Description
Definition
The Double Sickle Guard, part number 676235 for Claas, is a genuine OEM component installed on the cutterbar of a combine harvester’s header. It is a forged or cast metal assembly, typically featuring two distinct ledger plates or wear surfaces. As a “double” guard, it is designed to provide the cutting point for two adjacent sickle sections on the reciprocating knife. This part is engineered for precise alignment and durability, acting as a stationary counter-cutting surface and a guide that ensures the smooth back-and-forth movement of the sickle across the header’s full width.
Function and Role
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Providing the Stationary Cutting Edge: Its primary role is to form the stationary half of the scissor-like cutting action. The sharp, reciprocating sickle sections slide against the guard’s ledger plates, creating a shearing effect that cleanly severs crop stalks, leading to a uniform stubble height and minimal grain loss.
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Guiding and Supporting the Sickle: The guard’s structure cradles the knife, preventing it from lifting or deflecting during operation. This precise guidance is crucial for maintaining consistent cutting performance, especially in challenging conditions like tangled or dense crops, and protects the knife and cutterbar from damage.
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Dividing and Feeding Crop: The physical shape of the guard helps to gather and divide standing crop, guiding it smoothly towards the cutting mechanism and then into the header’s reel and auger. This promotes a consistent material flow, reduces plugging, and contributes to the overall efficiency of the harvesting process.
