New finger bar mower. New! 72″ Sickle Bar Mower

US2530732A. Sickle bar mower. Google Patents

Publication number US2530732A US2530732A US26169A US2616948A US2530732A US 2530732 A US2530732 A US 2530732A US 26169 A US26169 A US 26169A US 2616948 A US2616948 A US 2616948A US 2530732 A US2530732 A US 2530732A Authority US United States Prior art keywords sickle bar bar frame slide reciprocation Prior art date 1948-05-10 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Expired. Lifetime Application number US26169A Inventor Jacob A Ronning Original Assignee Jacob A Ronning Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 1948-05-10 Filing date 1948-05-10 Publication date 1950-11-21 1948-05-10 Application filed by Jacob A Ronning filed Critical Jacob A Ronning 1948-05-10 Priority to US26169A priority Critical patent/US2530732A/en 1950-11-21 Application granted granted Critical 1950-11-21 Publication of US2530732A publication Critical patent/US2530732A/en 1967-11-21 Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical Status Expired. Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

• 230000003534 oscillatory Effects 0.000 description 142
• 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 58
• 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 56
• 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 54
• 210000002832 Shoulder Anatomy 0.000 description 6
• 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 6
• 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
• 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
• 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
• 229910000760 Hardened steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
• 210000001847 Jaw Anatomy 0.000 description 2
• 210000001138 Tears Anatomy 0.000 description 2
• 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 2
• 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
• 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
• 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 description 2
• 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 2
• 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 2

Images

Classifications

• A — HUMAN NECESSITIES
• A01 — AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
• A01D — HARVESTING; MOWING
• A01D34/00 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D34/01 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
• A01D34/02 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters
• A01D34/08 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having reciprocating cutters hand-guided by a walking operator

• Y — GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
• Y10 — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
• Y10T — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
• Y10T74/00 — Machine element or mechanism
• Y10T74/18 — Mechanical movements
• Y10T74/18888 — Reciprocating to or from oscillating
• Y10T74/1892 — Lever and slide
• Y10T74/18968 — Flexible connections

Description

I SICKLE BAR MOWER Filed Iay 10, 1948 5 SQeets-Sheet J Inventor Jacob A. Banning 5 AZlorn/eyp Nov. 21, 1950 J. A. RONNING 2,530,732

SICKLE BAR MOWER Filed Kay 10, 19 48 I 5 Sheets-;Shee 2 fnz/eizhr’ JacobA.Z0nnin Nov. 21, 1950 J. A. RONNING sxcxm am now 5iSheetsr-Sheat 4 Filed May 10, 1948 InvenZor Jaw?) A 1Q arming Nov. 21, 1950 J. A. RONNING szcm: BAR MOWER 5 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed May 10, 1948 Patented Nov. 21, 1950 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE SICKLE BAR MOWER Jacob A. Ronning, Minneapolis, Minn.

My present invention relates to improvements in sickle bar mowers and more particularly to improvements in driving mechanisms for the reciprocating cutting bars or knife heads of such mowers.

The cutting mechanisms of mowers of the sickle bar type comprise cooperating elongated toothed cutting bars that are subject to relative linear reciprocation, and which extend generally transversely of the direction of travel of the machine. The power for producing the relative reciprocation between the cooperative toothed cutting bars is usually applied through power transmission mechanism involving power transmission connections extending at an angle, usually a right angle, to the length of the cutting bars and the direction of relative reciprocation thereof, and motion direction converting transmission connections located closely adjacent the relative reciprocatory cutting bars. Since, in this type of mower, cutting is accomplished by a shearing action between the relatively reciprocating toothed cutting bars, the overall cutting efficiency of such mowers depends to a very large extent upon the maintaining of the relatively reciproeating toothed bars in close face to face contact from end to end thereof, with uniform pressure.therebetween at all points along the length thereof. In the past, however, this desirable condition has been difficult to achieve or maintain due to the fact that the transmission mechanisms heretofore employed for the purpose of producing relative reciprocation of the cooperating toothed cutting bars have always had a tendency to deflect one of the relatively reciprocating bars with respect to the other thereof in a direction or directions angular to the length of the bars, thisbeing due to the fact that prior art power transmitting connections to the reciprocating cutting bars of such mowers have applied the driving energy to the reciprocating bars in a direction or directions angular to the lengths of the reciprocating bars and the line of reciprocation thereof during all or part of each operating cycle. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties, many workers in prior art have been forced to resort to the use of relatively heavy reciprocating cutting bars and other parts which, at best, only partially solved the problem and was disadvantageous in that it added weight and increased the vibration produced by the reciprocating parts.

Generally speaking, it is a primary objective of the instant invention to overcome the above noted objectionable characteristic of prior art machines of this kind, and to this end I provide an improved structure wherein the energy for reciprocating a reciprocatory cutting bar is always applied thereto at fixed, non-shifting points thereon, and always in a uniform direction parallel to the length and direction of reciprocation of the cutting bars. As a result of this important feature of my invention, any tendency of the power transmission mechanism to deflect one of the cooperating cutting bars with respect to the other thereof or with respect to the natural path or line of reciprocation thereof is substantially or entirely eliminated. Hence, in machines built in accordance with the instant invention, little difficulty is encountered in maintaining the cooperating toothed cutting bars in uniformly close working engagement throughout their lengths. With this difficulty eliminated, the use of lighter than usual reciprocating cutting bars is made practical and, of course, the use of lighter reciprocating parts materially reduces the vibration of the machine thereby saving wear and tear on the machine, in general, and also on the operator of the machine. Furthermore, the elimination of deflecting forces on the reciprocating cutting bars of such machines simplifies the problem of guiding the relatively reciprocating cutting bars for true, straight line reciprocation, one with respect to the other, which immediately suggests the use of less, more widely spaced and fewer retaining or hold-down clips, with a consequent reduction in initial cost and frictional power losses. Hence, my invention results in increased cutting efficiency, reduced initial machine cost, unusually smooth and vibration-free operation and long life of the machine, in general, and the reciprocating cutting mechanism, in particular.

The above and other highly important objects and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following specification, claims and appended drawings.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in elevation taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1 and enlarged to the scale of Fig, 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-45 of Fig. 2, with some parts broken away, and some parts shown in section;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on the line !3-l3 of Fig. 2, and with some parts on the section line shown in full; and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view corresponding to Figs. 3 and 8. but illustrating a still further modification of the invention.

Referring with greater particularity to the drawings, a pair of laterally spaced ground wheels are indicated by l and the frame of the machine is indicated as an entirety by 2. The frame 2 is mounted fast on opposite ends of an axle 3, and the frame 2 is suitably journalled upon the axle 3. The frame 2 is provided with a forwardly and downwardly projecting tonguelike portion located in the vicinity of the transverse center of the machine.

The reciprocating type cutting mechanism of the machine is mounted on the outer end of the frame tongue 4 and comprises cooperating relatively reciprccatory toothed cutting bars indicated as entireties by and 6, respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, the cutting bar 5 takes the form of a more or less conventional finger bar and is mounted fast on the end of the frame tongue i, and the toothed cutting bar 6 overlies and is mounted for linear reciprocation on the finger bar 5- and takes the form of a more or less conventional sickle bar or knife head. The socalled finger bar 5 is a composite structure comprising a rigid beam 7 equipped with fingers or teeth 8 at uniformly spaced points lengthwise thereof and detachably secured fast thereon by head-equipped screws 9. The cutting surfaces of the fingers or teeth 8 are formed by hardened steel insets l0, according to conventional practice. Also, in accordance with conventional practice, the fingers or teeth 8 are shown as provided with upwardly and rearwardly projecting guard portions l l. As shown, the reciprocatory toothed sickle bar is also a composite structure and involves a beam portion [2 carrying a multiplicity of cutting blades or teeth 13 secured thereto by rivets or the like I4 and projecting over and working in face to face contact with the upper surfaces of the elements ill of the fingers 8.

The toothed sickle bar 6 comprising beam l2 and teeth or cutting blades i3 is retained against upward and rearward shifting movements with respect to the underlying finger bar 5 by retaining or guiding clips 15 of conventional form. These clips l5 are secured fast to the upper surface of the beam 1 of the finger bar 5 by rivets or the like i6, and project over and work against the upper faces of the blades or teeth It of the sickle bar 6. These clips l5 are applied at extending pitman arm 33.

By reference particularly to Fig. 13, it will be seen that the flat rear ends of the knives or teeth 13 work against shoulders 18 of the clips 15, and that the smooth front edge of the beam l2 works against shoulders IQ of the fingers 8. Hence, it will be seen that the sickle bar 6 as an entirety is guided for true straight line reciprocating motion over the cooperating finger bar 5.

The free end of the frame tongue 4 is provided with a mounting flange 26 which overlie the beam 2 of the finger bar 5 and is anchored rigidly thereto by cap screws or the like 2 I. The point of connection of the frame tongue 4 to the beam 1 of the finger bar 5 is substantially at the longitudinal center thereof, and said finger bar 5 and the sickle bar 6 are at right angles to the tongue 4 and extend outwardly well beyond the vertical planes of the outer surfaces of the wheels I.

By reference particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the finger bar 5 is provided at its extreme outer ends with runner-like ground engagin shoes 22, which are bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to the beams l of the finger bar 5 and serve to maintain the cutting surfaces of the bars 5 and 6 in suitably spaced relation to ground level.

The toothed sickle bars 5 of all forms of the invention herein illustrated are driven from suitable source of power, such as an internal combustion engine 23 mounted on the frame 2 rearwardly of the axle 3, and power transmission mechanism comprising a V- groove pulley 26 on the engine shaft 25, a speed-reducing V- groove pulley 26, a V- belt 21 running over th pulleys 24 and 26, a shaft 28 on the outer end of which the pulley 25 is mounted for common rotation, a spur pinion gear 29 fast on the shaft 28, a speed-reducing gear 30 mounted fast on a shaft 3!, a crank 32 mounted fast on one end of shaft 3!, and a forwardly and rearwardly The gears 29 and Si! are contained within a. gear box 34 that is mounted on the rear portion of the tongue 4 of frame. 2 by screws or the like 35 (see particularly Fig. 6). The shaft Si is journalled in suitable bearings in the sides of the gear box 34, and the shaft 28 is similarly journalled in the sides of the gear box 34 and in a long bearing sleeve 36 integrally formed with the gear box 34.

All the mechanism described above is common However, the power transmission mechanism intermediate the front end of the pitman arm 33 and the toothed sickle bar 6 constitutes an important feature of the present invention, and for that reason I have illustrated in the drawings three forms of the transmission mechanisms between the said pitman arm and the sickle bar 6, one form being illustrated particularly in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, 12 and 13, another form being shown particularly in Figs. 8 to 11′, inclusive, and the third form being shown in Fig. 14.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to- 5, inclusive, l2 and 13, it will be seen that the front end of the pitman arm 33 is pivoted at 3! to a slide 1-8 which is L-shaped in cross-section (see particularly Fig; 5), and is mounted for forward and rearward reciprocating movements on the frame tongue 4. The bottom of the L-shaped slide 38 works partly over the upper Fiat surface of the tongue 4 and partly over a shelf-like supporting shelf- like ledge 38 is upturned to provide a guide flange 46 for the slide 38. The slide 38 is held against lateral shifting movements in one direction by the flange 46, and in the opposite direction by a shoulder 4| of a guide member 42 welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the upper surface of the frame tongue 4, and which has a tongue portion 43 working over the upper surface of the bottom flange of the L-shaped slide 38 to retain the same against upward displacement. As will be seen, the slide 38 is located in rather closely rearwardly spaced relation to the cutting bars 5 and 6 and is guided for reciprocation in a straight line angular to the lengths of and direction of relative reciprocation of the bars 5 and 6. i

The power transmission mechanism between the pitman arm 33 and the reciprocatory sickle bar 6 comprises a slide 38 of L-shaped crosssection, an oscillatory member 44 pivoted on the frame tongue 4, and a pair of flexible members 45 and 46, respectively. Preferably, and as illustrated, the oscillatory member 44 is in the nature of a wheel segment comprising a flange d’l and having a segmental rim portion 46, the outer face of which is arcuate, the flange 41 being formed with a hub 49 that is journalled on the upper end of a stub shaft 56 through the medium of a headed screw 5|, the axis of the oscillatory member 44 being concentric with the axis of the generally arcuate face of the rim portion. 48.

tions of the flexible members 45 and 46 are anchored to the slide 68 at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof, and the opposite corresponding ends of the flexible members 45 and 46 are anchored to the sickle bar 6 at points spaced lengthwise thereof. Located beneath the flange 41 of the oscillatory member 44 is a tensioning lever 52, this lever having a tubular portion 53 that is journalled on the stub shaft 55 and the hub 49 of the member 44 so that it is adjustably pivotally movable about the axis of the member 44. This arm or lever 52 is provided at its intermediate portion’with a depending post-like boss 54 and at its free end carries a headed lock screw 56 that works in a segmental slot 51 in the flange 41 of member 44 and which sl-ot limits axial adjusting movements of the arm ’52. Obviously, however, when the lock screw 56 is tightened, the arm 52 will be locked in set position.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, l2 and 13, the flexible members 45 and 46 are in the nature of thin, flat ribbon-like bands of spring metal having suitable flexing qualities and tensile strength-spring bronze having been found particularly suitable for the purpose. The flexible Band 45 is anchored to the upstanding flange of the L-shaped slide 38 by means of an anchoring post 51, clamping plate 58, and clamping screws ’59. This flexible Band 45 extends from the anchoring post 5? in a counterclockwise direction about the oscillatory member 44, spanning the space between the ends of the segmental flange 48 on the inside of the flange, and is anchored to the. sickle bar 6 through the medium of an anchoring plate 66, an upstanding anchoring post Bl rigid with the plate, and a clamping plate 62 having screw threaded engagement with an upstanding flange 63 of the plate 60. The anchoring plate 65 is anchored to the upper surface of the reciprocatory sickle bar 6 by means of clamping screws or the like 64, and the anchoring post 6| is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to one end of the flange 63. One end of the flexible member or Band 46 is anchored to the slide 38 through the medium of an anchoring post 55 corresponding to the anchoring post 51, and the clamping r screw-equipped clamping plate 58 extends in a clockwise direction about the segmental flange 48 of member 44 from the anchoring post 65 and is anchored at its other end to an anchoring post 66 rigid with the plate 66 and corresponding to the anchoring post 6.

In order to adjustably vary the tensions of the bands 45 and 46, the intermediate part of that portion of Band 45 spanning the space between the ends of the segmental flange 48 on the inside of the said flange is looped around the post-like boss 54 of the adjusting arm 52 and around the hub portion 56 of the arm 52, as shown best in Figs. 4 and 12. With this arrangement, the tension of the flexible members may be adjustably increased by pivotally moving the arm 52 in a clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 4, the arm being subsequently locked in position by means of the lock screw 56. 1

In the machine from which the drawings hereof were made, suitable transmission mechanism was provided for driving the ground wheels I from the engine 23, but since this portion of the machine is outside the scope of the present invention, no attempt has been made to completely illustrate the wheel driving mechanism. This wheel driving mechanism does, however, comprise chain sprockets 61, sprockets 68, link chains 65 running over the sprockets 61 and 68, and other elements not illustrated in sufficient detail to justify designation by numeral. Insofar as the instant invention is concerned, it makes no difference whether the machine be advanced manually or by mechanical means. As illusrated, the machine is of the two-wheel variety adapted for guidance by a walking operator, and for which purpose it is provided with a rearwardly and upwardly extending handle bar 10 equipped at its outer end with a handle H. The handle bar ii! is anchored fast to the frame 2 r through the medium of the gear box 34 to which the front end portion of the handle bar is rigidly anchored.

By reference particularly to Figs. 2 and 4, it Will be seen that both ends of the flexible Band members 45 and 46 are tangential to the outer arcuate face of the segmental rim 48 of member 44 and that said flexible Band members extend parallel to the sickle bar 6 and the line of reciprocation thereof from the arcuate face of rim portion 48 to their respective anchoring posts 66 or 6|, and that said Band members 45 and 46 extend parallel to the slide 38 and the line of reciprocation thereof from the arcuate face of flange 48 to their respective anchoring posts 51′ or 65. In the construction described, the anchoring posts 6| and 66 serve as the fixed space points of anchorage of corresponding ends of the flexible Band members 45 and 46 to the sickle bar, and the spaced anchoring posts 51′ and 65, respectively, provide fixed spaced points of anchor- 7 age of the other corresponding ends of the flexible Band members 45 and 46, respectively, to the slide member 38.

Operation-Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, 12 and 13 When the engine 23 is operated, the crank 32 will be rotated through the transmission mechanism described in a counterclockwise direction with respect to Fig. 7, and motion of the crank will be transmitted to the slide 38 through the pitman arm 33. The slide will now reciprocate rapidly in the guide described in a straight line, substantially at a right angle to the relatively reciprocating bars and 6, this reciprocating motion of the slide 38 being, in turn, transmitted to the sickle bar 6 by the flexible Band members 45 and 46 operating about the arcuate face of member 44, which, member 44, will oscillate about its axis. Of course, the flexible Band member 45 pulls the sickle bar 6 in one direction and the flexible Band member 46 pulls the sickle bar in the opposite direction.

As indicated in the introduction, an important feature of the invention is the fact that the flexible members 45 and 46 always apply driving energy to the sickle bar 6 at fixed points thereon and in a direction parallel to the sickle bar and the line or path of reciprocation thereof, so that there is no tendency to deflect the sickle bar with respect to the cooperating finger bar.

In the modified form of the invention shown in Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, the transmission mechanism connecting the front end of the pitman arm 33 to the sickle bar 6 comprises a slide 38′ which corresponds to the slide 3-8 of Figs. 1 to 5, and which is pivoted to the front end of the pitman arm 33 at 37′, an oscillatory member 44′, which corresponds broadly to the oscillatory member 44 of Figs. 1 to 4, and a pair of flexible members and 46′, corresponding respectively l to the flexible members and 4:6 of Figs. 1 to 4. The slide 38′ is guided for straight line forward and rearward reciprocating movements on the frame tongue 4 in substantially the manner described in connection with the slide 38 of Figs. 1

to 4:. The oscillatory member 44′ of Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive is a composite structure comprising a coaxial pair of wheels 12 and 13, respectively. The circular rim portions of the rims l2 and 13 of member 4d together define the two sections of a generally circular peripheral face of member 44, which, face, is equipped with two series of circumferentially-spaced sprocket teeth 14. The concentric wheels 7? and T3 of the oscillatory member 44 are pivoted to the frame tongue 4 through the medium of a mounting flange l5 and pivot bolt 16. Broadly speaking, the oscillatory member 44′ is the equivalent of the oscillatory member 44 of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, and also may be said to have an arcuate face, since any section of the circular face of the member 44′ is arcuate. The mounting flange i5 is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the tongue 4 and projects laterally therefrom and, by reference particularly to Fig. 11, it will be seen that the slide 38′ is slidably mounted directly on the upper surface of this flange 15, the flange 15 being formed to provide a suitable guideway i! for the slide 38′. The flexible members 45′ and ’46 of Figs. 8 to 11 are in the nature of link chains having intermeshing engagement with the teeth 74 of the oscillating member 44′. The flexible member 45′ is anchored at one side to the slide 38′ by a nut-equipped bolt 18, passes clockwise about an arcuate portion of wheel 12 of member 44′ and is anchored at its other end to the sickle bar 6 through the medium of an L-shaped anchoring plate 60 corresponding broadly to the anchoring plate 66 of Figs. 1 to 5, and an anchoring lug l9 and nut-equipped anchoring bolt 80. The flexible member 45 is anchored at one end to the slide 38 by an anchoring lug BI and nut-equipped anchoring bolt 82, passes in a countel-clockwise direction about an arcuate portion of the wheel 12 of member 44′ and is anchored at its other end to the sickle bar 6 through the medium of an anchoring lug 83 and nut-equipped anchoring bolt 84.

.- will be seen that the flexible chain members 45′ and 46′ are parallel to the sickle bar 6 and the line of reciprocation thereof from the generally arcuate faces of wheels 12 and 73 of member 44′ to their points of anchorage to the sickle bar, so that driving energy is always applied thereby to the sickle bar atfixed points thereon and in a straight line parallel to the sickle bar 6 and the direction of reciprocation of the sickle bar.

Since the operation 01 the mechanism of Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, is substantially identical to the mechanism of Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, a detailed description is not deemed necessary. It may be said, however, that the form of transmission mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, has the advantage over that shown in Figs. 8 to 11, inclusive, of being somewhat cheaper to construct because it utilizes simpler and less expensve parts, and further because it is lighter and has less tendency to be source of vibration.

Referring now to Fig. 14, it will be seen that I have here shown a still further form of power transmission mechanism intermediate the forward end of the pitman arm 33 and the sickle bar 6, and which also has the characteristic advantage mentioned in connection with the devices of Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive, which is the application of reciprocating energy to the sickle bar at fixed points thereon and always in a direction parallel to the sickle bar and the direction of reciprocation or line of reciprocation thereof. While this Fig. 14 was previously described as being a view generally corresponding to Fig. 4, attention is, nevertheless, directed to the fact that Fig. 14 shows some of the parts positioned in a different portion of the operating cycle than does Fig. 4. In this form of the invention, the oscillatory member, which is indicated as an entirety by 44, oscillated from the pitman arm 33 by direct crank connection, rather than through flexible members as in the devices of previous figures. As shown, the oscillatory member Aid has a flange portion 4? which broadly corresponds to the flange portion 4′! of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, and is pivoted to the frame tongue 4 in exactly the same manner and by the same means as is the oscillatory member as of Figs. 1 to 4. As shown, the flange portion 41 is integrally formed with a bell crank arm 85 having an upstanding crank pin 85 and having an enlarged generally spherical head providing part of what is commonly referred to as a ball and socket joint with the pitman arm 33. The outer or socket forming portions of this ball and socket joint are formed by opposed socket forming members 87 and 88 mounted on the front end of the pitman arm 33 by means of nut-equipped screws or the like 89. The flange portion 41 of the oscillatory member 44 is formed with an upstanding rim portion 48 which broadly corresponds to therim, portion 48 of Figs. 1 to 4, in-

9 elusive, and I2. This rim portion 48 has a generally arcuate face portion 90 concentric with the axis of oscillation of the member 44 and which extends between points X-X, the ends X-X of said arcuate face portion 90 being tangential with smaller radius semi-circular face portions 9 I that are connected by a flat face portion 92. As illustrated in Fig. 14, oscillatory motion of the member 44 is transmitted to the reciprocatory sickle bar 6 by means of flexible members 93 and 94, respectively, in the nature of flat i flexible metallic bands substantially like that forming the flexible Band members 45 and 46 of Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, and others. In this form of the invention, corresponding ends of the flexible Band members 93 and 94 are anchored, the former above the latter, against the flat face portion 92 of the flange 48 by means of a clamping plate 95 and anchoring screws 96 and extend in opposite directions from their points of anchorage to the member 44 about the concentric generally arcuate face 95! thereof and have their 1 opposite corresponding ends anchored to the sickle bar at fixed spaced points thereon represented by anchoring posts 6| and E5 corresponding to the similarly numbered anchoring posts of.Figs. l to 4. The anchoring posts 6| and 66 are connected to the sickle bar 6 in the same man- ‘ner as in Figs. 1 to 4 and by correspondingly numbered parts, and the last said end portions.-of the flexible members 93 and 94 are looped around the posts BI and 66 and anchored to the flange 63 by a screw-equipped anchoring plate 62 just as in Figs. 1 to 4.

By reference to Fig. 14, it will be apparent that the extended end portions of the flexible Band members 93 and 94 are tangential to the generally arcuate surface 90 of member 44 and are parallel to the sickle bar from the member 44 to their points of anchorage on the sickle bar represented by posts 6| and 66, respectively. Hence, in this form, as in the other forms of the invention previously described, reciprocating energy is transmitted to the sickle bar 6 always.to fixed points thereon and always in a straight.line parallel to the sickle bar and its direction of.reciprocation.

By reference particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the radius of the arcuate face of the flange 48 of the oscillatory member 44 is.greater than the throw or distance of travel of the slide 38, which latter is approximately the distance between the centers of slide anchoring posts 65 and 5? The importance of this feature resides in the fact that it prevents a collision between the slide 38 and any of the parts upstanding from the sickle bar to provide anchorage for the Band elements 45 and 46, such as elements to, 63, 6| and 66, in the event of breakage of a flexible Band member 45 or 46. This same principle may, of course, be advantageously employed in connection with the structure of Figs. 8 to 10, inclusive. In the structure of Fig. 14, a similar result is achieved by making the radius of the oscillatory member 44 greater than the throw of the forward end of the pitman arm 33.

While I have herein described several embodifments which my invention may assume in practice, it will, of course, be understood that the same is capable of further modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventhan as expressed in the following claims.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower ineluding a frame, and a pair of cooperating toothed cutting bars mounted and guided on the frame for relative linear reciprocation; an oscillatory member pivoted to the frame in close proximity to said bars and midway between the ends thereof, said oscillatory member having a generally arcuate face concentric with its axis, a flexible power transmission member extending circumferentially about the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member and having one end portion thereof anchored fast to the oscillatory member, the other end portion of the flexible member extending tangentially from said arcuate face in close proximity to and parallel With one of the relatively reciprocatory cutting bars to which it is anchored, and power transmission mechanism on the frame for imparting pivotal oscillatory motion to the oscillatory member, the last said mechanism comprising a powerolriven crank remote from the oscillatory member and. a pitman arm connected at one end to said crank and at its other end to the oscillatory member.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, and a pair of cooperating toothed cutting bars mounted on the frame intermediate their ends and guided thereon for relative linear reciprocation; an oscillatory member pivoted on the frame in close proximity to said bars and midway between the ends thereof, said oscillatory member having a generally arcuate face concentric with its axis, a pair of power transmission members extending circumferentially about the said generally arcuate face of the oscill tory member, corresponding end portions of the flexible members extending tangentially in opposite directions from the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member and being anchored each to a relatively reciprocatory cutting bar, the said flexible members extending parallel to the cutting bar from the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member to their respective points of anchorage to a said cutting bar, and power transmission mechanism on the frame for imparting pivotal oscillatory motion to the oscillatory member and the engaged portions of said flexible members.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, and a pair of cooperating toothed cutting bars mounted on the frame and guided for relative linear reciprocation; an oscillatory member pivoted to the frame in close proximity to said bars and midway between the ends thereof, said oscillatory member having a generally arcuate face concentric with its axis, a flexible power transmission member extending circumferentiallv about the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member and having one end portion thereof anchored fast to the oscillatory member, the other end portion of the flexible member extending tangentially from said arcuate face and being anchored to one of the relatively recinrocatory cutting bars, the flexible member extending parallel to the cutting bars from the generallv arcuate face of the oscillatory member to its point of anchorage to the toothed cutting bar, power transmission mechanism on the frame for im arting pivotal oscillatory motion to the oscillatory member, the last said mechanism compris ng a power-driven crank remote from the oscillatory member and a pitman arm connected at oneend to said crank and at its other end to the oscillatory member, the said flexible member pul mg its anchored bar in one direction, and means for moving the said bar in the other direction.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame intermediate its ends, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; an oscillatory member pivoted on the frame in close proximity to the center of the sickle bar and having a generally arcuate face concentric with its axis, a pair of.flexible power transmission members extending in opposite directions about the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member, corresponding end portions of the flexible members extending tangentially in opposite directions from the generally arcuate face of said oscillatory member and being anchored to the sickle bar-at spaced points longitudinally thereof, the said flexible members extending parallel to the sickle bar from the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member to their respective.points of :anchorage to the sickle bar, and power transmission mechanism on the frame for imparting pivotal oscillatory motion to the oscillatory member and the engaged portions or said flexible members.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame intermediate its ends, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; an oscillatory member pivoted on the frame in close proximity to the center of the sickle bar and having a generally ‘arcuate face concentric with its axis, a pair of flexible power tranmission members extending inzopposite directions about the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member, one corresponding end portion of each flexible member being ancl’iored fast to the oscillatory member and the mther corresponding end portions of said flexible members extending tangentially in opposite di- Iections from the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member and being anchored to the sickle bar’at’spaced points longitudinally thereof,

the flexible members extending parallel to the sicklebarfrom the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member to their respective points of anchorage to the sickle bar, and power transmission mechanism on the frame for imparting pivotal oscillatory motion to the oscillatory member, the last said mechanism comprising a crank element carried by the oscillatory member and acrank operated pitman arm extending from said crank element.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame, and ‘a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect.thereto; a slide mounted on the frame for reciprocation in a plane angular to the length of the sickle bar and intermediate the ends thereof, transmission mechanism operatively connected with the slide for imparting reciprocation thereto, an oscillatory member pivoted to the frame intermediate the slide and the sickle bar and having ‘a generally arcuate face, and a pair of flexible members extending in opposite directions about said ,g-enerally arcuate face and having one corresponding end of each thereof anchored to the slide at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof and having their corresponding other ends anchored to the sickle bar at spaced points lengthwise thereof, the flexible members extending substantially parallel to the sickle bar between the generally arcuate face of the oscillatory member and their points of connection with the sickle ban 7. For use with a reciprocatory type mower and including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; a slide mounted on the frame for reciprocation in a plane angular to the length of the sickle bar and intermediate the ends thereof transmission mechanism operatively connected with the slide for imparting reciprocation thereto, an oscillatory member pivoted to the :frame intermediate the slide and the sickle bar, said oscillatory member having agenerally atollate segmental rim portion concentric with its axis, a pair of flexible members extending in upvposite directions about the generally arcuate rim portion and having one corresponding end of each thereof anchored to the slide at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof and having their corresponding other ends anchored to the sickle bar at spaced points lengthwise thereof, both end portions of each flexible member being in planes tangential to said generally arcuate segmental rim portion and one of said flexible members spanning the ends of said segmental rim portiononthe inside thereof, and means for adjusting the tension of the flexible members, said means comprising an adjusting device mounted on the oscillatory member for adjusting movements thereon and engaging the portion of the flexible member which spans the space between the ends of the segmental rim portion, and means for locking said adjusting device in different adjusted positions.

For use with a reciprocatory type :mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; a slide mounted on the frame for reciprocation in a plane angular to the length of the sickle bar and intermediate the ends thereof, transmission mechanism opera-tively connected with the slide for imparting reciprocation thereto, an

oscillatory member pivoted to the frame intermediate the slide :and the sickle bar, sa’i’d oscillatory member having a generally arcua’te segmental rim portion concentric with its axis, a pair of flexible members extending in opposite directions about the generally arcuate rim portion and having one corresponding end or each thereof anchored to the slide at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof and having their corresponding other ends anchored to the sickle bar at spaced points lengthwise thereof, both end portions of ‘each flexible member being in planes tangential to said segmental rim portion and one of said flexible members spanning the ends of said segmental rim portion on the inside thereof, and means for adjusting the tension of the flexible members, said means comprising an adjusting arm pivoted on the oscillatory-member and having lateral engagement with the intermediate portion of that part of the flexible member spanning the space between the ends of the segmental rim portion of the oscillatory member, whereby pivotal movement of the adjusting arm will vary the tension of the cooperating flexible member, and means locking said arm in adjusted positions.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted on the frame, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; a slide mounted on the frame for reciprocation in a plane angular to the length of the sickle bar and intermediate the ends thereof, transmission mechanism operatively connected with the slide for imparting reciprocation thereto, an oscillatory member pivoted to the frame intermediate the slide and the sickle bar, said oscillatory member having a generally arcuate segmental rim portion concentric with its axis, a pair of flexible members extending in opposite directions about the generally arcuate rim portion and having one corresponding end of each thereof anchored to the slide at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof and having their corresponding other ends anchored to the sickle bar at spaced points lengthwise thereof, both end portions of each flexible member being in planes tangential to said segmental rim portion and one of said flexible members spanning the ends of said segmental rim portion on the inside thereof, means for adjusting the tension of the flexible members, said means comprising an adjusting arm pivoted to the oscillatory member for movements in a plane perpendicular to said axis and having interlocking engagement with the intermediate portion of that part of the flexible member spanning the space between the ends of the segmental rim portion of the oscillatory member, said member having a segmental slot over which the arm perates, and a clamping screw threaded in the arm and working through the segmental slot, of said oscillatory member.

For use with a reciprocatory type mower including a frame, a finger bar mounted onthe frame, and a sickle bar mounted on the finger bar for linear reciprocation with respect thereto; a slide mounted on the frame for reciprocation in a plane angular to the length of the sickle bar and intermediate the ends thereof, transmission mechanism operatively connected with the slide for imparting reciprocation thereto, an oscillatory member pivoted to the frame intermediate the slide and the sickle bar, said member having a generally arcuate segmental rim portion concentric with its axis, a pair of flexible members extending in opposite directions about the member and having one corresponding end of each thereof anchored to the slide at spaced points lengthwise of the direction of reciprocation thereof and having their corresponding other ends anchored to the sickle bar at spaced points lengthwise thereof, both end portions of each flexible member being in planes tangential to said segmental rim portion and on of said flexible members spanning the ends of said segmental rim portion on the inside thereof, means for adjusting the tension of the flexible members, said means comprising an arm pivoted adjacent one of its ends concentrically of the axis of the oscillatory member and working over a surface of said member perpendicular to the axis thereof, a post carried by the said arm and engaging the outer surface of the intermediate portion of that part of the flexible member spanning the space between the ends of the segmental rim portion of said member, and means for releasably locking the arm in adjusted positions.

The structure defined in claim 10 in which the means for releasably locking the arm in adjusted positions comprises a clamping screw threaded in the arm and working through a segmental slot in the oscillatory member.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 796,268 Troeger Aug. 1, 1905 1,200,983 Quesnell Oct. 10, 1916 1,567,013 Rutishauser Dec. 22, 1925 1,599,463 Flynn Sept, 14, 1926 1,620,795 Black Mar. 15, 1927 2,335,541 Ronning Nov, 30, 1943

New! 72″ Sickle Bar Mower

Sickle Bar Mowing Attachment for Skid Steer Loaders. The performance and quality will meet even the highest standards. This Sickle Bar is fitted for use on Skid Steer loaders. To operate this cutter at an optimal performance, your machine must have a hydraulic flow rate of 15 GPM – 25 GPM @ 3000 PSI Rated.

Will drop below grade up to 45degrees

Wiring Harness Options:.Universal wire harness 400

-14 pin (JD, Kubota, New Holland, etc.) 500 wiring harness

-7 pin (Bobcat) 650

Cutting Capacity 1″ Material

Motor w/Pitman drive Tooth Style Top Serrated 2″ Segment

Rated working pressure 3000 psi

Maximum swaying degree 130°

New! 48” Skid Steer Hydraulic Concrete Mixer Bucket

New! Hydraulic Post Driver/Pounder with Universal Quick Attach

Google Reviews

It’s hard to get good service from many companies. Rigs 4 Less has great customer service! They are willing to go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied. They are very knowledgeable about what they sell. And lots of attachments to pick from. I’ve already bought two, a grapple bucket and a snow plow. I will purchase more from them in the future.

Ed has been great to deal with, I purchased a Stout stump bucket from him when I first started my business and it was an absolute brute for a great value. I recently purchased a Prime brush mower and couldn’t be more satisfied. When talking with Ed discussing different options he was very knowledgeable and helpful with helping me choose the right mower for what I’m using it for. I had a small issue the first time using it, which ended up being a small pressure adjustment, and on a Saturday afternoon Ed took my call and got me in contact with the owner of Prime attachments to solve my issue. That same weekend I had 2 blade bolts spin, very small and common problem on mowers, and Ed stood behind that and got me some new bolts to keep going. Without a doubt I will be purchasing more attatchments from Ed in the future. 10/10 recommend

I’ve been buying attachments from Ed for a few years now and he’s always taken care of me. Ed knows his attachments and will make sure that the attachment you’re interested in will be a good fit for your machine and give his honest opinion about if it’s the right attachment for the job. Ed has the best selection around with just about every attachment you can think of. With his huge inventory and big variety of attachments he is able to offer attachments to fit anyones budget. If you want knowledgeable staff and great customer service then you won’t be let down shopping with Rigs4Less! Thanks Ed and staff!

Did plenty of research on stump grinders and decided to purchase one to be powered by my skid steer. Found a couple different types that would work. One company made a type that seemed more complicated than what was needed to grind a stump having extra hydraulic arms and a necessary 12V electric connection. Also, would have had to wait 12 weeks to get it as well as pay 400 for shipping. Fortunately did more research and found Rigs 4 Less close to home. Researched what they carried for a skid steer stump grinder and found the one they carry to be very good price, (50% less), heavy duty and practical without the extra hydraulic arms and electrical so in short less issues to come up. After buying and trying Rigs 4 Less stump grinder it blasted through the stump in my yard far better than I thought it would. I was impressed! I give Rigs 4 Less, the stump grinder, and their web site an A rating. I used to dig out the stumps with my backhoe and that will be no more. A set of replacement teeth from Rigs was 1/3rd the price compared to the other company that was selling the high-priced stump grinder. Another plus with Rigs for less is they stock many of the attachments. No waiting. Definitely will be purchasing again from Rigs 4 Less in the future.

Ed is always fantastic to work with. I have purchased 6 attachments from him over the last 6 months. He is a man of his word. Fair pricing. Service is always top notch. They will even deliver for a very reasonable fee. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for skid steer attachments.

If I could rate Rigs 4 Less higher then a 5 star I would! I highly recommend Rigs 4 Less for all your skid loader attachments needs. Ed is one hell of a salesman and he puts the customers needs first. He’s very knowledgeable in the products he sells and has many different attachment options for small to large frame skid loaders. My buddy did business with him first purchasing a grapple bucket and that’s how I found out about them and went up there today and bought some heavy duty pallet forks and a heavy duty stout bucket. So far I cannot be more pleased with both attachments as I’ve already put them to work. I will be back in the fall for a grapple bucket, a snow bucket and possibly a snow pusher. Thanks Ed and your team of awesome employees for the wonderful experience. Keep up the excellent work! Justin Pietsch

The entire team at Rigs4Less are the best I have ever worked with. I have bought multiple attachments from them and there knowledge and willingness to help in any way is unheard of. Very high quality equipment as well, huge variety for the novice to a seasoned pro. Thanks again and see you very soon. Dave P.

Ed has been awesome to deal with!! He help me decide on multiple attachments that I have purchased over the last year. They all worked out perfectly, Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I also want to mention they have the best prices. I would definitely recommend this business and I will be back in the future. Thanks Ed!!

Ed and the boys did a fantastic job. Ed really helped me solve some issues with business equipment. There was now pressure to buy only helpful input. I would highly recommend them and will always be the first place I call for attachments. Great group of hardworking friendly staff.

Great company. Fair rates and quality products! Bought an grapple from Ed today. Talk to him around 1 said he closed at 2. I was hour and half away. He stayed open for me to come and choose the right one that works for my machine. Very happy. Thanks Ed! Will be coming back for more of my needs

These guys mean business. Ed will try and set you up with what is right for you specifically.I drove 2 hrs as his selection and justifies it. I arrived a little late but they made sure I left with what I wanted. Stop by the Dallas resteraunt just down the road 4 an awesome burger. After u set yourself up with some labor saving. Equip. Ed also has options on hand to make sure u get what meets your requirements.

Ed is very knowledgeable And got me into the right attachments for the Skid steer i own. The pricing was right the customer service was awesome I have bought five attachments from Ed and will be going there for more thanks so much!

Ed knows his stuff. Very knowledgeable about skidies and attachments. Was a little worried about the weight of the brush cutter but, took his suggestion. Awesome machine. Thanks Ed. Will be back.

Ed at Rigs For Less was great to work with. I purchased the Prime root grapple and, the Prime Brush mower attachment. Both of these attachments are absolute beasts!! We use are attachments mostly in extreme conditions. They are holding up very nicely. Couldn’t be happier. Word of advice’. Check these guys out first before you buy from a big name dealer. You’ll save thousands!!

Rigs4less is the best. So far, I have purchased an auger and attachment plate to adapt my bale spear from my tractor to my skid steer. Ed provides great product knowledge, the largest inventory I’ve seen and is patient and helpful while you ponder your options. The are great and I’ll continue to grow my arsenal of skid steer attachments at Rigs4less.

Went to see Ed to purchase a brush mower, very professional, mower is great! I have Many other attatchements to purchase and Ed will be my go to for everything I need as far as skid steer attachments. Highly recommend!

Ed has excellent and even better customer service. I bought a flail mower from him last Fall and ended up damaging the hose (pinched it) and it was leaking badly. I didn’t have time to stop in to purchase a new hose until this Fall and when I came in, Ed grabbed a new hose from inventory and said this one was on him. I was astonished. Nobody has customer service like Ed. I’ll also add that he has a HUGE selection of accessories at the St. Croix Falls location, awesome.

These guys are great! Bought a grapple bucket and Ed was more than helpful getting me loaded and on the road. There are so many options for attachments on his lot it isn’t even funny. He even topped off the air in my tires before I hit the road. Thanks Ed! It was a pleasure doing business with you.

Ed has been great to work with. I have bought multiple (4) attachments from him over the past 2 years. Good and GREAT service. He has bent over backwards to get me what I needed, when I need it. And even opened up shop on sunday so that I could pick up the attachment I needed before the job began the following monday. His commitment to excellent customer service stands above every other dealer I have been to. I wont go anywhere else for my skid steer attachments. He has earned this customers loyalty for life.

Ed is great to work with. I had a hydraulic hose problem on a new attachment, and he helped me out. He had someone deliver the new hose to me, even though my shop is about an hour away from him. I will certainly buy more attachments from him in the future.

I got box sweeper at 3 pm. realized the hydraulic hoses were to short for my JCB skid loader. Called Ed and by 4:30 he had longer hoses in the mail. Great service, easy to talk to and knows his product.

I recently purchased an attachment over the phone from Ed Hendrickson at Rigs 4 Less. When I arrived to pick up the attachment it was exactly the correct item and Ed and his team were very proficient in getting the item carefully in my truck and secured down. They were cautious, quick, and very professional. I would highly recommend this company and team of professionals.

Very helpful. Professional knowledgeable. But most importantly they are very prompt and communicate well. You are updated in a timely manner. Will definitely use this company again in the very near future!

Ed helped me out when I had a problem. Was polite and very helpful. Great deals also. Took the time to make sure I got what I needed.

Worked with Ed, very helpful and knowledgeable. Was smooth transition and I was very satisfied with my experience. Price were very reasonable also.

Called Rigs 4 Less off a Craigslist add, looking for a pto chipper, Ed responded right away, answered questions right away, and was currently out of the chipper I had wanted, but offered to put me on the list for the next one coming in. Came in a few weeks later, he shipped it speedy so I didnt even have to travel to get it, and the product actually exceeded my expectations so far! Seems well built, came in a darn nice angle iron cage, and it self feeds even though its not labled as such. Item I bought was the TMGWC42. Staff kept me informed of shipping progress also.

My dad recently purchased a Brush Mower with Rigs 4 Less, Inc. The service was excellent and we received the mower the next day. We will be purchasing more equipment for our business, Hesse’s Landscaping, in the near future. Thank you!

Thank you Ed for the great service. I bought three pieces in the last ten months. Nothing but great customer service. For a guy like me not knowing much about the attachments, you helped me thru the process. Your new St. Croix Falls location is convenient and looks great.

Sickle Bar Mower for Subcompact Tractor

Have you ever wondered what a sickle bar mower can do on a 1025r or other subcompact tractor? Today we have another Maschio mower from Agfolks.com. With the help of our friends at Agfolks.com, we hope to answer that question.

What is a Sickle Bar Mower?

A Sickle Bar mower is a reciprocating style of mower that consists of a long (~5 to 9 foot) bar that has triangular shaped blades or sections that move back and forth. The bar has fingers that we always call guards. Those guards prevent rocks and larger items from getting in to the cutter bar. The action of a sickle bar is similar to that of a hair clipper.

As a kid growing up on the farm we used an International Harvester 1300 Sickle Bar mower. As I mentioned in the video linked above, the IH 1300 is a quality sickle mower should a guy want to pick one up on the used equipment market. It might take a bit to get it configured so that a 1025r could pick it up, but it would be a fun adventure!

Uses of a Sickle Bar

A sickle bar is primarily used in the hay making process. Typically the hay is mowed on the 1st day and left to dry. On the 2nd day the hay gets stirred up with what’s called a Tedder and left to dry a bit more. On the 3rd day the hay is pushed into windrows using what’s called a rake. The final step is to then run a baler along the windrows completing the process.

General mowing opportunities also exist for a sickle bar mower. If you’ve got a ditch bank that you need to mow, this unit would be a great option. With its light weight, you can safely cut with the tractor on uneven ground without the feeling of tipping over. It would be very useful at trimming underneath the low hanging branches of pine trees or other such obstacles.

Pros and Cons of a Sickle Bar Mower

After using the Maschio sickle bar mower we got from Agfolks.com, we found there to be a number of pros such as:

• They are simpler, less expensive and lighter weight than a disc mower
• It’s cleaner as it won’t throw grass or other items at the operator
• The operator drives along in an already cut path resulting in fewer bugs flying around
• They are quieter than other types of mowers

Here are a few of the cons we noticed:

• It leaves the grass in one piece and just sort of lays it over
• The look is less desirable to those who are mowing to make something look nice
• There would be more maintenance with a sickle bar mower

Maschio

The Maschio Weekend Warrior Fiore 175 has a 69″ cutting width. As I mentioned in the video, this same company manufactures a sickle bar mower with green paint and sold under the Frontier brand. One unique features of the Maschio mower is that both the sections and guards move increasing the speed this unit will cut.

When you visit Agfolks.com, you will see there are several variations of the Maschio sickle bar mowers. If you go with the unit like the one we showed in our video, don’t forget to visit Discount Hydraulic Hoses in order to pick up the Hydraulic kit that we’ve put together for you. Remember to use coupon code TTWT for 5% off your purchase at checkout! If you’d prefer a simpler option, Maschio does offer a mechanical lift option.

Summary

A sickle bar mower, like this Maschio, is easy on the tractor. It doesn’t come close to maxing out the horsepower of subcompact tractor. It’s a great mower for trimming and cutting underneath things. While a Sickle Bar Mower’s primary use is cutting hay, I hope you’ve seen some of their other uses of this versatile mower. Check out Agfolks.com for this and other Maschio products! Don’t forget that by using coupon code TTWT at checkout, you’ll save 5% off your entire purchase.

Sickle bar mowers

The Crassula CR6 disc mower has a cutting width of 2,45 m. The advantage of this type of mower lies in its ease of use, its relative light weight combined with the excellent contour following thanks.

sickle bar mower BF, BFS series

Working width: 135 cm. 270 cmPower required: 20, 35, 50, 70 chWeight: 195 kg. 530 kg

The Enorossi Sickle Bar Mowers come from an accurate study for a wide variety of uses especially in pastures. BF/BFT series with riveted guards and BFS series with bolted guards. All.

disc mower BE400

Working width: 50 cm

sickle bar mower 680 HY StarGate

Working width: 210 cmPower required: 8.6, 10.7, 7.5, 9.1 chWeight: 135, 141, 143 kg

Motor mower with new continuously variable transmission (CVT) and PowerSafe® hydraulic clutch. With the 680 HY StarGate the new era for BCS multifunctional motor mowers has begun! The new, completely.

sickle bar mower 614 PowerSafe®

Working width: 0 cm. 100 cmPower required: 3.6 kWPTO speed: 990 rpm

The versatility of BCS motor mowers PowerSafe® allows our customers to fulfil any requirement, all year round, related to:. mowing fodder. weeding between rows of vineyards and orchards. maintenance of public.

sickle bar mower 615 PowerSafe®

Working width: 0 cm. 115 cmPower required: 6.3, 3.6, 4.1 kWPTO speed: 990 rpm

The versatility of BCS motor mowers PowerSafe® allows our customers to fulfil any requirement, all year round, related to:. mowing fodder. weeding between rows of vineyards and orchards. maintenance of public.

sickle bar mower JRF-1001A/B/C (RATO)

Working width: 870, 970, 1,070 mmPower required: 2.5 kW

A self-propelled double-reciprocating sickle-bar mower for heavy-duty vegetation-clearance.Use our sustainable scythe mowers to give gardens and wild growing meadows.

sickle bar mower 5300

Working width: 105, 100, 122 cmPower required: 4.8 kWWeight: 70 kg

gardens or along a lake, the meadow mower 5300 is the best choice for difficult areas. PRACTICE HINTS 1 In the professional landscape maintenance the robust municipal cutter bar is recommended. The.

sickle bar mower 3600 series

Working width: 60 cm. 400 cmPower required: 4.8 kWWeight: 55, 57 kg

cutter bar mower drive with no-play, readjustable blade drive.2 or 3 forward and backward gears allow operation speed always adjusted to the application.Safe working on steep slopes up to 45° (100%).Purposive.

sickle bar mower CB8700

Working width: 87 cm

Specifications Engine model. : 159 cc Lon Engine type. : 4 stroke CC. : 159 cc Airfilter. : Paper with foam filter Starter. : Recoil Oil. : SAE 30 Gasoline/diesel. : Gasoline Engine oil. : 0,6 litre Cutting width. :.

sickle bar mower LK series

Working width: 1.2, 1.6, 1.8, 2.1 mPower required: 18, 25 kWSwath width: 1, 1.4, 1.6, 1.9 m

Rear-mounted mowers with single cutter bar and double fingers are designed for cutting all types of grass and forage plants. This type of mower is very simple and easy for handling and.

sickle bar mower LK series

Working width: 1.25 m. 2.25 mPower required: 18, 25 kWSwath width: 1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 m

Rear-mounted tractor mowers with two moveable cutter bars designed for cutting all types of grass, forage plants and medicinal herbs, as well as for public utility works. This type of mower.

sickle bar mower 407 series

Power required: 5.2 kW. 7.1 kWWeight: 148, 158, 166, 172, 175 kg

for intensive use Key features: 1- Height and side adjustable handlebars. 2- Implements: a) Mower; b) Front-mounted rotary mower; c) Belt rake; d) Irrigation pump; e) Snowplough;.

sickle bar mower FIORE

Working width: 1.45 m. 2.35 mPower required: 25 chPTO speed: 540 rpm

possible to cut on inclined contours, on embankments and ditches, thanks to the possibility of inclining the cutter bar down to.45°. A sickle bar following the field contours in the.

sickle bar mower 9GB-2.1

Working width: 2,100 mm

reciprocating mower is used for reaping the grass which grows at the farm, forest or pastureland It works at the hill, sloping field or small field It controls by the tractor driver and it has the good working performance.

sickle bar mower

Working width: 11 m

Clear View Excellent overview as the complete machine is in the drivers FOCUS. Obstacles are detected without any difficulty. Benefit of maximum working width – no unnecessary overlap. No overrun of upright food Tractors with.

sickle bar mower

Working width: 1.25 m. 6 m

All Brielmaier mowers use the same chassis, the same wheel hub motors, the same hydraulics and the same operating unit. A low centre of gravity and the unique compact transverse design of the machine ensure optimum handling.

sickle bar mower BY957

Working width: 180, 215, 155 cmPower required: 25 chPTO speed: 540 rpm

Haryo BY 957 Meadow Mower has been produced according to the results of countless trials, in the norms that the farmer can use comfortably in accordance with agriculture. First of all, the farmer wants his machine.

sickle bar mower DM series

Working width: 7.3, 8, 9.1, 10 mWeight: 680 kg. 1,160 kg

The SAUERBURGER DM Butterfly mower combinations are designed for high area outputs with relatively low power requirements. Due to the low power-to-weight ratio, the mower combinations can also be operated.

sickle bar mower Shrub Master

Power required: 36.3 kWPTO speed: 540 rpmWeight: 275 kg

Shrub Master is also known as Rotary Slasher from KS AGROTECH PVT.LTD. We are one of the leading manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers of Shrub Master/Rotary Slasher. Our Rotary Slasher is very suitable for controlling and cutting shrubs.

sickle bar mower FC 110

Configured for a centrally mounted cutterbar, this lightweight and manoeuvrable machine is designed to meet the requirements of non-professional users. Gearbox 1-speed (1 forward) Differential no Fwd/Rev shuttle no Engine.

motor-mower CORONA

Working width: 112 cm. 167 cmPower required: 4.5, 5, 7 kWPTO speed: 3,600 rpm

Motor mower Corona is available in options, with diesel engine Lombardini-15LD350 5.00 kW, gasoline engine Kohler CH395 power 7.00 kW, Kipor 178F diesel engine. The gearbox has four speeds, three forward and one reverse

sickle bar mower FKRFM series

Working width: 1,930, 1,500 mmPower required: 40 ch. 55 chPTO speed: 540 rpm

It is used for cutting of fodder crops like Millet, Sorghum, Maize, Oats, Mustard. Saves labour cost and time. It is provided with a moving cam cover to avoid the logging of the fodder crop on the cam. Reciprocating motion of blades.

sickle bar mower LKS-SMB-DB

Working width: 600 cm

sickle bar mower 5PR

Working width: 1,200 mmPower required: 5 chWeight: 135 kg

Side clutch for easy drive – LHS RHS turning with minimum turning radius Telescopic adjustable handle- length can be adjusted Powerful Honda engine – GX200 Cutting height adjustment – 4 inches to 22 inches

sickle bar mower T-BB

Working width: 1,400 mmPower required: 35 ch. 45 chPTO speed: 540 rpm

The Reaper-binder which is driven by the power-take-off drive of the tractor and easily attached to the tractor by its three-point hitch is a very useful and practical machine that needs very little maintenance and it reaps and binds.

sickle bar mower CB 180

Working width: 660 mmPower required: 35 ch. 70 chWeight: 248 kg

Double bar sickle mower is a three-point linkage mower that attached to the lower links and to the upper link bracket of the tractor. The blade is moved by three V-belts.

sickle bar mower D 3.87

Working width: 87 cm

sickle bar mower

Working width: 160 cm. 260 cm

Bar widths of up to 260 cm are used for the rugged frame construction of broad gauge mowers, which enables extremely high acreage performance. This makes broad gauge mowers particularly.

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The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.