MacDon D60 Draper Headers - Manual (Page 60)

SECTION 7. OPERATION
Form 169441 58 Revision B
7.16 HAYING TIPS
The following information may be useful when
using the D50 and D60 Harvest Headers in hay
crops:
7.16.1 CURING
a. A quick cure will maintain top quality because:
• 5% of the protein is lost for each day hay lies
on the ground,
• The sooner the cut hay is off, the earlier the
start for next growth.
b. Leaving the windrow as wide and thin as possible
makes for the quickest curing
c. The cured hay should be baled as soon as
possible.
7.16.2 TOPSOIL MOISTURE
a. On wet soil, the general rule of "wide and thin"
does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry faster
than hay left flat on wet ground.
b. When the ground is wetter than the hay, moisture
from the soil is absorbed by the hay above it.
Determine topsoil moisture level before cutting.
Use a moisture tester or estimate level:
LEVEL % MOISTURE CONDITION
Wet Over 45% Soil is Muddy
Damp 25 - 45% Shows Footprints
Dry Under 25% Surface is Dusty
c. If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil
moisture drops below 45%.
d. If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when
weather allows, and let the forage lie on wet
ground until it dries to the moisture level of the
ground.
e. The cut hay will dry no more until the ground
under it dries, so consider moving the windrow to
drier ground.
7.16.3 WEATHER AND TOPOGRAPHY
a. Cut as much hay as possible by midday, when
drying conditions are best.
b. Fields sloping south get up to 100% more
exposure to the sun's heat than do north sloping
fields.
If hay is baled and chopped, consider baling the
south facing fields, and chopping fields facing
north.
c. When relative humidity is high, the evaporation
rate is low, and hay dries slower.
d. If there is no wind, saturated air becomes trapped
around the windrow. Raking or tedding will
expose the hay to fresher, less saturated air.
e. Cutting hay perpendicular to the direction of the
prevailing winds is also recommended.
7.16.4 WINDROW CONFIGURATION
It is recommended that a windrow with the
following characteristics be produced. Refer to
Section 7.12 HEADER OPERATING VARIABLES
for instructions on adjusting the header.
CONFIGURATION ADVANTAGE
High And Fluffy
The movement of air through the
windrow is more important to the
curing process than direct sunlight.
Consistent Formation,
Not Bunchy
Permits an even flow of material
into the baler, chopper etc. and
allows for more even drying.
Even Distribution of
Material Across
Windrow
Results in even and consistent
bales to minimize handling and
stacking problems.
Properly Conditioned Prevents excessive leaf damage.
7.16.5 DRIVING ON WINDROW
Driving on previously cut windrows can lengthen
drying time by a full day in hay that will not be
raked.
If practical, set forming shields for a narrower
windrow that can be straddled.
NOTE
Driving on the windrow in high yielding
crops may be unavoidable if a full width
windrow is necessary.
7.16.6 RAKING AND TEDDING
Raking or tedding speeds up drying, however the
benefits must be weighed against the additional
leaf losses which will result.
There is little or no advantage to raking or tedding
if the ground beneath the windrow is dry.
Large windrows on damp or wet ground should
be turned over when they reach 40 - 50%
moisture.
Hay should not be raked or tedded at less than
25% moisture, or excessive yield losses will
result.