HEADER OPERATION
Windrowing
The factors listed below will
all
affect the formation of
the
windrow,
You
will quickly become adept
at
adjusting these variables
to
achieve the desired results.
NOTE: Crop condition
is
a major factor
in
forming a
good
windrow. While standing or uniformly
leaning crops can generally be easily formed into
an
acceptable windrow. such
is
not the case when
stalks are tangled or leaning in several directions.
GROUND SPEED
Ground speed should
be
such that the sickle can cut crop smoothly and cleanly, while giving the
desired
windrow
formation.
Ground speed affects the orientation
of
stalks in the windrow. Increasing ground speed will cause the
configuration
of
the windrow to
go
from parallel formation
to
herringbone or dovetail. See
Windrow
Characteristics· in this section.
CUTTING HEIGHT
For grain crops the windrow should normally be laid on stubble from 6 to 8 inches high (150
• 200 mm).
Benefits
of
a stubble
of
this height:
•
Allom
free circulation
of
air under the windrow for more even drying.
• Supports the windrow without bending.
• Keeps grain heads from contacting ground. Heads that touch the ground are difficult to pick up and
will sprout in damp weather.
HEADER ANGLE
Sleeper draper angles tend to form herringbone or dovetail configurations, while flatter draper angles form
parallel or fantail windrows. See 'Windrow Characteristics· in this section.
DRAPER SPEED
Draper speed affects the orientation
of
stalks
in
the windrow. Faster draper speeds will tend to form
herringbone
or
dovetail configurations. See
Windrow
Characteristics· in this section.
REEL SPEED
Reel speed affects the smoothness and evenness
of
the windrow. Operating the reel too fast or too slow
relative to ground speed will cause bunching.
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