MacDon 963 Harvest Header - Manual (Page 18)

17
HEADER OPERATION
Operating Variables
Satisfactory function of the header requires
making the proper adjustments to suit various
crops and conditions.
Correct operation reduces crop loss and allows
cutting of more acres. As well, proper adjustments
and timely maintenance will increase the length of
service you receive from the machine.
The variables listed at right will affect the
performance of the header. You will quickly
become adept at adjusting the machine to give you
the desired results.
GROUND SPEED
• Ground speed should be such that the sickle can cut crop smoothly and cleanly, while giving the desired
delivery of material to the opening. Excessive ground speed results in "ragged" cutting. See "Windrowing"
for affects of ground speed on windrow formation.
• In tough-to-cut crops like flax, reduce ground speed to reduce loads on cutting components and drives.
• Higher ground speeds require heavier float settings to prevent excessive bouncing. This will result in
increased cutting component damage.
• As ground speed is increased, draper and reel speed should be increased to handle the extra material.
The chart below indicates the relationship between ground speed and area cut for the two header sizes.
Example shown: At a ground speed of 5 miles per hour (8 km/h) with a 36 ft. header, the area cut would be
approximately 22 acres (9 hectares) per hour.
OPERATING VARIABLES
1. Ground Speed
2. Cutting Height
3. Header Flotation
4. Header Angle
5. Draper Speed
6. Delivery Opening Width
7. Reel Speed
8. Reel Height
9. Reel Fore-Aft Position
10. Divider Angle