OPERATION
NOTE:
A conversion kit to change a six-bat reel to a nine-bat reel for 30- and 35-ft. headers. Refer to 6.1.3 PR15 Tine
Tube Reel Conversion Kit, page 408 for more information.
Refer to 3.6.2 Header Settings, page 44 for recommended reel speeds in specific crops and crop conditions.
The reel speed is adjustable with the controls in the combine cab. Refer to your combine operator’s manual for
adjustment details.
Optional Reel Drive Sprockets
Optional re
el drive sprockets are available as an alternative to the factory-installed sprocket for use in special
crop condit
ions.
The header
is factory equipped with a 19-tooth sprocket to drive the reel which is satisfactory for most c rops. Other
sprockets
are available to provide more torque to the reel is heavy cutting conditions, or to allow higher reel speeds
in light cr
ops where increased ground speeds are used. Refer to the following table and contact your MacDon Dealer
for orderi
ng information.
Machine Hydraulics
Combine
Application
Optional
Drive
Sprocket
2000–2100 psi
(13.79–14.48 MPa)
Gleaner Transverse Rotary
10-tooth
2500 psi
(17.24 MPa)
Lexion 5
00, 700 Series,
Challen
ger Axial Rotary
12-tooth
3000 psi
(20.68 MPa)
NH CR, CX, Case IH 7010,
8010, 7120, 8120, 88 Series
Combining do wn rice
14-tooth
Low flow
(under 11 gpm)
—
Combining light
crops above 10 mph
(16 km/hr)
21-tooth
For i
nstallation details, Refer to 5.14.1 Replacing Reel Drive Sprocket, page 372.
3.7.
5GroundSpeed
Using the proper ground speed will result in cleanly cut crop and even delivery of material into the combine.
Reduce ground speed in difficult cutting conditions to reduce loads on cutting components and drives.
Use lower ground speeds in very light crops (for example, short soybeans), to allow the reel to pull in short plants.
Start at 3.0–3.5 mph (4.8–5.8 km/h) and adjust as required.
Higher ground speeds may require heavier float settings to prevent abnormal bouncing that would cause uneven
cutting and possible cutting component damage. Generally, if ground speed is increased, draper and reel speeds
should be increased to handle the extra material.
The following chart indicates the relationship between ground speed and area cut for the various header sizes.
147695 68 Revision A