay operations have switched to disc mowers around here years ago, so the sickle users are scarce and mostly small operations like us.

My questions are (many, but simple I think):

The MAIN question is: How should I adjust the top link? Tilting "in" helps with ground clearance but tilting "out" gets the lift to work. Various OMs from other manufacturers give a suggested pin height while working, most are about 18" or so and that is how I set it up.

When I adjust the top link, it causes the cutter bar to rotate, I can adjust that seperately and think I have a good idea on what is correct.

I have the assist lever adjusted about 3/4 up now with the bolt, the pins set to about 18" and the top link about 1/2" forward of vertical. I have not set the final bar adjustment or messed with the assist link adjustment.

I presume the shoes should bear the entire weight of the bar and pivot assembly, while the 3PH should carry the remainder. The photos of "working" #39 mowers seem to indicate that the top link should be adjusted slightly forward (top forward on mower) by up to 1".

THANK YOU in advance for your advice!

 

[blueriver]

I think you got it. When I used a 39 ... I made sure the shoe was level, after I had what I felt was a proper top link setting. The bar has it own adjustment. You can look them up on the JD website for parts.

 

[AKfish]

Make sure the cutter bar "trip" or break-away spring release works! If you hit a big dirt mound or clip a fence post - you want the bar to break away - and then be able to be reset.

Not have to be "repaired"...

AKfish