MacDon 742 HAY CONDITIONER - Manual (Page 46)

Form # 46290 Issue 09/05 44
OPERATION
HAY CONDITIONER FORMING SHIELDS
CAUTION: Keep forming shields installed at all times conditioner is in use. Do not allow
anyone to stand behind the machine while operating. Stones or other foreign objects may be
ejected from the conditioner with force.
The side and rear deflectors are adjustable to shape the windrow to your preference.
In deciding on windrow width, the following factors should be considered:
• weather conditions (rain, sun, humidity, wind)
• type and yield of crop
• drying time available
• method of processing (bales, silage, "green-feed")
A wider windrow will generally dry faster and more evenly, resulting in less protein loss. Fast drying is
especially important in areas where the weather allows only a few days to cut and bale. See "Haying Tips" in
this section for more information.
Where weather conditions permit or when drying is not critical, for example, when cutting for silage or "green-
feed", a narrower windrow may be preferred for ease of pick-up.
Windrow Width
Position the adjuster handle as required to
move the side deflectors to the desired
width.
NOTE: With hardware installed in hole (A)
in L/H link as shown, deflectors will move
symmetrically about the center of the
conditioner rolls. For the most evenly
formed windrows, use position (A) for
windrows up to 60 inches wide. Use hole
(B) only when windrows over 60 inches are
required, as this allows the left deflector to
open to a wider position than the right
deflector. Maximum width is with hardware
in hole (B) and handle in Position (1).
Rear Deflector
The rear deflector (L) slows the crop exiting
the conditioner rolls, directs the flow
downward, and "fluffs" the material.
To start, adjust rear deflector to
approximately the mid-range position (45
°).
Optimum position for best windrow
uniformity must be determined for each crop
condition.
To adjust rear deflector, loosen adjuster handles (M), one per side, position deflector and tighten adjuster
handles (M). For even windrow formation, be sure deflector is not twisted.
Forming Shield Height
Depending on the amount of crop material, the rear of the forming shield assembly can be raised or lowered to
properly deflect the crop. As a starting point, set forming shield height at the 3 rd hole from the bottom of the
rubber straps. For lighter crops, lower forming shield as required to form the most uniform windrows. Too high
a setting does not allow the deflectors to shape the windrow, while too low a setting will cause uneven and
poorly formed windrows.
To adjust forming shield rear height, remove hairpin (N), both sides, and raise or lower shields to desired
height.
Deflector Fins
Four fins provided standard are stored at (K) on the top L/H side of the top cover. Additional fin hardware
required is stored at (J). Continued next page.
HAY CONDITIONER FORMING SHIELDS