Opinion on IH 1300 Sickle mower

[powerscol]

I found what appears to be a good used 9 foot IH 1300 sickle mower. I think it is overpriced as it is missing the end grass guard assembly and rear safety shield for the drive belt. They are asking $1750 It appears to be a mid model production with a serial number 312XX series. Grass guards are still available from several sources ($250 to $300 complete)

I have only looked at photos so far and I may go look (Its 1.5 hours away). I know to check the teeth, belt and assembly for movement, but how do I check the PTO drive bearing and mower head? What sort of movement is acceptable? Where should I look for major wear or breaks?

If I find everything OK what is a fair price?

 

[art]

They are good mowers. Price varies from area to area.

 

[flusher]

My Massey Ferguson 31 sicklebar (7-ft) cost $600 at auction. I put about $250 in new parts to get it working. Nice paint job on that IH mower you're eyeballing, but I wouldn't pay more than $1K for it.

Good luck

 

[smstonypoint]

They are good mowers. Price varies from area to area.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?ETID=1&catid=1139&Manu=INTERNATIONAL&Mdltxt=1300&mdlx=exact has five 9's listed, with prices ranging from $1,295 to $2,361 (this one is in Canada). $2,000+ after replacing missing parts seems high.

Steve

 

[powerscol]

Well to make a long story short, its in the back of my pickup to unload. Mower has original paint. Every single guard and knife is in perfect condition. It is a 9 FT IH 1300 unit, not a Case /IH.

I worked the head, and while stiff (its was about 28 degrees and foggy) there is no play, even at the pin. In addition there is very little play at the wear plates. I have some work to due, especially adjusting the lift spring. Dang that 9 foot bar is heavy. I got them down to $1550, but given the original paint, tight head and excellent condition on the bar I decided to not pass it up. Probably paid top dollar, but I'm good.

Now to find a good operators manual, service manual if there is one, and parts book - any suggestions? Maybe Santa can find some for me

Ill unload tomorrow - this should be fun.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Congrats on the find. I sure wish I had one. It would be really nice for cutting ditches and pond banks.

 

[powerscol]

There out there. Check you local thrifty Nickle or post a want on Craig s list. I have been looking for about 6 months and that's how I ran across this one. A lot of folks are switching over to disk and drum mowers and don't really give a thought to selling these

 

[art]

I doubt you could have found one any better! If you look they also had 7' bars for those to that are more manageable to deal with.