Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

READER: I have a New Holland 451 sickle mower. Here in east Texas, we "old school" bermudagrass farmers still use the sickle cutters. My sickle has rivets to secure the sections. I want to update the sickle bar to the bolt and nut way of holding the sections in place. How can I do this?

STEVE: To make that change, you will need to replace the hold-down clips on your mower (see photo accompanying this article). The new clips will have a taller arch that will allow the nut to clear. You will need to replace all clips on the bar. You can still use your current sickle after the update or if you want to buy a new updated sickle and use your current sickle as a backup.

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-- Write Steve Thompson at Ask The Mechanic, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email mechanic@progressivefarmer.com, and be sure to include your phone number.

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