The sickle sections and guards of a MacDon header work together to cut crops and when worn, need to be replaced together to ensure optimal performance.
Sickle sections are designed to wear back keeping their original shape, but wearing into a finer point that increases the distance between the two cutting surfaces. Sickle sections also develop wear grooves on top of the section from repeatedly dragging the crop between the section and the guard. Guards develop a round and smooth lower cutting edge, increasing the gap that the knife passes through. When this occurs they are ready to be replaced.
Proper cutting component maintenance is critical for reliable and efficient header operation. A clean cut promotes fast crop regrowth while a ragged cut slows regrowth. When your guards and sickle section cutting edges wear down, crop begins to pinch and rip, decreasing efficiency and increasing demand on horsepower.
As winter approaches, preparing your harvest machines for storage is vital to prevent rust, seized parts, and costly repairs. Machines endure dust, crop residue, and moisture during harvest, and winter’s cold can worsen corrosion or fluid issues if neglected. By completing key maintenance tasks before winter storage, you can reduce repair costs, extend equipment life, and ensure your machines are ready for the next harvest.
Pre-Winter Maintenance Checklist Complete these post-harvest maintenance tasks to avoid frost damage. Always consult your operator’s manual, disconnect batteries and wear protective gear.
Clean Thoroughly: Clean the machine, including underneath, to remove dirt and crop debris. Dry it completely before storage to prevent rust.
Lubricate Moving Parts: Grease pivot points, bearings and sickle bars. Inspect knives and reels for wear or cracks. Apply rust-preventive paint to exposed metal.
Check Fluids and Filters: Fill fuel tanks, replace engine oils, inspect coolant levels, and top off hydraulic fluids. Change contaminated filters and inspect for leaks.
Check Tire Pressure: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and lift machine off the ground on blocks to prevent flat spots.
Protect Batteries: Disconnect batteries and store them indoors fully charged. Clean battery terminals to remove corrosion and debris.
Store Properly: Store in a dry and protected place if possible. If storing outside, always cover the machine with a waterproof canvas or other protective material.
Summary of Maintenance Tasks
Maintenance Tasks
Applied to MacDon Models
Cleaning
All models
Lubrication
All models
Fluid/Filter Checks
Hydraulic models: - All combine configured Draper Headers - All Corn Headers - All Windrowers - Pull-Type Rotary Headers - Pull-Type Auger Headers
Tire Checks
Wheeled models: - All Windrowers - All Pick-Up Headers - Combine headers with transport/gauge wheels - Pull-Type Rotary Headers - Pull-Type Mower Conditioners
Battery Checks
All Windrowers
Professional Support When Needed Replace any worn parts with our durable, precision-fit MacDon Performance Parts. If you encounter complex issues during your inspections, contact your local MacDon dealer to schedule an expert post-harvest service.
Investing time and effort in post-harvest maintenance now avoid costly repairs and downtime later. Prepare your machines for a trouble-free season!
The sickle sections and guards of a MacDon header work together to cut crops and when worn, need to be replaced together to ensure optimal performance.
Sickle sections are designed to wear back keeping their original shape, but wearing into a finer point that increases the distance between the two cutting surfaces. Sickle sections also develop wear grooves on top of the section from repeatedly dragging the crop between the section and the guard. Guards develop a round and smooth lower cutting edge, increasing the gap that the knife passes through. When this occurs they are ready to be replaced.
Proper cutting component maintenance is critical for reliable and efficient header operation. A clean cut promotes fast crop regrowth while a ragged cut slows regrowth. When your guards and sickle section cutting edges wear down, crop begins to pinch and rip, decreasing efficiency and increasing demand on horsepower.
Sickle Sections and Guards work together like the blades on a pair of scissors with hold downs acting as the bolt holding them together. It is important to change out both section and guard as they wear as they are both crucial cutting components.
Use this diagram to assess the wear on your parts and determine if the part needs replacing.
Need Help Inspecting Your Cutterbar?
Watch our FD2 FlexDraper® Cutterbar Maintenance video to learn how to identity worn guards and knife sections, why timely replacement is critical, and how to replace them for peak performance.
