Yes, Bill P (a.ka. gonefishin), who passed away this year, used to do it all the time. He'd cut them back and they'd sprout back again, going into flower all over again.

George

It must work.......the rabbits did the pruning and they're blooming again.

Thanks for the responses. So sorry to learn about Bill P. We have had to use Deer Repellent(by Bonide, I think). I guess we could just drop back and let the deer do the pruning.
As far as I know, none of the farmers in our area have pruned beans. People tend to plant their bush beans early Spring. My dad occasionally planted a crop for the Fall. By this time in the summer, the beans were canned and our chores changed. We can't depend on adequate rainfall most years except when we occasionally have a wet summer.
My mother who is 93 never heard of pruning beans, but she said it made sense.
zinia

Yes, I've cut mine down and some of them (that were'nt too far gone to start with) grew back.
What type of fertilizer are you talking about?
Too much nitrogen = few peas.

Years ago I remember reading in a gardening magazine (most likely Organic Gardening or National Gardening) that you could set your mower on it highest setting and cut your beans and peas. Then fertilize them and they would produce a second crop. Never tried it however. Just something that's stuck in my head all these years.