McHale F5500 - Knife operation

McHale F5500 Baler
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7.2.4 Bale counters
The bale sub total is displayed on the right side of the screen. The control box contains
ten different bale counters (A - J) and a day counter which can be reset. It also contains
a grand total counter which cannot be reset. (See ‘Bale total counters’)
7.2.5 Voltage monitor
The control box monitors its operating voltage and displays it on the right side of the
screen. It should be between 12.0 V and 14.5 V. If the voltage falls below 10 V a
warning message is flashed on the display. (See ‘Low voltage’)
7.2.6 Knife operation
Standard knife operation allows all 15 knives to be raised/lowered at the same time.
Selectable knives are available as an option on the machine. The operator can select
between 0, 7, 8 or 15 knives, by turning the tap on the right-hand side of the chopper
unit. The knives must be fully down (retracted), before selecting the desired set of 7, 8
or 15 knives.
The knives are operated by holding the ‘Knife Diverter’ (Button 3) on the control box
and operating the tractor spool lever for the pick-up reel.
To raise the knives, press and hold the Knife Diverter Button, then operate the spool
lever in the pick-up reel upwards direction. The knife pressure will increase to and stop
at the normal working pressure of 50 - 60 bar, which is displayed on the screen. The
knife sensor symbol should also appear on the screen to indicate that the knives are
fully raised into the chopping position. (On machines with the selectable knife option, a
separate indicator is displayed for each sets of knives, see the image below)
Release the tractor spool lever to neutral first followed by the Knife Diverter Button.
To lower the knives, press and hold the Knife Diverter Button, then operate the spool
lever in the pick-up reel down direction. When the knives have lowered fully, place the
spool in the float position then release the Knife Diverter Button.
Separate indicator for each set of knives (selectable knives only)
Sometimes, if the knives have not been used for a while or if there is a lot of crop build
up in the knife slots, it may be necessary to apply extra hydraulic pressure to raise them
fully. To do this, first pressurise knives to the target pressure, as normal, then release
the Knife Diverter Button and press again. Engaging the spool lever again will override
the pressure limit and allow maximum tractor hydraulic pressure to be applied to the
knives.
Knife up indicator
2nd Knife up indicator
(only on machines with
selectable knives option)
Knife pressure (bar)