IH Sickle Mower Identification

D.H. Kundert

D.H. Kundert

Well-known member
Hey all,

Not sure where to put this, so this seemed to be the most appropriate spot, move as necessary.

I purchased an old IH sickle mower over last summer and haven't had much luck in positively identifying it so I can research some missing parts to see if it is worth resurrecting . I may have it narrowed down to a model 16A, but not sure about it at all. The fella that I bought it from said it came off of his dad's Super C.

IH Sickle Mower 4.jpg
IH Sickle Mower 3.jpg
IH Sickle Mower 1.jpg
IH Sickle Mower 2.jpg

Thanks in advance for the help!

Dan
 
C-21 or C-24...one of the two I think. I had one that was like it (C-21)with the fast hitch prongs...Jim Becker is the one who ID'ed mine a few years back.
 
BTW...if possible they are ALWAYS worth resurrecting. I love seeing those old things on the back of a tractor jumping and clicking and thrashing. I have refurbished a JD #8, a C-21, a Detroit Harvester, and am in the process of doing a Massey Harris No. 6. Don't use them much, but love 'em
 
ajhbike":5rv36z65 said:
C-21 or C-24...one of the two I think. I had one that was like it (C-21)with the fast hitch prongs...Jim Becker is the one who ID'ed mine a few years back.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help!

I think that is what I meant, not a 16. Did a bit more searching on the Internet and that is what it appears to be. Found a Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbWl7OzWZG8) and this fella has a 200 with his mower on a fast hitch (FC-21), and he goes through it and has a lot of the same features as mine. I would say that you are correct with it being a C-21.

Once I find/make some missing parts, I will be looking to install this on my B. Probably have to make some modifications, but not a big deal. I have a hydraulic tank to work around and a drawbar to install on the B to make it work, so I may have to get creative.

Dan
 
That looks like a C-21. A C-24 is heavier duty, can normally be identified by dual springs across the back where this one has a single spring. It is very clearly for a C, with the drawbar made to clamp around a 6-sided axle. The B-16 drawbar is very different, designed to bolt to a final drive and the bottom of the axle extensions. I don't think I would try to make this one fit on a B without finding a B-16 drawbar. The lift lever and rod on the left side of this is designed to connect to a Touch-Control arm. The B-16 was hand lift and used a long lever that reached above the right tire. You would need to come up with something unique to do the lifting.
 
I would agree with Jim. The brackets are not going to work with your B. These things need to be held securely ...any movement or looseness affects how it operates. The mower breakaway rod connects to the right bracket using a weird kind of eye bolt fastener and take it from me...it needs to work! And Jim is right that the lift lever would be difficult to connect to a hand lever. Why not just go buy an SC or a 200!!!!
 
Thanks Jim for the confirmation. I didn't plan on using the C mounting bracket, too much modification for something that will likely not work well in the end. I planned on doing some thorough research into how it is mounted and going from there to make it as close to what it is supposed to be as possible. I went over to Binder Books and found a manual and see if there are any tidbits of information there. I have had some time to explore photos on the internet and there aren't too many photos of a B-16 or a 21 on a B, plenty on other models. I have to get a drawbar for my B as it currently doesn't have one and not real sure why. As for a lifting mechanism, I have the power of hydraulics, so no real problem there.

I would love to acquire a SC or a 200 to add to my collection, but it just isn't in the cards right now. :lol:

The B came off of a ginseng farm in northern Wisconsin as I was told by the previous owner and was modified by two brothers for said operation. Also has a high/lo range in there somewhere too. I haven't had time to look that over yet. The previous owner snapped the auger off going through a ditch. It has a heck of a hydraulic system and a wide-front to boot!

Farmall B Front LS.jpg
 
SamsFarm":1g2xtfvb said:
Interesting looking tractor!

Please post some pics of your hi/lo transmission set-up when you get a chance!
Click to expand...

Thanks! I have to get some work done in the tenant house tomorrow, but if I finish in a reasonable time I will try to sneak out to the farm and get a few pictures of what I can.
 
SamsFarm":13sq112p said:
Interesting looking tractor!

Please post some pics of your hi/lo transmission set-up when you get a chance!
Click to expand...

As promised, here are a couple of photos the high/low range. Not really much to see from the outside. I've seen some of the other ginseng cultivating B's that the Internet has to offer, but nothing like this one. Almost think someone bought it after being modified for ginseng and then the hydraulic system was added afterwards. I may have the story mixed up (one of the joys of life after a stroke, my short term memory leaves something to be desired).

The linkage goes into clutch housing and can't see much more. Might get a glimpse of something with a mirror through the front or rear holes. Phone camera didn't see anything worth sharing.
Range Shift Linkage.jpg

The high/low range lever next to the shifter tower.
Range Shift Lever.jpg

Rear view. No drawbar, but a hitch a bit higher up by the PTO. Also notice how much lower the seat brackets are. When seated, I feel like I am going to fall off of it and have to hang onto the steering wheel to stay on. :lol:
Farmall B Rear View.jpg
 
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