MacDon 963 Harvest Header - Manual (Page 21)

20
HEADER OPERATION
Operating Variables (continued)
HEADER FLOTATION
IMPORTANT: To avoid frequent breakage of sickle components, scooping soil, or soil build-up at cutterbar in
wet conditions, set header float as light as possible without causing excessive bouncing.
Under normal conditions, adjust float spring tension so 50 to 70 lbs. force (220 to 310 N) is required to lift
cutterbar off ground at each end.
See "Header Flotation" in Windrower or Combine Adapter Operator's Manual for adjustment details.
HEADER ANGLE
The header (or guard) angle can be set between 9
° and 13 ° below horizontal on the windrower.
The header (or guard) angle can be set between 13
° and 16 ° below horizontal on the combine. (Actual range
may vary with combine set-up.)
IMPORTANT: The flattest header angles are recommended for normal conditions. A flatter header angle
reduces sickle section breakage and reduces soil scooping or build-up at the cutterbar in wet conditions. Use
a steeper angle to cut very close to the ground, or in down crop for better lifting action.
See "Windrowing" for the effects of header angle on windrow formation. See "Header Angle" in Windrower or
Combine Adapter Operator's Manual for adjustment details.
For headers with gauge wheels, see "Gauge Wheel Field Positions", page 18 for proper relationship between
gauge wheel setting and header angle.
DRAPER SPEED
Draper speed affects the orientation of stalks in the delivered crop. See "Windrowing", page 26 for the affect
of draper speed on windrow formation. See Windrower or Combine Adapter Operator's Manual for adjustment
details.
DELIVERY OPENING WIDTH
For windrower, the width and position of the
delivery opening affects the width and
configuration of the windrow. See "Windrowing",
page 26 for more information.
For straight cutting, the side draper opening must
be set to properly overlap feeder draper.
The center delivery opening can be adjusted to
widths between 32.3" (820 mm) and 65.8" (1670
mm) measured between rollers.
NOTE: End delivery opening size is limited by
windrower drive tires and/or deck contacting
header frame. When shifting deck to end delivery,
ensure center delivery opening size is 61" (1549
mm) or narrower.
To adjust delivery opening width:
1. Release draper tension as follows:
• Loosen bolt (A) and nut (B).
• Slide bracket (C) towards outboard roller.
NOTE: It may be necessary to tap bracket (C)
with a hammer to start it moving.
RELEASE DRAPER TENSION