Gasline engine sickle bar mower

Gasline engine sickle bar mower

Key Components

• Cutter Bar: The main structure housing the blades, typically made of high-strength steel for durability. It includes stationary guard plates (fingers) that support the moving blades .
• Reciprocating Blades: Serrated steel sections attached to the bar, driven by a crankshaft or hydraulic system. These blades oscillate rapidly, creating a shearing action to cut vegetation cleanly .
• Drive System: Powered by tractors via a PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft or hydraulics (common in excavator-mounted models), converting rotational motion into the blade’s back-and-forth movement deere.com.
• Adjustable Skid Shoes: Control the cutting height, allowing adaptation to uneven terrain. Some models feature floating bars for contour-following deere.com.

Working Principle

Applications

• Agriculture: Primarily used for hay harvesting, where its clean cuts promote faster drying. It is also effective for mowing dense or wet grass in pastures .
• Landscaping: Ideal for trimming roadside vegetation, ditch edges, and under fences due to its low profile and ability to reach tight spaces .
• Aquatic Use: Some models are designed for water-based applications, such as clearing pond weeds, as the blade’s motion isn’t hindered by submersion .
• Brush Cutting: While less common, single-action units can handle saplings up to 1.5 inches in diameter, though maintenance increases with heavy use .

Advantages

• Precision Cutting: Leaves vegetation intact, suitable for forage preservation and neat appearance .
• Terrain Adaptability: Performs well on slopes, around obstacles, and in wet conditions where rotary mowers may struggle .
• Low Debris Dispersal: Unlike rotary mowers, it doesn’t throw debris, making it safer near people or infrastructure .

Maintenance Tips

• Blade Care: Replace worn serrated sections promptly. Dull blades increase stress on the drive system and reduce cutting efficiency .
• Tension Adjustment: Ensure belt-driven blades have proper tension to prevent slippage. Hydraulic systems require regular fluid checks deere.com.
• Debris Removal: Clean the cutter bar after use to prevent rust and clogging, especially in wet conditions .