NH 451 sickle bar mower restored


The mower last summer before restoration (left) and after restoration (right).
After months of work, I've virtually finished restoration of my New Holland 451 sickle bar mower.  With the exception of two guard plates which are being repainted the correct color, the entire mower has been completely restored and is now in full working condition.
The first test run of the newly restored mower.  It cuts grass wonderfully. 
Initially my plan had been to take apart only some sections of the mower for reconditioning, but the more I disassembled the mower the more I saw that needed repair.  Some of the bolts were so old and rusted that they literally broke off while I was trying to remove them.  Other bolts were missing and still others nearly worn through.  Basically the entire mower was ready to fly apart at a moments notice.  Had I known in advance the amount of work required to carry out this restoration I would probably have opted to just buy a new mower, but I sure did learn a lot about farm equipment in the process.

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