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XtraBlatt Issue 02-2018

  • Text
  • Krone
  • Machinery
  • Forage
  • Straw
  • Farmer
  • Contractor
  • Dairy
  • Bales
  • Agricultural
  • Cows

INFORMATION PRACTICAL

INFORMATION PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MACHINERY ADJUSTMENT EVER READY Good feed quality starts with mowing. The fundamental requirement for reliable machinery application is setting-up the implement correctly and then servicing it regularly. Here, we show you the right steps to take using the disc mower as example. 34

Lower link height setting is correct when the parallel arms are level. After attachment of mower to tractor we come to the first adjustment that can influence cutting results: height of the lower link arms. This must be exactly the same so that the mower headstock remains parallel to the ground. Only then can the mower work evenly, optimally following field surface contours. This is especially important when cutting on side slopes. Do you want to alter the cutting height from the standard of around 7 cm? This can be done relatively easily by adjustment of the top link. The shorter the top link is set, the more “aggressive” is the cutting action, i. e. the cutting height is reduced. So far, so good. But how can I know the cutting height to begin with? To measure distance between field surface and mower disc, use a ruler and always measure from the very front of the blade downwards, and at several points across the working width. There are another few things to check. Most important of these is the so-called ground pressure, hydraulically regulated or via springs. To assess the present setting, take hold of the mounted mower at the frame and pull lightly upwards. If no movement is possible, the ground pressure might be too high, or the springs set too tightly. But this should be no problem because modern mowers usually allow ground pressure adjustment without tools through simply adjusting spring attachment by bolts in a hole plate. To do this, lift the mower into headland position and reinsert the spring tension bolts. Drop the mower and again lift the mower frame. If this is then possible without too much effort, the setting is correct. A good general ground pressure is approx. 70 kg per metre working width. However, this can vary with the working speed you choose, as well as the location-specific situation, e.g. ground conditions and mowing requirements. Some mowers feature integrated conditioners that can be adjusted to give the required intensity of conditioning. Here, the space between fingers and baffle plate can be adjusted. The smaller the space, the higher the intensity of conditioning. Try it out. Additionally, intensity of conditioning can be regulated via conditioner rpm: the higher the revolution speed, the greater the intensity. Now, it’s time to start mowing. After a few metres, always stop and check work quality. Don’t forget to check the cut sward to see if cutting height is right. SERVICING Does cut grass tend to appear torn and ragged rather than showing the desired clean cut? It could be that blades need replacing. And with that, we come to the second part of our practical tips: servicing the machine. “Out of the nettle bed and right into mowing work” is, unfortunately, a common forage harvesting situation on some farms. Whereby, all that’s needed to ensure a smoothly working mower are a few simple steps. Correct servicing ensures a high degree of operational reliability and avoids expensive downtime during harvest. One point to start off with: when there’s the possibility of keeping your mower under cover and dry over the winter, then you should always do so. Another tip: pressure washing the machine beforehand is always good. A clean mower is easier to check-over than one covered in dust and dirt. For cleaning, the mower is best on its stand. As soon as it’s dry, it should be well greased at all required points, an action that also gets rid of any condensation moisture that may have collected inside bearings. Getting 35