MacDon R85 - User Manual

Other manuals for MacDon R85

Questions and Answers

Scott EstradaAug 23, 2025

What to do if there are strips of uncut crop left on the field with MacDon Farm Equipment?

J
jordanjohnAug 23, 2025
If you notice strips of uncut crop left on the field when using your MacDon Farm Equipment, several factors could be at play. Start by checking for bent cutter blades and replace them if necessary. A build-up of dirt between the rock guards could also be the culprit, so decrease the header angle and increase flotation. Ensure your ground speed isn't too slow by increasing it, and conversely, avoid excessive header speed by reducing the header disc speed. Lastly, check for any foreign objects on the cutterbar; if found, disengage the header, stop the engine, and carefully remove the object once all moving parts have completely stopped.

Summary

Introduction

Conventions

Explains the standard conventions used throughout the document for clarity and consistency.

Chapter 1: Safety

1.1 Safety Alert Symbols

Details the meaning and importance of safety alert symbols used in the manual and on the machine.

1.2 Signal Words

Defines DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION signal words used to alert users to hazardous situations.

1.3 General Safety

Provides general farm safety precautions for operating and servicing machinery.

1.4 Maintenance Safety

Outlines safety precautions to ensure personal safety while performing maintenance on the machine.

1.5 Hydraulic Safety

Details crucial safety measures for working with the machine's hydraulic system.

1.6 Safety Signs

Provides guidelines for maintaining and understanding safety signs and decals on the equipment.

1.7 Safety Decal Locations

Illustrates the locations of various safety decals on the header for easy identification.

1.8 Understanding Safety Signs

Explains specific safety signs and their associated hazards and precautions for safe operation.

Chapter 2: Product Overview

2.1 Definitions

Defines key terms and acronyms used throughout the operator's manual for better comprehension.

2.2 Component Identification

Identifies and labels major components of the header through diagrams for user reference.

2.3 Specifications

Lists technical specifications and features of the R85 Rotary Disc Header.

Chapter 3: Operation

3.1 Owner;Operator Responsibilities

Outlines the essential responsibilities of the owner and operator for safe header operation.

3.2 Operational Safety

Provides critical safety precautions to follow during the operation of the header and windrower.

3.3 Engaging and Disengaging Header Safety Props

Details the procedure for safely engaging and disengaging header safety props for maintenance.

3.4 Driveshields

Explains how to open and close the driveshields on North American and Export headers.

3.5 Cutterbar Doors

Covers the operation of cutterbar doors, emphasizing safety during access to the cutterbar area.

3.6 Daily Start-Up Check

Outlines essential checks to perform each day before starting the header for safe operation.

3.7 Attaching the Header

Provides step-by-step instructions for attaching the R85 header to various MacDon windrower models.

3.8 Detaching the Header

Details the procedures for safely detaching the R85 header from different MacDon windrower models.

3.9 Break-In Period

Describes the initial break-in procedure for the header after attachment to the windrower.

3.10 Shutting down the Windrower

Provides the correct procedure for safely shutting down the windrower and header.

3.11 Transporting the Header

Offers guidance on transporting the header when it is attached to the windrower.

Chapter 4: Operating the Header

4.1 Header Float

Explains how to check and adjust header float settings for optimal performance in various conditions.

4.2 Roll Gap

Details how to check and adjust the roll gap for proper crop conditioning and feeding.

4.3 Roll Tension

Provides instructions on adjusting roll tension to suit different crop types and drying needs.

4.4 Roll Timing

Explains how to check and adjust roll timing for proper crop conditioning and to prevent damage.

4.5 Forming Shields

Guides users on adjusting forming shields to control windrow width and placement for optimal drying.

4.6 Header Angle

Describes how to adjust the header angle to maximize performance based on crop and field conditions.

4.7 Cutting Height

Details how to adjust cutting height using gauge rollers or skid shoes for optimal results.

4.8 Disc Speed

Recommends disc speeds for different crops and conditions to achieve the best cutting results.

4.9 Ground Speed

Provides guidance on selecting appropriate ground speed for smooth and even crop cutting.

4.10 Double Windrowing

Information on operating the Double Windrow Attachment (DWA) for laying double windrows.

4.11 Tall Crop Feed Plates

Explains the function and installation of tall crop feed plates for improved feeding in tall crops.

4.12 Tall Crop Divider Option

Describes the installation and removal of tall crop dividers for clean crop dividing in tall crop conditions.

4.13 Overshot Auger

Details the function and adjustment of the overshot auger for optimal crop feeding.

4.14 Stripper Bars

Explains how to adjust stripper bars to minimize crop wrapping and improve auger performance.

4.16 Unplugging the Header

Provides instructions on safely removing plugged material from the header.

Chapter 5: Maintenance and Servicing

5.1 Preparation for Servicing

Outlines critical safety steps to perform before servicing the header or opening drive covers.

5.2 Maintenance Requirements

Details the periodic maintenance schedule and recommendations to increase machine life.

5.2.2 Preseason;Annual Service

Lists the tasks to perform at the beginning of each operating season for optimal machine readiness.

5.2.3 End-of-Season Service

Provides instructions for servicing the header at the end of each operating season for storage.

5.2.4 Lubrication and Servicing

Guides users on accessing drive systems and performing lubrication and servicing tasks.

5.2.7 Lubricating the Cutterbar

Details the procedure for draining and refilling the cutterbar lubricant for proper function.

5.3 Cutterbar Discs

Covers inspection, removal, and installation of cutterbar discs to ensure cutting performance.

5.3.5 Cutterblades

Explains the function and replacement of cutterblades, emphasizing their double-sided cutting edges.

5.3.6 Accelerators

Details the inspection and replacement of accelerators for efficient material transfer.

5.3.7 Nut Shield

Provides instructions for inspecting and replacing nut shields that protect cutterblade nuts.

5.3.8 Rotary Deflectors

Covers inspection, removal, and installation of rotary cage deflectors for even crop flow.

5.3.9 Disc Spindles

Details the procedure for replacing a spindle key to maintain cutterbar functionality.

5.3.10 Cutterbar Doors

Explains how to inspect, adjust, and replace cutterbar door latches and brackets.

5.4 Drive Systems

Overview of the header's drive systems, including gearboxes and belts.

5.4.1 Bevel Gearbox

Details the maintenance of the bevel gearbox, including lubricant level and changes.

5.4.2 Conditioner Drive Belt

Covers inspection and replacement of the conditioner drive belt for proper operation.

5.4.3 Conditioner Gearbox

Details the maintenance of the conditioner gearbox, including lubricant level and changes.

5.4.4 Header Drive Speed Sensor

Covers adjusting and replacing the header drive speed sensor for accurate disc speed monitoring.

5.4.5 Auger Drive Belt

Provides instructions for inspecting, adjusting, and replacing auger drive belts.

5.4.6 Installing Sealed Bearings

Details the procedure for correctly installing sealed bearings to ensure proper function.

5.5 Hydraulics

Overview of hydraulic system maintenance procedures for the header.

5.5.1 Hydraulic Motor

Covers the removal and installation of the hydraulic motor for servicing or replacement.

5.5.2 Hydraulic Hoses and Lines

Emphasizes daily checks of hydraulic hoses and lines for leaks and proper condition.

5.6 Electrical System

Covers maintenance of the electrical system, including hazard lights.

Chapter 6: Options and Attachments

6.1 Options and Attachments: Kits

Lists available kits for the header, including adjustable skid shoes and repair tools.

6.1.3 Double Windrow Attachment (DWA)

Describes the Double Windrow Attachment (DWA) and its components for laying double windrows.

6.1.4 Gauge Roller

Information on the gauge roller option for adjusting cutting height.

6.1.5 Hydraulic Drive: 16-Foot for M200 Self-Propelled

Details the hydraulic drive kit for operating the header with an M200 windrower.

6.1.6 Tall Crop Divider Kit

Information on the tall crop divider kit for improving performance in tall crop conditions.

6.1.7 Tall Crop Feed Plate Kit

Describes the tall crop feed plate kit for enhancing material flow into the conditioner.

6.1.8 Solid Drums and Shields Kit

Details the Solid Drums and Shields kit to reduce crop wrapping and improve feeding.

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

7.1 Header Performance

Lists common header performance issues, their problems, solutions, and refer to relevant sections.

7.2 Mechanical Problems

Identifies mechanical problems, their causes, solutions, and references for repair.

Chapter 8: Reference

8.1 Torque Specifications

Provides correct torque values for various bolts, cap screws, and hydraulic fittings.

8.1.2 Metric Bolt Specifications

Lists torque specifications for metric bolts, including classes and thread types.

8.1.4 Flare-Type Hydraulic Fittings

Details torque values and procedures for flare-type hydraulic tube fittings.

8.1.5 O-Ring Boss (ORB) Hydraulic Fittings (Adjustable)

Provides torque values and installation guidance for adjustable ORB hydraulic fittings.

8.1.6 O-Ring Boss (ORB) Hydraulic Fittings (Non-Adjustable)

Lists torque values and installation guidance for non-adjustable ORB hydraulic fittings.

8.1.7 O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) Hydraulic Fittings

Details torque values and procedures for O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) hydraulic fittings.

8.1.8 Tapered Pipe Thread Fittings

Provides assembly instructions and torque values for tapered pipe thread fittings.

8.2 Conversion Chart

Offers a conversion chart between SI units (Metric) and Inch-Pound Units (Imperial).

Brand	MacDon
Model	R85
Category	Farm Equipment
Language	English

Brand

MacDon

Model

R85