Sickle Bar Mower

What is a Sickle Bar Mower?

A sickle bar mower is a type of agricultural machinery used for cutting grass, hay, or small grains in fields and pastures. It features a long, horizontal cutting bar equipped with a series of sharp, triangular blades or “sickles” that move back and forth in a reciprocating motion. This action slices through vegetation cleanly and efficiently, making it a popular tool for farmers and landowners managing large areas of forage crops or meadows.

Sickle bar mowers are prized for their simplicity, durability, and ability to handle uneven terrain or thick vegetation without excessive power demands. Unlike rotary mowers, which chop with spinning blades, sickle bar mowers produce a scissor-like cut that minimizes plant damage, making them ideal for hay production where quality matters. They’re also relatively low-maintenance, with replaceable blades and a straightforward mechanical design. 

1. Cutter Bar: The cutter bar is the primary cutting component and the heart of the sickle bar mower. It is a long, horizontal bar (typically 6 to 7.5 feet in length, though sizes vary) that houses the cutting mechanism. The cutter bar supports the reciprocating sickle and the stationary guards, and it rides close to the ground during operation.

2. Sickle (Knife): The sickle, or knife, is a series of sharp, triangular blades (called sickle sections) attached to a metal bar. This assembly moves back and forth within the cutter bar in a reciprocating motion. The sickle sections are designed to shear vegetation against the stationary guards, mimicking the action of scissors or hair clippers.

3. Guards (Fingers or Guardplates): The guards are stationary, finger-like components mounted along the length of the cutter bar. They serve as a counter-edge to the moving sickle sections, guiding vegetation into the cutting zone and protecting the sickle blades. In some advanced designs (e.g., double-action mowers), the guards may also move in opposition to the sickle to enhance cutting efficiency and reduce vibration.

(1) Farm Pruning

A sickle bar mower is highly effective for farm pruning tasks, particularly in orchards or vineyards where precision is key. It efficiently trims overgrown grasses, weeds, and small brush around trees or plants without damaging their bases. Its lightweight design allows farmers to maneuver easily between rows, ensuring clean cuts that promote healthy regrowth. This tool is ideal for maintaining large areas during the growing season, reducing manual labor and enhancing farm productivity.

(2) Slope Management

For slope management, a sickle bar mower excels at cutting vegetation on uneven or steep terrain where traditional mowers struggle. Its low center of gravity and adjustable cutting bar ensure stability and consistent performance on hillsides, preventing soil erosion by keeping grass and weeds in check. This makes it a go-to choice for maintaining embankments, roadside slopes, or terraced fields, offering operators safety and control in challenging landscapes.

(3) Landscaping

In landscaping, a sickle bar mower provides versatility for shaping and maintaining green spaces. It’s perfect for trimming tall grasses, wildflowers, or light brush in parks, gardens, or estates, delivering a neat finish without the bulk of larger equipment. Its ability to cut close to fences, trees, or decorative features makes it invaluable for detailed work, enhancing aesthetic appeal while managing overgrowth efficiently in both residential and commercial settings.

(3) Small Jobs

For small jobs, the sickle bar mower shines in tight or confined spaces like backyard plots, narrow pathways, or urban gardens. Its compact size and ease of use make it ideal for homeowners or small-scale farmers tackling quick mowing tasks. Whether clearing weeds, maintaining a small pasture, or prepping a garden bed, it offers precision and power without the complexity or expense of heavier machinery, saving time and effort.