[AT] Second cutting

[Bill Bruer]

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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