New Holland 499

Bought a 499 as a back up for our Discbine. Ran about 40 AC thru it and freaking love it. I like the center pull back and forth a lot. Had an issue twice that I wanted to run past you folks. There is a square bar that runs the width of the knife behind and under the pan. I believe it runs the cycle. It has a grease fitting and bearing in the center. This bar keeps getting wrapped with hay and nearly catches fire before I notice it. I'm cutting very thick first cut alfalfa and orchard grass. Anyone have this happen? Thanks in advance.
Wayne

New Holland 499