MacDon 742 HAY CONDITIONER - Manual (Page 43)

Form # 46290 Issue 09/05 41
OPERATION
HAY CONDITIONER ROLL INTERMESH
The intermeshing steel rolls of the hay conditioner
crimp the plant stems in several places, allowing
moisture release and quicker drying.
The degree to which the stems are conditioned
(crimped) depends on the amount of roll intermesh
and roll spring tension (see below).
Correct conditioning of alfalfa, clover and other
legumes is usually indicated when 90% of the
stems show crimping but no more than 5% of the
leaves are damaged. To achieve this, roll
intermesh is factory set so that dimension (D) is
3/4 inch (20 mm) for normal operation.
In thick stemmed cane-type crops, heavy oats,
winter forage, etc., slightly less intermesh may be
desirable (D = approximately 1 inch); however too
little intermesh will cause feeding problems.
To adjust roll intermesh:
IMPORTANT: Make equal adjustments on both
sides of conditioner to achieve consistent
intermesh across the rolls.
1. Loosen nut (E).
2. Turn nut (F) clockwise to decrease intermesh,
or counter-clockwise to increase intermesh.
NOTE: Nut (F) is welded to adjuster tube, so
complete assembly will turn.
3. A 7/8-inch nut can be used to check intermesh.
(A 7/8-inch nut is 3/4 inch (20 mm) high.)
4. When intermesh is correct, tighten nut (E) while
holding nut (F) with another wrench to lock the
position securely.
HAY CONDITIONER ROLL TENSION SPRINGS
The conditioner roll intermesh is maintained by two
tension springs to provide adequate pressure for
correct conditioning of the crop. These springs
also allow the rolls to open to allow passage of
small solid objects without damage to the rolls.
The roll tension has been factory set and is not
adjustable.
ROLL INTERMESH ADJUSTMENT
E
F
ROLL INTERMESH
(Maintain ¾" (20 mm) bar-to-roll gap)