Time to cut and tune up the sickle mower

[powerscol]

OK folks - are there any tips on sharping the guards on my IH 1300 sickle mower? I replaced all the knives on my spare rod and now need to touch up the guards. I have never done this but was reading it would help in cutting. I have an angle grinder, and if I understand correctly I need a square flat face on each side of the guards. I assume I want a sharp 90 degree edge where the knives ride to get a good cut. Any pictures or links to you tube would help.

I guess while I am at it I will crawl inside the baler and touch them up too
Thanks - Keith

 

[Gary Fowler]

Only sickle bar I ever dealt with was on a combine and we never touched the guards unless it broke and then it was replaced. Sharp blades do the cutting and as long as the guard isn't damaged by contact with a rock or other hard material the may dent it, it should be ok without any "sharpening".

 

[cat fever]

Gary has it right.

Or do you mean shaping the guards? Meaning hammering the slot tighter/closer to the cutting edge.:confused3:

 

[powerscol]

Guarde are original. I trued up the sides so had a clean edge for knives to cut against. Worked well. Still need to hammer a few to get the knives in the bottom of the guards - there is always one or two. It cut well if I set the pitch and shoe loading correctly.