My brothers and I use to custom sickle about 500 acres of Tobosa grass (Western states range grass) big thick stands of grass you only cut once a year. That was in the 60's. John Deere B and a JD sickle mower, pull behind rotary rake, and an International square bailer pulled by an F20 Farmall. A neighbors ranch of about 50000 acres of grazing. The owner was a WWi pilot and aircraft mechanic. We were in our teens. This brought back so many memories. Thanks so much for posting!
@@khtractors we didn't think so at the time LOL. But looking back growing up on a western cattle ranch was was worth every min. I got to tell my dad that when I was in my fifties before he passed on to the Lord. Brought a tear to his eye. I hope you have children reaping the life. 🙂
It’s been a lot of years since I have watched a sickle bar cut, I had forgotten the sound of it as well, this brought back memories, good job as usual Ben
This is a sound that once you have heard it you will never forget it. Always enjoy hearing a sickle bar mowing hay,what a peaceful sound. Have a blessed day, take care and be careful.🚜👍👏❤️🙏
A cleaning running sickle bar is a soothing sound. And then you hear it clog up on world record fire ant bed and blood pressure immediately goes through the roof 😂
I have not used a sickle mower in decades but there is still something pleasing about watching one of those at work. Something about watching the hay just fold and fall like that. Something that one only sees when using a sickle mower. Haybines or disk mowers are just more " industrial " in the way they work if that makes any sense to anyone but me lol.
I remember my dad always switched the rear tires on our Ford side to side to space them out to make the tractor as wide as possible when he mowed a couple of our hay fields.
I’m a firm believer that if someone want to mow hay they should learn on a sickle bar mower because if you can mow well with one of them, you can mow with anything. Looks good!
Yes I agree! Lots of tricks with a sickle. Especially with a Massey tractor, when it clogs you can put the pto in ground speed and backup. Frees it right up. Thanks for watching
I made a lot of rounds using a number 7 John Deer hanging on the back of an A John Deer, those old mowers could really do a fine job, I really enjoyed the video, brought back a lot of memories, thanks for sharing.
Reminds me of home. These slopped fields with low profile tractors are what you see everywhere in West Virginia. Fords and Massey tractors for the most part. I remember the first time my dad used a Three point mower the first words out of his mouth was how he missed the side mount sickle mower we had, but when it got to hard to get parts for it he bought a rear mount Ford sickle. Decades before the internet.
That's a sound I haven't heard in a long time. My grandpa used to pick me up from school so I could watch him cut hay with a MF245 and a sickle. Still has both but we don't put up hay anymore.
Good morning Ben looks like I’m the first, this is cool video today always enjoy the sickle bar mowing the Ole 245 was made for the steep ground take care sand stay safe God Bless
Watching you mow that steep spot reminded me of dad on our old b414 and 41 mf sickle. He would slide sideways more than straight lol. We moved up to a 990 7 foot international hay conditioner and made a big difference in dry time. I still have the tractor and hay conditioner and I bought a 451 nh sickle. Trying to follow in his footsteps. Love watching all your videos you have taught me a lot brother. Like having a big brother to learn from.
Iis that a pitman sickle mower? Haven't seen a pitman in years! Does have a distinct sound. A lot of people thought the added vibration and movement kept the sickle clean and made for a better cut. Thanks for video.
Yes it’s a pitman machine. My uncle always said he wouldn’t have a belt drive because they don’t clean off as good. I tend to agree with that. Thanks for watching
Nice work. I'd love to know how you get that sickle to mow that well in what looks like damp hay. I mowed a small field with a New Holland 451 sickle a few weeks ago that was heavy and damp hay and it seemed like I spent more timing backing up to clear the sickle bar than I did going forward. It was very frustrating. Having a sickle cut as good as yours is impressive. Are your sickle teeth under serrated or serrated on top? Just curious.
They are serrated on the top. Wet grass is hard to deal with when using a sickle. There’s just something about this sickle that’s hard to beat. I’ve used several different brands but nothing compares. I think the extra vibrations from the pitman helps it clean out more then a smooth running belt drive. Thanks for watching
Orchard has the square rear axle, wet brakes, cast centers, it’s about 6” longer and has a heavy front axle. The only similarities are the engine and transmission.
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My brothers and I use to custom sickle about 500 acres of Tobosa grass (Western states range grass) big thick stands of grass you only cut once a year. That was in the 60's. John Deere B and a JD sickle mower, pull behind rotary rake, and an International square bailer pulled by an F20 Farmall. A neighbors ranch of about 50000 acres of grazing. The owner was a WWi pilot and aircraft mechanic. We were in our teens. This brought back so many memories. Thanks so much for posting!
That’s an awesome experience! Thank for sharing it with us!
@@khtractors we didn't think so at the time LOL. But looking back growing up on a western cattle ranch was was worth every min. I got to tell my dad that when I was in my fifties before he passed on to the Lord. Brought a tear to his eye. I hope you have children reaping the life. 🙂
@@saxman1969 my kids haven’t really taken much interest in the hay business. Maybe I’ll have a grandkid one day who does. Thanks
Personally I find a sickle laying down the grass very pleasing.
I agree! Thanks for watching
That's how I remember cutting hay great video 👍
Glad you liked it! Thanks
It’s been a lot of years since I have watched a sickle bar cut, I had forgotten the sound of it as well, this brought back memories, good job as usual Ben
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!
This is a sound that once you have heard it you will never forget it. Always enjoy hearing a sickle bar mowing hay,what a peaceful sound. Have a blessed day, take care and be careful.🚜👍👏❤️🙏
It definitely takes me back to my childhood. I enjoy using this old sickle so much! Thanks for watching!
A cleaning running sickle bar is a soothing sound. And then you hear it clog up on world record fire ant bed and blood pressure immediately goes through the roof 😂
The most frustrating thing is having grass rap up on the drive line in a big ball. That’s such a pain when it happens. Thanks for watching
It cuts pretty when it doesn’t clog. 😊
My belts needed tightened or I could went a little faster. Thanks for watching
I have not used a sickle mower in decades but there is still something pleasing about watching one of those at work. Something about watching the hay just fold and fall like that. Something that one only sees when using a sickle mower. Haybines or disk mowers are just more " industrial " in the way they work if that makes any sense to anyone but me lol.
I love the look of the hay falling as they cut! Thanks for watching
I remember my dad always switched the rear tires on our Ford side to side to space them out to make the tractor as wide as possible when he mowed a couple of our hay fields.
Enjoy watching how You make everything look so easy!
Thank you! 😊
I’m a firm believer that if someone want to mow hay they should learn on a sickle bar mower because if you can mow well with one of them, you can mow with anything. Looks good!
Yes I agree! Lots of tricks with a sickle. Especially with a Massey tractor, when it clogs you can put the pto in ground speed and backup. Frees it right up. Thanks for watching
@@khtractors That would be a handy feature to have in that instance for sure
We got to use a sickle bar this summer for our hay and man is it a neat machine! Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!
Thanks for watching!
I made a lot of rounds using a number 7 John Deer hanging on the back of an A John Deer, those old mowers could really do a fine job, I really enjoyed the video, brought back a lot of memories, thanks for sharing.
I’ve used a lot of sickle brands but this Ferguson hooked to a Ferguson tractor is a great combo. Thanks for watching
@@khtractorsI had a chance to use a massey combo quite a few years ago it did a good job.
See that that Massey and the sickle mower is doing good.
It sure is! Thank you!
@@khtractors you're welcome
Great job 👍
Thanks 👍
@@khtractors no problem 👍
Hi Ben That’s a nice working sickle bar mower. I enjoy the sound of them .great video
I enjoy the sound as well! Thanks for watching
Reminds me of home. These slopped fields with low profile tractors are what you see everywhere in West Virginia. Fords and Massey tractors for the most part. I remember the first time my dad used a Three point mower the first words out of his mouth was how he missed the side mount sickle mower we had, but when it got to hard to get parts for it he bought a rear mount Ford sickle. Decades before the internet.
Same here for years, Fords and Massey’s. Still a lot of them around. Thanks for watching
I was cutting road ditch today with my trusty MF 283,I use a 7ft.disc mower for speed.
I sure would like to have a 283, that’s a great tractor! Thanks for watching
That's a sound I haven't heard in a long time. My grandpa used to pick me up from school so I could watch him cut hay with a MF245 and a sickle. Still has both but we don't put up hay anymore.
That’s awesome! I grew up with this very setup riding with my great Uncle, some of the best days of my life! Thanks for watching
That sicklebar mower is great for hills but you can tell you have alot of experience on hills your super confident on them
I really appreciate the compliment, I enjoy these sickles when I’m not pressed for time. Thanks for watching
Good morning Ben looks like I’m the first, this is cool video today always enjoy the sickle bar mowing the Ole 245 was made for the steep ground take care sand stay safe God Bless
That 245 feels so safe on the hills, maybe it’s just because I have been around it for so many years. Thanks for watching
Love seeing the sickle in action. I think I’m going to buy me one.
If you could this winter do a video on setting it up and proper adjustments.
I usually just set my top link so the cutter bar sets fairly level. Nothing to fancy. Thanks for watching
Watching you mow that steep spot reminded me of dad on our old b414 and 41 mf sickle. He would slide sideways more than straight lol. We moved up to a 990 7 foot international hay conditioner and made a big difference in dry time. I still have the tractor and hay conditioner and I bought a 451 nh sickle. Trying to follow in his footsteps. Love watching all your videos you have taught me a lot brother. Like having a big brother to learn from.
I loved this comment! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome brother.
We are restoring a JD350 sicklebar mower. Hoping to have done before fall. That is one hell of a slope. My sphincter would be yelling at me!
I had a John Deere 350 sickle for awhile. They are a pretty good mower. Thanks for watching
Steep mowing! Great video
Appreciate you watching!
Iis that a pitman sickle mower? Haven't seen a pitman in years! Does have a distinct sound. A lot of people thought the added vibration and movement kept the sickle clean and made for a better cut. Thanks for video.
I can smell the new mown hay! What a camera!
Yes it’s a pitman machine. My uncle always said he wouldn’t have a belt drive because they don’t clean off as good. I tend to agree with that. Thanks for watching
Why in the world did you pull that antique out Ben 😂😂😂
Oh just thought it might be fun 😁! Thanks for watching buddy!
Nice work. I'd love to know how you get that sickle to mow that well in what looks like damp hay. I mowed a small field with a New Holland 451 sickle a few weeks ago that was heavy and damp hay and it seemed like I spent more timing backing up to clear the sickle bar than I did going forward. It was very frustrating. Having a sickle cut as good as yours is impressive. Are your sickle teeth under serrated or serrated on top? Just curious.
They are serrated on the top. Wet grass is hard to deal with when using a sickle. There’s just something about this sickle that’s hard to beat. I’ve used several different brands but nothing compares. I think the extra vibrations from the pitman helps it clean out more then a smooth running belt drive. Thanks for watching
Can you do a walk around of how everything works on it? Just picked one up at auction
Tractor or sickle?
What is the advantage of the “orchard” style 245s vs the regular. Love your vids thanks
Orchard has the square rear axle, wet brakes, cast centers, it’s about 6” longer and has a heavy front axle. The only similarities are the engine and transmission.
@@khtractors Nice. Ive always liked the 245s but I think most of the models I’ve ran and seen around here are standard. Is parts availability good?
@@garrettj981 yes. The rear section of the 245 orchard is the same as a 255.
@@khtractors very cool. I have a 265