Form # 147021
Issue 05/05
50
MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
SICKLE AND SICKLE DRIVE (continued)
Guards
CAUTION: Always lower reel props
before working under reel.
Check daily that guards are aligned to obtain
proper shear cut between sickle section and
guard. Sickle sections should contact shear
surface of each guard.
A guard straightening tool is available from your
Dealer Parts Department. To bend guard tips up,
position the tool as shown at (A) and pull up. To
bend tips down, position tool as at (B) and push
down.
TIP:
If trouble is encountered cutting tangled, but
easy to cut material (canola, peas, grain) replace
guards with stub guards and install a sickle hold-
down on every guard. If material is tough to cut,
install stub guards with top guard and adjuster
plate. See your dealer for details.
Excessive Breakage
Excessive breakage of sickle sections and guards
is an indication that the header flotation is set too
heavy. See "Header Flotation" in this section.
Sickle Hold-Downs
CAUTION: Always engage reel props
before working under reel.
Check daily
that sickle hold-downs are set to
prevent sickle sections from lifting off guards but
still permit sickle to slide without binding. Set hold-
downs after guards are aligned.
To adjust hold-downs:
1. Using a feeler gauge between hold-down
and sickle section, turn bolt (A) to obtain
0.020 inch (0.5 mm) clearance.
2. After adjusting hold-downs, run header at a low
engine speed and listen for noise due to
insufficient clearance. Re-adjust as necessary.
BENDING GUARD TIPS UP
A
BENDING GUARD TIPS DOWN
B
SETTING SICKLE HOLD-DOWNS
