MacDon 5020 Mower Conditioner - Manual (Page 32)

32
OPERATION
ROLL GAP
WARNING: To avoid bodily injury or
death from unexpected start-up or fall
of raised machine; stop engine,
remove key and engage lift cylinder
stop before going under machine to
examine rolls or for any other reason.
Steel rolls "condition" the crop by crimping the
stem in several places. This allows moisture
release for quicker drying. The degree to which the
crop is conditioned as it passes through the rolls is
controlled by roll gap (A), measured from bar to
roll tube. The gap is factory set at 3/4 inch (20
mm) for normal operation.
Correct conditioning of alfalfa, clover and other
legumes is usually indicated when 90% of the
stems show cracking, but no more than 5% of the
leaves are damaged. Use only enough roll gap to
achieve this result.
A slightly larger gap (up to 1 inch [25 mm]) may be
desirable in thick stemmed cane-type crops;
however, too large a gap may cause feeding
problems.
Grass type crops may require less gap for proper
feeding and conditioning.
To adjust roll gap:
NOTE: The top face of nut (B) is used as the
indicator for the gauge decal on the threaded rod.
Each division on the roll gap decal represents a
change of approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) in roll
gap. The factory setting of 3/4 inch (20mm) roll
gap is mark 5 on the decal. When adjusting roll
gap, be sure that the decal reading is the same on
both sides of the conditioner roll to achieve
consistent intermesh across the rolls.
a. Raise header fully.
b. Loosen jam nut (B), both sides.
c. To increase roll gap, turn nut (C) clockwise.
d. To decrease roll gap, turn nut (C) counter-
clockwise.
e. Tighten jam nut (B), both sides.
f. Lower header and inspect roll gap along the
length of the rolls.
NOTE: Roll tension (the force holding the rolls
together) is factory set and non-adjustable.
ROLL GAP
A
= APPROX. 1/8” (3 mm)
ROLL GAP CHANGE
ROLL GAP DECAL
ROLL GAP ADJUSTMENT
B
C