User Manual

SECTION 6 OPERATION
169000 84 Revision F
6.17.12 Hay Conditioner
Steel rolls condition the crop by crimping, and
crushing the stem in several places to allow
moisture release for quicker drying. The degree
to which crop is conditioned as it passes through
the rolls is controlled by roll gap (factory-set at
1/4 in. [6 mm]). See illustration below.
Correct conditioning of alfalfa, clover, and other
legumes is usually indicated when 90% of the
stems show cracking, but no more than 5% of
the leaves are damaged. Use only enough roll
gap to achieve this result.
A larger gap (up to 1 in. [25 mm]) may be
desirable in thick stemmed cane-type crops;
however, too large a gap may cause
feeding problems.
Grass type crops may require less gap for
proper feeding and conditioning.
6.17.12.1 Roll Gap Adjustment
CAUTION
To prevent accidental movement of
windrower, place all controls in NEUTRAL or
in PARK, engage park brake (if applicable),
shut off engine, and remove key.
a. Lower header fully.
b. Stop engine, and remove key.
NOTE
When adjusting roll gap, be sure that the
decal reading is the same on both sides
of the conditioner roll to achieve
consistent intermesh across the rolls.
NOTE
Each division on the roll gap decal
represents a change of approximately
1/8 in. (3mm) in roll gap. The factory-
setting of 1/4 in. (6 mm) roll gap is
mark 1 on the decal (C).
c. Loosen and back off upper jam nut (A), on both
sides of conditioner.
d. To increase roll gap, turn lower nut (B) to raise
link, and increase the gauge (C) setting.
e. To decrease roll gap, turn lower nut (B) to
lower link, and decrease the gauge (C) setting.
f. Tighten jam nuts (A), both sides.
g. Loosen bolt (D), and rotate cover (E) to expose
access port (F).
h. Inspect space between roll bars at both ends of
the rolls at access port (F).
IMPORTANT
Roll timing and alignment are critical when
the roll gap is decreased because:
• conditioning is affected, and
• the bars may contact each other
i. Check roll timing and alignment when reducing
roll gap. Refer to Section 6.17.12.2 Roll Timing
and Alignment.
j. Close cover (E), and tighten bolt (D).
D
E
F
PULL-TYPE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B
A
C
SELF-PROPELLED
B
A
C
ROLL GAP
CROP