I am looking for info about replacing the pitmann arm on my JD No. 1 mowing machine. I figure parts are not available, so I'm looking for info about making one. Anyhelp would be appreciated, and please respond off-list direct to me, as I don't get in here very often, and am not sure if I could find this site again. thanks!

I'm sorry that I can't help you, but maybe you could help me. When did mowing machines come into common use by small farmers? I'm writing a book set in the 1870s, and I wonder if some farmers still used scythes.