This cutterbar hold-down applies downward force to the sickle section as it reciprocates against the stationary ledger plates. It is mounted on the header frame directly above the cutterbar, keeping each knife section in constant contact with the ledger plate for a clean shear cut. A worn or loose hold-down allows the sickle to lift, leaving uncut stems and increasing the risk of plugging the header. This component is manufactured to the original geometry so the contact face applies even pressure across the full stroke of the knife drive. On reinstallation, verify that the hold-down clearance is set to the specification for the header assembly.