MacDon R85 Rotary Disc 16 Foot Pull-Type - Manual (Page 95)

7 Operating the Mower Conditioner
Satisfactory operation of the mower conditioner in all situations requires making proper adjustments to suit various
crops and conditions.
Correct operation reduces crop loss and increases productivity. As well, proper adjustments and timely maintenance
will increase the length of service you receive from the machine.
The variables listed below and detailed on the following pages will affect the performance of the mower conditioner.
You will quickly become familiar with adjusting the machine to give you the desired results. Most of the adjustments
have been set at the factory, but if desired, the settings can be changed to suit crop conditions.
Variable See section
mower conditioner float 7.1 Float, page 85
Roll gap 7.2 Roll Gap, page 87
Roll tension 7.3 Roll Tension, page 90
Roll timing 7.4 Roll Timing, page 91
Forming shields 7.5 Forming Shields, page 93
mower conditioner angle 7.6 Mower Conditioner Angle, page 96
Cutting height 7.7 Cutting Height, page 98
Ground speed 7.8 Ground Speed, page 99
7.1 Float
mower conditioner float springs are normally set so 95–105 lbf (426–471 N) is required to lift either end of the mower
conditioner just off the ground.
In rough or stony conditions, it may be desirable to maintain a lighter setting to protect cutting components.
When float setting is light, it may be necessary to use a slower ground speed to avoid excessive bouncing resulting
in a ragged cut. Faster ground speeds may require additional ground pressure.
Other operating variable adjustments may affect float setting.
Check the float and readjust if necessary after adjusting cutting height or mower conditioner angle.
NOTE: If using a tractor with drawbar height different than 16 in. (406 mm), float will be affected. Adjust
as required.
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