MacDon M150 SP - Manual (Page 80)

HEADER - GENERAL
Form 169017 / 169087 / 169095
78
Revision C
6.4.2 HEADER FLOTATION
Float is intended for cutting crops that require the
cutterbar to be in contact with the ground.
Optimum float is for the cutterbar to maintain
contact with the ground with minimum bouncing
and scooping or pushing soil.
The machine will perform best with minimum extra
weight on the header.
IMPORTANT
To avoid frequent breakage of sickle
components, scooping soil, or soil build-up
at cutterbar in wet conditions, header float
should be set as light as possible without
causing excessive bouncing.
When float setting is light, it may be
necessary to use a slower ground speed to
avoid excessive bouncing and leaving a
ragged cut.
IMPORTANT
The stabilizer wheels are designed to
minimiz
e bouncing at the header ends and
not “float” the header. Refer to the D50 and
D60 Harvest Headers for Self-Propelled
Windrowers Operator’s Manual (Form
#169441) for adjustment details.
6.4.2.1 Float Operating Guidelines
When working with the cutterbar on the ground;
• Set center-link to mid-range position (05.0 on
CDM). Refer to Section 6.4.5 Header Angle.
• In rocky fields, adjust skid shoes down to raise
guards when operating at flattest header
angle to minimize scooping rocks.
• Adjust header height or adjust header angle to
minimize pushing soil.
6.4.2.2 Float Adjustment
The M Series windrowers are equipped with
primary (coarse) and secondary (fine) adjustment
systems.
The primary or coarse adjustment uses drawbolts
to change the tension on the springs in the lift
linkages.
The secondary or fine adjustment uses hydraulic
cylinders to change the spring tension.
a. Check header float as follows:
CAUTION
Check to be sure all bystanders have cleared
the area.
1. Start the engine.
2. Using HEADER TILT SWITCHES, set center-
link to mid-range position (05.0 on CDM) (A).
3. Using HEADER DOWN switch, lower header
fully with lift cylinders fully retracted.
4. Set left and right float fine adjustments on the
CDM to approximately 5.0 as follows:
i) Using float selector switch (B), push
+
to
increase float, or
–
to decrease float on
left side of header. CDM display (A) will
indicate selected float for left side, for
example (5.0 L FLOAT R XX.X).
ii) Repeat for right side float with switch (C).
Display will indicate float for both sides,
for example (5.0 L FLOAT R 5.0).
5. Shutdown engine, and remove key.
(continued next page)
HEADER
TILT UP
HEADER
TILT DOWN
A
HEADER DOWN
C
B