Haybine Guard Set-Up

Hi George, Basically you want one hold down per foot. More will just add unwanted drag. From the first picture you can start four holes to the left. The second hold down will be right between the two holes in the bar (for the bar holder to go through when up). Space out three remaining hold downs with two bolts between. Use your cone nuts upside down when there is no hold down. Those nuts will settle into the bar. On your very first hold down Cut the left side off so it won’t hit any part of the knife head. Remember that they may not appear to hit, but then the grass pushes all parts to the back. Grind until nothing can touch.

Another thing about those hold downs. When I bolt the whole thing together those little wings come down tight on the back edge of the knife and hold my knife. I have been grinding the underside of both the little ears (left and right of each hold down) to make sure they don’t lock up my knife. I have asked a few Amish shops about this and none have ever noticed a problem. I think they just send them out and expect the horses to wear them loose. I have seen them wreck new knifes or other parts instead. I have also been experimenting with cutting those tabs right off. There are other hold downs that don’t have any thing on the back edge of the knife.

Good luck with that set up. Let me know if I can be of further help. Donn

George, I agree with Donn. When setting my wear plates, I loosen the hold downs enough for the knife to run very easily, gently push the wear plates forward to touch the knife where it sits. I then spin the flywheel to run the knife at moderate speed then tighten the hold downs and spin it again to make sure it’s not binding. It often takes several tries to get it just right. Good luck. Jay