MacDon D60 Draper Headers - Manual (Page 40)

SECTION 7. OPERATION
Form 169441 38 Revision B
7.12.4 REEL SPEED
Reel speed affects feeding of crop into the sickle
and onto the drapers, as well as the smoothness
and evenness of the delivered crop.
Operating the reel too fast or too slow relative to
ground speed will cause bunching.
At the proper speed, the reel discs should appear
to be being driven by the ground.
• If they look like they are skidding relative
to ground, the reel is turning too slow.
• If they look like they are spinning
excessively relative to the ground, reel
speed may be too fast.
In standing crop, reel speed should be just faster
than or equal to ground speed, sweeping crop
across the sickle.
Flattened crop or a crop that is leaning away from
the cutterbar requires a higher reel speed in
relation to ground speed. This can be achieved
by increasing reel speed, decreasing ground
speed, or both.
Excessive shattering of grain heads or crop loss
over the header back tube may be indications
that reel speed is too fast.
Excessive reel speed causes undue wear of reel
components and unnecessary load on reel drive,
resulting in uneven reel motion.
Generally, 9 bat reels can effectively operate at
lower reel speed, while minimizing crop loss in
shatter prone crops.
The reel speed is adjustable with the controls in
the windrower cab. Refer to “Reel Speed” in your
Windrower Operator’s Manual for adjustment
details.
7.12.4.1 Optional Reel Drive Sprockets - D60
Sprockets are available as an option to the
factory installed sprocket. See your MacDon
Dealer Parts Department to order sprockets.
Refer to Section 8.9.6 Reel Drive Sprocket - D60
for installation details.