Ron’s IH Mowers

[near horse]

It’s funny that the original designers recognized the need for a designated “weak link” or shear pin and later users screw it up by replacing it with steel.

[Mac]

Boys, I often wondered why the old man that I got that machine from did that to it. Maybe he never thought it’d need to break, who knows. If I ever get to that better place I’ll ask him for you. 😉 My gear cover is like on your Big 6 John, and I’ve often thought of adding flanges to it, but like the boss-lady told me – “If it ain’t broke, don’t you touch it or it will be!” I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean about the poles in the opposite notch? I did know that you can move them over to the center, or have them offset. Fill me in here if you don’t care.
Thanks,
Mac

[Jay]

My guess is that the pole being able to switch places with the tool box allows for moving the pole or shafts to allow for different size horses. Jay

[Big Horses]

Exactly what you’re referring to Mac and HP51. I just wondered if they’d done that (usually) because of cutter bar length…it should change the side draft, shouldn’t it?
John

[jac]

My old Albion mower has two pole positions.. about an 8″ offset.. closer to the cutter for mowing hay and away from the cutter for reaping wheat or barley …. John

[J-L]

Pretty interesting subject. I watched a video I have of Roger Clark’s farm in the UK. Part of this was haying. He worked without a brichen on the mower. I can say that it does work fine….but in my small, irregular fields with lots of hills and turns, I would use the brichen. My teams with brichen harness will make so much more time up in the turns than he does that it makes a lot more mowing time in a day. My horses and mules hit the end of the swath and back and turn w/o picking up the knife, and when done right you have 6″ or better to get your knife running before hitting the new swath.
Not sure how it takes so much extra time to put on a brichen harness as to make any difference. If your harness is adjusted right you won’t rub anything but a little hair off their rear ends with your brichen.
I have an old neighbor who swears the Big Six was the better machine (just like Big Horses and others). He uses it over all the others he has.

[Mac]

J-L
I guess its all in what you’re used to. I like using what I use because thats what I like, and what I’m used to. And I just think it’s easier to throw up on them than heavy wagon harness. Like I say, thats just my preference. I will agree that the #6 is the better machine, hands down.
Mac

[Big Horses]

Well, I finally got to meet Ron Henrickson today! A friend bought a “hiller” from him, so my Wife and I rode along to help load it. What a nice guy! He’s got some really nice mowers and equipment, loves to discuss them, and is very knowledgeable! We met his wife as well and she’s just as nice! All in all, it was a day well spent, and I’m pretty sure a day that will lead to more fun in the future. If you need any #7 or #9 mowers, he’s the guy to try!
John

[Author]

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