42” sickle bar

[dkg520 509]

I’m attempting to rebuild a 42” sickle bar.  While in the process of tearing it down today I noticed that both the main bar along with the cutter knife bar has a bend in the end at the bottom near the gear box.  Should the two bars have the bend to be correct or should they both be straight from one end to the other.  Thank you for any help. 

[ri702bill 8,327]

Try to download the manual for it.. pictures there may have your answer....

[dkg520 509]

I did check the manual and it shows the two bars as being straight.  But I hope someone on here has one and can let me know for sure.  

[Racinbob 11,082]

They should be straight. Picture? 

 

Here's mine.

 

[peter lena 8,631]

@dkg520  suggestion , make your work count , use a lubricant that will stay with it ,https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/lubricant-grease/p/lucas-oil-products-xtra-hd-grease-tube-14oz/169278_0_0?   seeing it more and more at auto supply stores , this is vital for your rebuild , hi heat / stress rated , make that shuttle box , work like it should . using it for years , pete

[John2189 453]

22 hours ago, peter lena said:

@dkg520  suggestion , make your work count , use a lubricant that will stay with it ,https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/lubricant-grease/p/lucas-oil-products-xtra-hd-grease-tube-14oz/169278_0_0?   seeing it more and more at auto supply stores , this is vital for your rebuild , hi heat / stress rated , make that shuttle box , work like it should . using it for years , pete

Doesn’t the wobble box take 80-90 gear oil? That’s what I put in my sms 42 when I replaced the brass bushings and seal. 

[Racinbob 11,082]

Manual calls for 30w and that's what I use. 

[John2189 453]

21 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

Manual calls for 30w and that's what I use. 

Maybe I should change it to 30w. I don’t remember if it has a drain plug.  

[Racinbob 11,082]

I'm thinking it really wouldn't matter. Everything is immersed in oil. No drain plug on mine. 

[John2189 453]

2 hours ago, Racinbob said:

I'm thinking it really wouldn't matter. Everything is immersed in oil. No drain plug on mine. 

I don’t use it much anyway 

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

As much action going on in the wobble box that Lucas grease or even corn head grease might not be a bad idea in a wobble box that is going to get used.  Pete is right that it can be substituted.  A mess if you have to work on the box but a part breaking might be the only reason to have to open it.   I might try on my 50 inch sickle on the 1054 we have. 

[Lane Ranger 10,968]

I did decide to use the JD corn head grease in one of my tiller gear boxes.  I think it should work fine as it turned very smooth. 
 

I don’t see any reason this would not be ok to use on a sickle bar mower wobble box.  

[peter lena 8,631]

@Lane Ranger   agree with that trial , most of my experiments is based on repedative failure , why not make a change ? BTW  for the others that have an oil emersion set up , personly  would add  some rislone zink to that set up , its a sacrificial additive that really makes a difference in these old mechanical devises.  having been adding that to my engine oil , has been nothing but better , initial flushing effect , then running easier , also have zero smoke , more thorough flushing oil changes . would not be surprised if the JD GREASE  IS ALSO POLYUREA RATED . let me know when you can , how its working , easier ?  smoother ?  these small changes often make a problem go away ,  hope it helps out , pete 

[peter lena 8,631]

@Lane Ranger   https://www.greenpartstore.com/John-Deere-Special-Purpose-HD-Moly-Gun-Grease-TY6333.html    does not have  HI TEMP RATING , but worth the trial run , lubrication slide is one of its strong points ,  I won,t tell anyone you are experimenting with grease , pete

[Racinbob 11,082]

@Lane Ranger

 

Lane, I'm afraid I have to disagree with the grease for many reasons. Although Wheel Horse recommends 30w there might be something to using a heavier gear lube but grease, no.

I'd lay odds that I have put more hours on a side sickle than most and the 30w does the job just fine. 

[peter lena 8,631]

@Racinbob  what do you use for 30 wt? how does it stand up ? just curious , don,t have a side sickle myself , bit have looked them over for function and wear issues , pete

[Racinbob 11,082]

@peter lena

I use Valvoline products for all my lubrication needs. Not that it's any better or even as good as some other products out there but it's been done the job for me for six decades.

The sickle wobble box is filled to the brim and it's not a high speed or heat item. The biggest wear item is probably a drive pin external from the box. I got a new pin from Lane when I rebuilt it. Cutter lubrication is simply oil dumped on them. I'm not fussy about what I use there. 

[peter lena 8,631]

@Racinbob  sounds like you have that covered , most important  thing about any mechanical devise , is a regular look see , and maintiance . my maintiance view is based on interest and mechanical service background ,  realise there are many different views out there , I  also like to tinker around with  chronic issues that can be better . thank you for the reply . pete