214323 79 Revision A
3.7.5 Reel Speed
Reel speed is one of the factors that determines how crop is moved from the cutterbar onto the drapers.
The reel performs best when it appears to be driven by the ground. It should move the cut crop evenly through the
cutterbar and onto the drapers without bunching and with minimal disturbance.
In standing crop, reel speed should be slightly higher than, or equal to, ground speed.
In flattened crop or crop that is leaning away from the cutterbar, the reel speed needs to be higher than the ground
speed. To achieve this, either increase the reel speed or decrease the ground speed.
Excessive shattering of grain heads or crop loss over the header backtube may indicate that the reel speed is too
high. Excessive reel speed also increases reel component wear and overloads the reel drive.
Slower reel speeds can be used with nine-bat reels, which is advantageous in shatter-prone crops.
NOTE:
A conversion kit to change a six-bat reel to a nine-bat reel for 9.1- and 10.6-m (30- and 35-ft.) headers. Refer to
6.2.3 PR15 Tine Tube Reel Conversion Kit, page 480 for more information.
Refer to 3.6.2 Header Settings, page 42 for recommended reel speeds in specific crops and crop conditions.
The reel speed is adjustable using the controls in the combine cab. Refer to your combine operator’s manual for
adjustment details.
Optional Reel Drive Sprockets
Optional reel drive sprockets for use in special crop conditions are available as an alternative to the factory-
installed sprocket.
The header is factory-equipped with a 19-tooth sprocket that drives the reel and it is suitable for most crops. Other
sprockets are available that provide more torque to the reel in heavy cutting conditions or allow for higher reel
speeds in light crops when operating at increased ground speeds. Refer to Table 3.8, page 79, and contact your
MacDon Dealer for ordering information.
Table 3.8 Optional Reel Drive Sprockets
Hydraulics
Combine
Application
Optional Drive
Sprocket
13.79–14.48 MPa
(2000–2100 psi)
Gleaner Transverse Rotary
Combining down rice
10 tooth
17.24 MPa
(2500 psi)
CLAAS 500, 700 Series,
Challenger Axial Rotary
12 tooth
20.68 MPa
(3000 psi)
NH CR, CX, Case IH 7010,
8010, 7120, 8120, 88 Series
14 tooth
Low flow
(under 42 L/min [11 gpm])
—
Combining light crops
above 16 km/hr
(10 mph)
21 tooth
For installation details, refer to 5.14.3 Replacing Reel Drive Sprocket, page 465.
OPERATION
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