The provided manual describes the Sears Sickle Bar Mower Attachment, Model No. 842.26002, designed for use with Sears tractors. This attachment is a specialized cutting tool primarily used for mowing tall grass, weeds, and other vegetation, particularly in areas where a conventional rotary mower might struggle, such as on hillsides or uneven terrain.
Function Description:
The sickle bar mower operates by means of a reciprocating knife assembly that moves back and forth across stationary guards, effectively shearing off vegetation. The attachment is powered by the tractor's engine via a V-belt system. It features a "break-back" mechanism that allows the sickle bar to pivot backward if it encounters an obstruction, preventing damage. The mower can operate from 45 degrees vertical to 45 degrees below horizontal, offering versatility for various cutting conditions. The inner shoe of the sickle bar is designed to "float" lightly on the ground, adapting to uneven terrain. The outer shoe's weight can be adjusted via a torsion spring to optimize cutting performance. A foot lever is used to lift and lower the sickle bar, and a spring-loaded pin secures it in the transport position. For safety, a sickle knife cover is provided and should be used when the mower is not in operation or during transport.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: 842.26002
- Cutting Swath: 48 inches
- Sickle Knife Clearance: Hold-down clips should maintain approximately 1/32" clearance from the sickle knife sections.
- Gearbox: Contains all-purpose grease, which should be checked and refilled seasonally.
- Belt System: Utilizes a small V-belt for the gearbox and a long V-belt for the main drive. Belt tension is adjustable.
- Clutch Rod Adjustment: When the attachment lever is engaged ("IN" position), the distance between the belt centers above the idler pulley should be approximately 2-5/8".
- Sickle Section Protrusion: Sickle sections should protrude 1/32" to 1/16" beyond the guards.
Usage Features:
- Attachment to Tractor: The manual provides detailed instructions for attaching the main frame, gearbox assembly, clutch rod, and basic mower to the tractor. This includes removing the right-hand grill side of the tractor and ensuring proper alignment of pins, belts, and springs.
- Operation: Before starting, a prestarting inspection is crucial, including checking assembly, adjustments, sickle section sharpness, and lubrication. The tractor engine throttle should be set just above idle, then the attachment clutch lever engaged slowly, and the throttle advanced to 3/4 to full.
- Mowing Method: Users are advised to analyze the mowing area, considering grass height, terrain, and presence of debris. Operating speed should be adjusted based on conditions (slower for tall grass/uneven terrain, faster for sparse weeds). Cutting against the slope may be necessary for areas with accumulated dead grass.
- Break-Back Mechanism: The sickle bar automatically releases and pivots backward upon hitting an obstruction. It can be manually reset by reversing the tractor or by pushing the break-back pivot open.
- Transporting: For transport, the tractor engine should be stopped, the attachment clutch disengaged, and the parking brake set. The sickle knife cover must be installed and secured. The mower bar should be raised and secured with the spring-loaded pin. Sudden or sharp turns should be avoided.
- Foot Lift: A foot lever allows the operator to raise and lower the sickle bar. Its position relative to the operator can be adjusted.
- Torsion Spring Hook-Up: The torsion spring controls the weight on the outer shoe. Adjusting the nuts on the eyebolt can increase or decrease this weight, influencing how the mower bar "floats" on the ground.
- Carrier Arm Shield: The carrier arm shield should be in a specific position for operation and rotated 180 degrees when detaching the mower.
Maintenance Features:
- Lubrication: The manual emphasizes thorough lubrication. All fittings require grease every four hours of continuous operation, with initial lubrication every hour for the first two days. Specific points for greasing include the Pitman Crank Pin, Crankshaft Assy., Jackshaft, and Foot Pedal Shaft. Oil can lubrication is required every two hours for the Pitman head, Sickle Clips, and Wear Plates. The gearbox plug should be removed seasonally to check and add all-purpose grease.
- Belt Tension Adjustment: V-belt tension should be adjusted as described in the "V-belt Adjustments" section, and belts should be checked frequently for wear and replaced as needed.
- Cleaning: For optimal performance and prolonged operating life, the sickle bar should be cleaned of all dirt and debris, especially before long periods of storage.
- Sickle Section Maintenance: Sickle sections should be kept sharp. Dull sections can lead to poor cutting.
- Hold-Down Clips: Clearance between sickle sections and hold-down clips should be maintained at approximately 1/32". These can be adjusted by tapping with a hammer.
- Wear Plates: Wear plates support the back of the sickle sections and guide the sickle bar. They have elongated holes for adjustment.
- Alignment of Cutting Surfaces: The alignment of guards and sickle sections should be checked regularly using a straight edge or string. Proper clearance is essential for clean cutting.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a "Problem/Solution" section for common issues like the cutter bar bouncing, inner shoe dragging, poor cutting, material bunching, and failure to cut. Solutions often involve adjusting springs, forward speed, hold-down clips, or sharpening the sickle.
- Safety Precautions: Before any servicing, the sickle bar mower attachment clutch must be disengaged, the parking brake set, the engine stopped, keys removed, and spark plug cable(s) disconnected. Hands and feet should be kept away from knives until the machine stops. Loose clothing should be avoided. Refueling should only occur when the engine is off and cooled. Never operate the engine in a closed building.
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