Sickle Bar NH 451 sickle mower

[DK_Farms]

Farmer John is going out of business and has a New Holland 451 sickle mower dirt cheap(less than $400) that he says is 4 or 5 years old. Naturally, he says it's in "great shape" and was unhooked in perfect working condition. I checked with the local NH dealer and the 451 is still a current production model and the 6 ft. sells for $4,695 brand new. I want to go look at it, but I would like to be a little more informed about what I am looking at. Does anyone know of any inherent problems associated with this mower that I should look for? I can judge worn knives, guards, belts, and Pittman arms, but I want to make sure there isn't some "gotcha" with this unit. Thanks
Ken

 

[spencer200]

These mower are pretty much trouble free unless run into trees or over a pile of rocks, at less than 400.00 you should jump on this quickly you will not be disappointed they are a great mower. The only parts we ever sell for these mowers are drive belts and sickle sections, guards, and knife bushings all wear parts.

 

[HayDR]

The mower is worth $750-1,000 just for parts even if it does not work.

 

[sweettractors]

The weak place to check for on a 451 NH mower is where the trip arm loop fastens to the mower curved frame at the back end of the trip--Lots of weld repairs in this area--Also check the tag and be sure it says 451 as the 450 looks very similar--Ken Sweet