Text 7. Mowing Machines

The modern mowing machine is driven by the tractor p.t.o. and is either mid-mounted or rear-mounted on the tractor.

The important part of the machine is the cutter bar, which carries those parts concerned with the cutting action and lies on the ground whilst in work. It is raised and lowered by the hydraulic system.

The knife is carried in the cutter bar and consists of a knife back to which triangular shaped sections are riveted. Each section has the two leading sides beveled down to form a sharp edge. One end of the knife is reinforced and carries coupling, which moves it. This end is called the knife head.

The sections form one of the cutting edges. The other is provided by the ledger plates on the fingers. These fingers are bolted at 3-in. intervals to the cutter bar and are made from steel. The reaction to the knife in work is taken by I adjustable wear plates bolted to the cutter bar and malleable clips prevent the sections rising away from the ledger plates. The ends of the cutter bar are called shoes. There are inner and outer shoes.

The main frame of the machine is carried in a fixed position by the hydraulic system or other means, and a sub-frame comprising the cutter bar and pull bar is pivoted from a point near the flywheel.

The majority of the weight of the cutter bar is taken by a long coil or balance spring from the main frame.

mowing machine - косилка

ledger plate - вкладыш пальца (режущего аппарата), регулирующая скоба

clip - прижим

coil or balance spring - спиральная пружина, пружина уравновешивания