[AT] Second cutting

[Gunnells, Bradley R]

On my IH 990 where the cylinder attaches is not a rigid connection. Meaning that even retracting the cylinder all the way it won't apply down pressure. This allows it to float up. I'd be surprised if yours didn't have a similar system. On mine I picked up an old Allis cylinder to use on it and it's configured as a 1-way cylinder so it's moot in my case. 

As Bill said, I wonder if the assist springs are doing their job. 

Brad

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 26, 2015, at 7:32 AM, "Spencer Yost" <yostsw at atis.net> wrote:

> Ok. Did some data gathering.  I still have an inch or two of adjustment , so I'll try to gather that in and see if it helps.   The cylinder has the right lengths according to the manual, both retracted and extended.  I said "extended" below, but the cylinder is in retracted position when the head is down.  Since the length is right, I assume the cylinder cannot be the issue.
> 
> I'll tighten the springs as far as they will go and see if that helps.
> 
> I'll report back later.
> 
> 
> Spencer
> 
>> On Jul 26, 2015, at 7:43, Spencer Yost <yostsw at atis.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey bill,
>> 
>> I shouldn't have said height.  Floatation is the right word.  Just too much head weight on the ground.   I have the springs all the out and yet I still have more weight than I can move.   150+lbs I am sure.
>> 
>> I don't know if I need new springs or what.
>> 
>> The only other thing is I am not sure how the hydraulic cylinder linkage works.   Maybe it's possible the cylinder extends too far or some other malfunction is allowing the cylinder to put downward pressure on the head?
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> Spencer
>> 
>>> On Jul 25, 2015, at 23:07, "Bill Bruer" <bill_bru at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I don't understand your problems with the cutting height, Spencer.  I used 
>>> to have a NH 477 haybine and still use a 472 model.  On both of those, the 
>>> cylinder is used to raise the header to transport position.  For cutting, 
>>> the cylinder is retracted all the way so that the header rests on the ground 
>>> and is free to float.  The header rides on skid shoes just behind and under 
>>> the cutter bar, one on each end.  You adjust the cutting height by 
>>> positioning holes in those shoes.  The manuals are very clear that the 
>>> cylinder is never to be used to carry the weight of the header in operation.
>>> 
>>> The draft, or header floatation, is adjusted by tensioning the large springs 
>>> behind the head.  It should only take a maximum of 70 lbs of force to raise 
>>> either end of the header by lifting at the end of the push bar.  Cutter bar 
>>> floatation seems to be something that is not adjusted by a lot of people.  I 
>>> got my 477 haybine in 1998 when it was 25 years old; it had never been 
>>> adjusted and the adjusting bolts were just as it left the factory.  The 
>>> lifting weight was a lot more than my 100 lb scale would register.  Same 
>>> thing with the 472, though it was only a couple of years old when I got it, 
>>> and with a NH 408 discbine I had for a while.  Two well-used sickle mowers I 
>>> have owned were also much heavier draft than they should have been.
>>> 
>>> Bill Bruer
>>> Murfreesboro, TN
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message----- 
>>> From: Spencer Yost
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2015 6:53 PM
>>> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
>>> Subject: [AT] Second cutting
>>> 
>>> The male alpacas are enjoying a banquet of fresh cut hay while the 861D 
>>> takes a breather.
>>> 
>>> The new mower did very well with cutting but I had a lot of trouble with 
>>> drafting.  It was very hard to keep the height correct. If I extend the 
>>> cylinder there is simply too much weight on the head.  I created way too 
>>> many dirt gouges.
>>> 
>>> And of course like any new piece of equipment it took a little while to get 
>>> used to. It always takes a time or two before you get the spacing between 
>>> the tractor and mower absolutely correct 100% of the time.
>>> 
>>> All in all I'm pretty pleased with the mower.   Pictures are below.
>>> 
>>> Spencer
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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