MacDon 873 Combine Adapter - Manual (Page 21)

Form # 147069 Issue 09/06 19
OPERATION
963/972/973 HEADER FLOTATION (continued)
When working with cutterbar on ground (e.g. soybeans):
• Set top link length to mid-range position, 19-1/4” (490 mm).
• Set float arm gap to 1/2” (13 mm) as described on previous page.
• Best float operation will occur with minimum extra weight on header. Consider removing gauge wheels or
transport attachments, if equipped.
• Adjust float optimizer (if equipped) or feeder house height while watching float indicator to set cutterbar
down force. Installation of the float optimizer attachment is recommended for cutting on the ground if the
combine is equipped as required.
• Adjust header angle to achieve desired stubble height.
• In rocky fields, adjust skid shoes down. This raises guards when operating at the flattest header angle to
minimize scooping rocks.
• If cutterbar begins to push dirt during operation, adjust header height (with optimizer or feeder house
height control) to minimize pushing.
• Header angle and reel fore-aft position can be changed without significantly effecting header flotation
(down force).
Header Floatation for 963 Headers with Gauge Wheel/Transport Wheel:
1. Set guard angle and reel to desired position for cutting conditions
and slide handle (A) down to engage float.
2. Choose gauge wheel position to maintain proper gauge wheel spring
force at desired cutting height.
Field Position 1: when cutter bar is above the ground 4 to 12 inches
(100 to 300 mm) cutting height)
Field Position 2: when cutterbar is close to the ground 2 to 5 inches (50
to 125 mm) cutting height)
Storage (locked out): when cutter bar is on the ground 0 to 2 inches (0
to 50mm) cutting height. Header is run on skid
shoes and height is controlled by guard angle.
TRANSPORT PKG
LEFT WHEEL SUPPORT
TRANSPORT PKG
RIGHT WHEEL SUPPORT
STANDARD GAUGE
WHEEL SUPPORT
ADAPTER FLOAT ENGAGED
A