8ground speed, Ground speed, Caution – MacDon R85 Rotary Disc 16 Foot Pull-Type User Manual

Page 109: 8 ground speed

7.8 Ground Speed

CAUTION

Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes, or when travelling over rough ground.

Operate the power take-off (PTO) at rated speed.

Choose a ground speed that allows the cutterbar and conditioner to cut the crop smoothly and evenly. Try different
combinations of PTO and ground speed to suit your specific crop.

In tough cutting conditions such as native grasses, the PTO speed will need to be maintained and ground
speed decreased.

In light crops the PTO speed can be reduced. Reduce engine rpm and shift into a higher gear to maintain
ground speed.

NOTE: Operating the mower conditioner at the minimum PTO speed will extend the wear life of components

and save fuel.

The chart below indicates the relationship between ground speed and area cut for a 16-foot mower conditioner.

Figure 7.20: Ground speed

Example: At a ground speed of 13 mph (21 km/h) a 16-foot mower conditioner would cut approximately 25 acres
(12 hectares) per hour.

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