Sickle mower of my dreams

[Eugen]

I think this 42" mower from a Gravely would be my 1st choice at adapting to a 244

[Harry]

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The seller contacted me via email to say he wasn't sure what it from off of, but did say the cutting bar length is 24". That is a little smaller than I was hoping. The only reason I would like one is for cutting around my Green Giant Arborvitae trees. There is always a few weeds that the mowing deck doesn't get. Maybe 24" would be enough if it was spaced away from the tractor a bit. I was thinking of adding a sickle bar to the 444 project that is going to be strictly a mowing machine, with a deck and hydro bagger on the back. Deck underneath and bagger on the back, that leaves only the front for attaching one. If the manual belt clutch is used for the deck than I would have to make it a hydro driven sickle bar. Thoughts and suggestions are always appreciated.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Eugen]

@Harry if the sickle mower is wide enough why run the mower deck as well? For a nice finish on the lawn portion? It almost sounds like you'd like a sickle bar attached right on the mower deck. If it was a small bar to the side of the deck, it would not need lots of power to run. What if it was run by another belt attached to the mower?

[Harry]

Sounds like a good idea Eugen. I never thought about attaching it to the deck and belt driven off the deck. That is a way to get it away from the tractor for more reach. That's an idea I'll have to investigate! I appreciate your perspective, thank you.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Timj]

[attachment=0]image.png[/attachment
The seller contacted me via email to say he wasn't sure what it from off of, but did say the cutting bar length is 24". That is a little smaller than I was hoping. The only reason I would like one is for cutting around my Green Giant Arborvitae trees. There is always a few weeds that the mowing deck doesn't get. Maybe 24" would be enough if it was spaced away from the tractor a bit. I was thinking of adding a sickle bar to the 444 project that is going to be strictly a mowing machine, with a deck and hydro bagger on the back. Deck underneath and bagger on the back, that leaves only the front for attaching one. If the manual belt clutch is used for the deck than I would have to make it a hydro driven sickle bar. Thoughts and suggestions are always appreciated.

Keep the Peace
Harry

Interesting project Harry, lots to think about.
If not cutting big areas and only a few times a year, the short bar mounted offset in front could work well. If you're going to use it to get around and under the trees, up front would give the best visibility. It wouldn't weigh as much as a larger one. Would be easier on the front end, wouldn't need as much counter weight. Some type of attachment system would need to be fabbed to attach it.
Making it 3pt mounted would give greater height adjustment, and may be easier to fab.
Running it hydraulically is probably best option, maybe not the cheapest, but lots of flexibility.
Tim

[Harry]

Thanks for the suggestions Tim. I appreciate your insight. I was thinking if it was mounted on the side I could drive around the trees with the sickle underneath to cut the grass and weeds. When not using I would hope it could be hinged up at ninety degrees. It appears that the drive pulley when looking down at the unit is on the right. What I need to do is go look at the unit and see if it is feasible for my purpose.
Everyone has their own insight and I enjoy hearing from others.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Harry]

I heard back from the seller to go look at the sickle bar. Ha has the two wheel walk behind tractor it came off of, which was made by Great Lakes Tractor Company.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Harry]

I heard back from the seller to go look at the sickle bar. Ha has the two wheel walk behind tractor it came off of, which was made by Great Lakes Tractor Company.

Keep the Peace
Harry

It's been slow getting to see the sickle bar. Holiday busy time and our schedules have not been able to get together.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Eugen]

It's a good thing he hasn't sold it yet Harry. Hopefully it's something you can use. I parked my large sickle bar mower now in the yard, it's a nice ornament (says my wife) at the very least. Hopefully I can do something with the cutting bar next year. It will be a difficult project for me, but I like that challenge.

Looking forward to seeing what you might be doing with yours if you get it.

[Eugen]

Someone posted this on Facebook, apparently it's part of a 446 package. Interesting, it has a hydraulic pump! Looks like it would go on a belt on the pto.