Anybody used a JD #22 Hay Crimper?

As I have no manuals for this critter yet, can someone give me a pretty good rundown on appraising it’s condition or need of repair. And I could use some tips on general operation and what to watch for. I understand that the model was well thought of, in it’s day.

Thanks ahead for your assistance.

Clancy

I’ve never used a conditioner. They were just becoming popular when I went off to college. By the time I was around farming again they were distant history.

How high off the ground to I set this thing? It’s probably set high for transport right now but the lower roller must be 6”or more off the ground. Do I need to get down to almost kissing the ground when using it?

Clancy

The secret is to run the crimper over the hay as soon as possible after it is cut, and to lay it flat.

As I remember, they were 7 foot machines, and ours was known to snap the adjusting cranks fairly easily. we replaced ours with a CASE 555 (Heston PT10) mower conditioner about 30 years ago.

Get the book.

The direction of travel should be the same as the mower. Their is a crank on each side, for adjusting height. On the other end of the crank, by the spring is the pressure adjusting plate. Loosen the bolt and move the plate up for more pressure. Ordown for less. The average setting is 1 inch from the top.

Check the slip clutch before each season. Block the rolls and use a 4 foot bar, inserted in rear universal joint of telescoping hookup. If clutch will not slip, loosen bolts of clutch until the clutch is free. Then tighten clutch bolts to 50 to 60 inch-pounds.

Keep SAE 80/90 gear lubricant up to the level of the oil fill plug in the gear case.

I noticed that you "had" the crimper and "have" the books! If you'd be interested in parting with your owner's manual and parts catalogue please shoot me an e-mail. Thanks.

Clancy