214323 86 Revision B
3.7.6 Ground Speed
Operating at the proper ground speed will result in cleanly cut crops and evenly distributed 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 (e.g., short soybeans) to allow the reel to pull in short plants. Start at
4.8–5.8 km/h (3.0–3.5 mph) and adjust as required.
Higher ground speeds may require heavier float settings to prevent excessive bouncing which causes uneven cutting and
possible damage to cutting components. If ground speed is increased, draper and reel speeds should be increased to
handle the extra material.
Figure 3.97, page 86 illustrates the relationship between ground speed and area cut for the various sized headers.
Figure 3.97: Ground Speed vs Acres
A - 30 ft. B - 35 ft. C - 40 ft.
Example: A 12.2-m (40 ft.) header operating at a ground speed of 9.7 km/h (6 mph) would produce a cut area of
approximately 11.3 hectares (28 acres) in one hour.
OPERATION