OPERATION
3.15 Operating the Mower Conditioner
Satisfactory operation of the mower conditioner in all situations requires making proper adjustments to suit various
crops and conditions.
Correct operation reduces crop loss and increases productivity. As well, proper adjustments and timely maintenance
will increase the length of service you receive from your machine.
The v a riables listed in Tab le 3.8 Mower Conditioner Performance Variables, page 80 and detailed on the following
pages will affect the performance of your mower conditioner. You will quickly become adept at adjusting your machine
to produce the desired results. Although most of the adjustments have been set at the factory, the settings can be
changed to suit your crop conditions.
Table 3.8 Mower Conditioner Performance Variables
Variable
Refer to
Mower Conditioner Float 3.15.1 Mower Conditioner Float, page 80
Mower Conditioner Angle 3.15.2 Cutterbar Angle, page 82
Cutting
Height
3.15.3 C
utting Height, page 83
Ground Speed 3.15.4 Ground Speed, page 84
Conditioning: Roll Type 3.15.5 Conditioning: Roll Type, page 85
Condi
tioning: Finger Type
3.15.
10 Conditioning: Finger-Type, page 91
3.15.1 Mower Conditioner Float
Mower conditioner float springs are normally set so a force of approximately 95–105 lbf (426–471 N) is required to
lift either end of the mower conditioner just off the ground when the hitch is centered.
In rough or stony conditions, it may be preferable to apply less force in order to protect cutting components.
NOT
E:
Wh
en float setting is light, it may be necessary to reduce ground speed in order to prevent excessive bouncing
an
dleavingaraggedcut.
Adjusting Float
The mower conditioner ’s float setting (or lifting force) changes depending on the conditioner type and options. The
setting must be equal at both ends of the mower conditioner. Follow these steps to adjust float:
WARNING
To avoid bodily injury or death from unexpected start-up or fall of raised m achine: stop engine, remove
key, and engage lift cylinder lock-out valves before going under machine.
NOTE:
Changes to the mower conditioner ’s operating position can affect the float settings. After adjusting cutting height
or the cutting angle, che ck float and adjust as necessary.
NOTE:
If the tractor ’s drawbar height is greater or less than 16 in. (406 mm), float may be affected. Check the float
and adjust as necessary.
147910 80 Revision A
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