Sickle Bar Sickle Setup

[masphi]

Just acquired a JD 7' Sickle cutter.

I have not been able to find a model #, the unit is belt driven with a 3 Point hook up.

I have no documentation and no experience. I have the unit mounted to a MF 230 and am convinced there is more to setting it up than I have completed.

There is a mount that attaches to the tow bar with two chains, which appear to control the lift of the bar. These I am still playing with.

Presently the unit rides heavy to the right (bar) side and the skid shoe digs in heavily with the bar at the desired cutting height.

I will continue to play with it however would be most appreciative of any guidance.

 

[TedLaRue]

Your JD dealer shouild be able to order you a users manual for that implement.

I acquired the same cutter bar some years ago, and with no experience I had a fit setting it up properly. If it is riding heavy to the right, make sure the vertical lift links on your 3pt hitch aren't in the "independent float" mode. If either of the two lower arms of the hitch can rise independently of the other, the cutter can tilt to the right when the left link rises.

When properly attached to your draw bar, raising the 3pt hitch should cause the cutter bar to rise (as you've already deduced).

You might want to post this question in the JD forum. Someone there might be able to post a picture of the implement properly attached.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Just acquired a JD 7' Sickle cutter.

I have not been able to find a model #, the unit is belt driven with a 3 Point hook up.

I have no documentation and no experience. I have the unit mounted to a MF 230 and am convinced there is more to setting it up than I have completed.

There is a mount that attaches to the tow bar with two chains, which appear to control the lift of the bar. These I am still playing with.

Presently the unit rides heavy to the right (bar) side and the skid shoe digs in heavily with the bar at the desired cutting height.

I will continue to play with it however would be most appreciative of any guidance.

By the description, I'm going to take a wild guess and say you have a Deere model 350 mower. If so, you have one of the best sickle bar mowers made, and for sure the best Deere sickle bar. Manuals are still available through Deere and on EBAY.

The chains do in fact control bar lift when you raise the 3-point hitch. Unless you know the drill, a manual will be needed to make adjustments to "fit" your tractor.