MacDon 5020 Mower Conditioner - Manual (Page 49)

49
BENDING GUARD TIPS UP
A
MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
SICKLE AND SICKLE DRIVE (continued)
Guards
Check daily that guards are aligned to obtain
proper shear cut between sickle section and
guard. Sickle sections should contact shear
surface of each guard.
Align guards with guard straightening tool provided
as shown:
To bend guard tips up, position tool as shown at
(A) and pull up.
To bend tips down, position tool as at (B) and push
down.
NOTE: Tool is stored in header frame tube at left
end. See (G) in photo on page 48 (bottom left).
TIP: If trouble is encountered cutting tangled, but
easy to cut material (canola, peas, grain) replace
guards with stub guards or install a sickle hold-
down on every guard. If material is tough to cut,
install stub guards with top guard and adjuster
plate. A stub guard conversion kit for the
Windrower is available from your dealer.
Excessive Breakage
Excessive breakage of sickle sections and guards can be controlled by several factors. See "Cutting Height",
"Header Angle" and "Header Flotation" in Operation section for recommendations.
Sickle Hold-Downs
Check daily that sickle hold-downs are set to
prevent sickle sections from lifting off guards but
still permit sickle to slide without binding. Set hold-
downs after guards are aligned.
To set hold-downs:
1. Use the unplug wrench (A) with the flattened
end against the front edge of hold down. Strike
wrench with a hammer. This allows
adjustment of hold-down arch (B) without
"pinching" sickle. Clearance from hold-down to
sickle section should be .020 inch (0.5 mm).
2. After adjusting all hold-downs, run header at a
low engine speed and listen for noise due to
insufficient clearance. Re-adjust as necessary
by placing a .020 inch (0.5 mm) shim between
hold-down and section, then striking the hold-
down arch (B) with a hammer.
BENDING GUARD TIPS DOWN
B
SETTING SICKLE HOLD-DOWNS
A
B