Hesston 1340

[Organicfarmer1972]

I recently purchsed a Hesston 1340 hay cutter and crimper and want to make sure I have checked everything prior to using it (yes I plan to purchase an owner manual).

My question is : how do you check the oil in the cutter bar (and what oil does it use? how do you know when the CV joints have enough grease in them?

Anything else I need to know prior to using it next week (provided it dry in central Texas to cut and bale hay)

Thanks guys
 

[Brendon-KS]

There really isn't a way to check the oil level in the cutterbar. About the only thing to do is to simply drain it and refill with the proper amount. Just make sure that you don't overfill it as it will overheat rapidly and cause damage. Also, when you drain it let it set at least overnight to make sure you get it all out. I believe it calls for 85W-90 which is quite thick and it will take a while to drip out.
 

[Organicfarmer1972]

Thanks for that advice.

Anything special about the CV joints?
 

[wolfman]

Yes, as the book says - give them about 30 pumps with the grease gun each time you mow.
 

[Brendon-KS]

You should find five zerks on the front CV assembly and three on the rear one. (My info is from a later model 1345 but I believe the driveline is the same.) Give each zerk a few pumps every ten hours.