I currently do not own any haying equipment but that does not stop me from cutting the "hay" when everyone else is. The past weekend while the fields around us were being hayed I was out in the field on Old Smokey having the best time just mowing to my heart's content.
Old Smokey may not be much to look at and it may take quite a bit of fuel and oil but it will sickle mow hay just as slick as can be! I am still learning how to properly sickle mow but I am getting better at running it with every pass I make. On one pass one of the rock guards fell off and in the process broke one of the cutter teeth. This was a first for me so off I went to the Tractor Supply for parts.
A short trip later and I had some new cutters and a box of cutter teeth bolts to replace the rivets. In a few short minutes I was back in business. I would recommend the bolts to anyone using a sickle mower, they are easier to install and they will save time compared to pounding the old rivets out and the new ones in.
After replacing the cutter tooth I went back to mowing for another hour before the dew started to settle in and I had to quit. While out mowing I had my mobile camera crew come out and get a few good videos to show off!
Sickle Mowing First Crop 2019
I am able to move right along with Old Smokey in first gear full throttle to keep enough power to the cutter and help the grass fall backwards over the bar. The next day when mowing I ended up breaking a Pittman arm in some deep grass when the cutter clogged up and I didn't get it shut off quick enough. I am glad it broke though because it is a safety mechanism and is easily replaced.
So until next time stay tuned and check back often!
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