MacDon 2000-B User manual

2000-B
PICK-UP REEL
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Form 46240 Issue 06/06
Sugg. Retail: $10.00

Inside Front Cover
(blank)

Form 46240 1 Issue 06/06
INTRODUCTION
Your new Model 2000-B cam-action Pick-Up Reel is ideal for downed-crop conditions and may be mounted on
most windrowers and combines.
This manual is provided to assist you in the Assembly, Operation and Maintenance of your MacDon Pick-Up
Reel. As well, a Service Parts listing is included. Use the manual as your first source of information about the
reel.
CAREFULLY READ THE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ASSEMBLE, MOUNT OR USE THE REEL.
Repair or replacement parts may be ordered from your nearest authorized dealer. When ordering, be sure to
include the following information:
1. Serial number of reel. The serial number is located on the L/H cam assembly.
2. Part number, description and quantity of each part.
3. Make and header width of windrower or combine.
Keep this manual handy for reference and to pass on to new operators or owners. Call your Dealer if you need
assistance, information or additional copies of this manual.
NOTE: A mounting parts list was shipped with the mounting package for your particular windrower or combine.
Keep the list with this manual for future reference.
NOTE: For assembly and parts description purposes, right and left hand are determined from the Operator's
position, facing forward (in the direction of travel). These may be abbreviated using R/H and L/H. The cam
assemblies at either end of the reel are identified as right or left hand with decals.
WARRANTY CLAIMS: When claiming warranty, be sure to include all of the following information:
1. Serial number of reel.
2. Date purchased.
3. Date of failure.
4. Description of failure.
5. Part number and quantity of failed parts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................. 1
SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................... 2 - 4
ASSEMBLY..............................................................................................................................5 - 12
OPERATION ..........................................................................................................................13 - 15
SAFETY.................................................................................................................................. 13
ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................................................................ 14,15
TROUBLE SHOOTING .......................................................................................................... 16 - 20
MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................................................21 - 23
PARTS ...................................................................................................................................24 - 27
INDEX ........................................................................................................................................... 28

Form 46240 2 Issue 06/06
SAFETY
This safety alert symbol indicates important safety messages in this manual. When you see
this symbol, carefully read the message that follows and be alert to the possibility of
personal injury or death.
If this reel is used by an employee, or is loaned or rented, make certain that, prior to
operating, the user:
1. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
2. Reviews and understands this manual.
BEFORE STARTING
Read this manual completely and make sure you understand it before attempting assembly or operation.
Study all safety messages in this manual, as well as the combine or windrower manual.
Read all the safety signs on the machine.
Clear the area of other persons.
Clean reflective surfaces on the machine.
Learn and practice safe use of controls before operating.
It is your responsibility to understand and follow manufacturers' instructions on machine operation, service,
and to observe pertinent laws and regulations.
To help prevent personal injuries during assembly, operation and maintenance; use protective shoes, a hard
hat, protective glasses or goggles, and close-fitting clothing.
Provide a first aid kit for use in case of accident.
ASSEMBLY AND SERVICE
Before rotating any reel not mounted on a header, be sure the reel is securely attached to stable supports at
both ends so it cannot tip or fall.
Install and maintain all recommended shields and safety signs.
The reel drive must be properly shielded. Install and maintain all recommended shields and safety signs.
Do not crawl under, or climb over or through the reel assembly.

Form 46240 3 Issue 06/06
SAFETY
ASSEMBLY AND SERVICE (continued)
The reel weighs between 400 lbs. (15') and 800 lbs. (30') and must be adequately supported. When
positioning the reel, be sure a stop is in place to prevent the reel from sliding off the reel support arms. See
header Operator's Manual for reel clearance and fore-aft adjustments.
Do not service or adjust reel until:
1. The header is resting on the ground and the reel is fully lowered. If it is necessary to service in the raised
position, first engage header and reel cylinder stops.
2. Header clutch is disengaged.
3. The engine is stopped and the key removed from the start switch.
4. The park brake is set.
5. All moving parts have stopped.
OPERATING
Be aware and stay clear of rotating machine parts which cannot be shielded. Keep shields installed and wear
close fitting clothing to help protect from entanglement and injury.
Lower or block all hydraulically or mechanically elevated implements, including the reel and other attachments
before leaving the equipment.
Be aware that accidents often happen when the operator is tired or in a hurry to get finished. Take the time to
consider the safest way. Never ignore warning signs of fatigue.
SIGNAL WORDS
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION with safety messages. The appropriate
signal word for each message has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER - Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING- Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury. It is also used to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION - Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury. It is also used as a reminder of good safety practices.

Form 46240 4 Issue 06/06
SAFETY
SAFETY SIGNS
•Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
•Replace safety signs that are missing or become illegible.
•If original parts on which a safety sign was installed are replaced, be sure the repair part also bears the
current safety sign.
•Safety signs are available from your Dealer Parts Department.
•To install safety signs:
1. Be sure the installation area is clean and dry.
2. Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
3. Remove the smaller portion of the split backing paper.
4. Place the sign in position and slowly peel back the remaining paper, smoothing the sign as it is applied.
5. Small air pockets can be smoothed out or pricked with a pin.
•The following safety sign appears on the pick-up reel main tube.
•As well, the following or similar reel-related safety signs may appear on your combine or windrower
header.

Form 46240 5 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
CAUTION:To help prevent injury, use
protective shoes, a hard hat,
protective glasses or goggles, and
close fitting clothing.
CAUTION: Be careful when cutting
strapping and shipping wire. Release
of pressure can cause sudden
movement. Remove wire and strapping from
the assembly area.
1. IDENTIFY LEFT/RIGHT END:
Lay bats down as they were strapped to
center tube. Do not turn end for end. Notches
(A) in bats should line up with lugs (B) on reel
center tube. Identify left and right ends of
center tube by the decal (C) at each end.
2. SUPPORT CENTER TUBE on suitable
stands.
WARNING: The completed reel
weighs between 400 lbs. (15') and
800 lbs. (30') and must be adequately
supported.
NOTE: Be sure reel is located where it can be
easily approached when mounting on header.
SUPPORT CENTER TUBE
IDENTIFY LEFT & RIGHT ENDS

Form 46240 6 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
3. SLIDE REEL ARM ASSEMBLIES ONTO
CENTER TUBE.
NOTE: The lug pattern is different at each end of
the tube. The pattern at each end continues
towards the center of the tube. The number of
positions with the same lug pattern determines the
number of arm assemblies to be installed from that
end.
EXAMPLE: Lug pattern (A) is repeated at three
positions; slide three reel arm assemblies (C) on
that end.
Lug pattern (B) is repeated at two positions; slide
two assemblies (C) on that end.
To install arm assemblies:
•With disc of assembly facing in, match the three
notches (D) in the arm disc with the three end
lugs on the center tube and slide assembly over
these lugs.
•Rotate assembly until any notch in disc aligns
with the fourth (offset) lug and slide on.
•Repeat until all assemblies are on reel tube,
past the first set of lugs at each end.
•Fasten one arm assembly at each end, using
3/8 NC x 1-1/2 carriage bolts and flange nuts as
follows:
Place the disc between the one offset lug (E)
and the other three lugs (F) and rotate to align
holes in disc with lugs on tube. Install hardware
finger tight only, with bolt heads against lugs.
NOTE: It is sufficient to fasten only the outside arm
assemblies at this stage, leaving the rest of the
arm assemblies close to the end of the reel. Final
positioning is easier after the reel is mounted.
IDENTIFY LUG PATTERN &
SLIDE ON ARM ASSEMBLIES
LINE UP 3 LUGS, SLIDE ON,
ROTATE TO LINE UP OFFSET LUG
D
ATTACH ONE ARM ASSEMBLY EACH END
E
F

Form 46240 7 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
4. INSTALL END SHAFTS from mounting
package using four 3/8 NC flange bolts.
NOTE: End shaft can be identified as right or
left by the decal on the support to which it is
assembled. Be sure the drive end shaft is
installed at the proper end of the reel for your
machine.
IMPORTANT: Tighten the four bolts evenly to
pull shaft straight into tube. Plate (A) must
contact disc (B). When contact is made, torque
bolts to 35 ft.lbs. (47 N⋅m).
Slide one 3 inch O.D. washer (C) from mounting
package onto each end shaft.
5. ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL CAMS.
a. Identify left and right reel supports (A) (from
mounting package) by the decal on each part.
b. Attach each reel support (A) to a cam track (B)
with one 3/8 NC x 3/4 carriage bolt and flange
nut at (C). (Both cam tracks are the same.)
IMPORTANT: Do not install bolt in adjustment
slots until reel is mounted. Damage to reel may
result if ends are not evenly adjusted.
c. Slide reel support/cam track assemblies onto
end shafts, matching rotation decals on center
tube to decals on reel supports.
d. Identify right and left cam arm assemblies (D)
by the decal on each cam ring. Position the cam
arms collapsed or removed for shipping and
tighten locknuts to 150 ft.lbs. (200 N⋅m).
NOTE: For L/H cam assembly, flip over both
collapsed arms so that all cam arms are
oriented the same way in direction of rotation.
e. Slide right and left cam arm assemblies (D)
over cam tracks at respective ends of reel,
ensuring that rotation decals on center tube,
reel supports and cam rings all match.
INSTALL END SHAFTS & WASHER
A
C
B
ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL CAMS
(LEFT HAND SHOWN)
B
A
D
C

Form 46240 8 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: Before rotating the reel
be sure L/H & R/H mounts are well
clamped so that reel cannot tip or
fall.
CAUTION: To prevent cam arm
assemblies from sliding sideways off
of cam tracks as reel is mounted,
wire-tie cam arm assembly to the outer reel
arm assembly (fastened in step 3).
6. MOUNT REEL TO HEADER SUPPORT ARMS.
NOTE: If header is not available, position new
stands at left and right mounts and clamp reel
securely. Remove supports under reel center
tube.
See insert sheet supplied with mounting
package for mounting instructions.
WARNING: The reel weighs between
400 lbs. (15') and 800 lbs. (30') and
must be adequately supported. When
positioning, be sure a stop is in place to
prevent the reel from sliding off the reel
support arms.
WARNING: The reel drive must be
properly shielded. Install and
maintain all recommended shields
and safety signs.
7. ATTACH REMAINING REEL ARM
ASSEMBLIES to center tube using 3/8 NC x 1-
1/2 long carriage bolts and flange locknuts as
follows:
Position arm assembly at the set of lugs where
it is to be installed.
Place the disc between the one offset lug (A)
and the other three lugs (B) and rotate to align
holes in disc with lugs on tube.
Install hardware finger tight only, with bolt
heads (C) against lugs.
MOUNT REEL SAFELY
ATTACH REEL ARM ASSEMBLIES
A
C
C
B

Form 46240 9 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
8. ATTACH CRANKS TO BAT ASSEMBLIES:
a. Left and right cranks are bundled separately.
Identify left and right cranks by the decal on one
crank per bundle.
b. Install left (E) and right cranks into bat
assemblies (F). Be sure orientation of bats is
as shown.
At Left Cranks Only: Fasten with 5/16 NC x
1-1/2 inch hex socket head capscrews and
special tapered nuts (H). (Taper against bat).
Tighten hardware only until bat is clamped to
tube (0 to 1 ½ threads showing). Do not
collapse bat and tube by over-tightening.
IMPORTANT: Do not install hardware for right
cranks at this stage. This hardware will be
installed at Step 15.
c. 36' Header Only: At inboard end of L/H and R/H
reels, install fingers in end bats. (See Step 11
for procedure). Install 5/16 NC x 3/4 carriage
bolt and flange nut at (D), tightening only until
fingers are clamped.
Attach end bats to bat assemblies similar to
cranks, (Step 8 b, above).
NOTE: Clamping of end bat fingers prior to
installation of end bat is necessary to provide
proper fit-up between end bat and formed bat.
9. ATTACH BATS TO REEL ARMS:
a. Assemble bearing halves (A) and steel strap (B)
onto reel bats.
NOTE: Apply a thin layer of grease on all plastic
bearings to prolong bearing life.
b. Check that left and right hand decals on bat
assemblies and cam assemblies match. Attach
bats to reel arms (C) as shown with 5/16 x 2 1/4
inch hex head capscrews and flange locknuts
(D). FINGER TIGHTEN ONLY.
c. Straighten bats, then tighten hardware at arm
discs only. See Step 14 for proper torques.
WARNING: Do not crawl under, or
climb over or through the reel
assembly.
ATTACH BATS TO REEL ARMS
INSTALL CRANKS INTO BATS -
FASTEN LEFT HAND ONLY
E
H
F
CLAMP FINGERS IN END BATS BEFORE
INSTALLATION (36' HEADER ONLY)
D

Form 46240 10 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
10. ATTACH CAM ARMS (F) to cranks on bat
assemblies using 5/8 x 1-3/8 hex head shoulder
bolts and lock nuts. Finger tighten only.
NOTE: There are two positions on the crank for
connecting cam arms. See "Recommended
Settings" chart on page 14 and choose the
position best suited to your conditions. (Position
"Y" is shown here.)
IMPORTANT: Install hardware with bolt head
inboard. Once a cam arm position is chosen,
ensure all arms are in the same position at both
ends of the reel.
11. INSTALL FINGERS in bats using tool (A)
provided, ensuring button snaps into hole (B) in
bat.
For steel fingers, pre-assemble finger (F) and
clip (G) and install as above.
ATTACH CAM ARMS
F
INSTALL FINGERS
B
A
STEEL FINGERS
G
F

Form 46240 11 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
12. INSTALL END SHIELDS
a. Insert shield bearing (C) into pocket (with hole)
in end shield (D). The step on the bearing must
protrude through hole in end shield.
b. Attach bearing to crank (or end bat for 36') with
3/8 x 5/8 inch flange head self-tapping screw.
Tighten enough to prevent rotation of the shield
bearing against end of crank tube. Do not over-
tighten, plastic bearing may split.
c. Bring the closed end of the next end shield up,
enclosing the bearing. Fasten end shields with
5/16 x 3/8 Phillips truss head machine screws
and nuts (E).
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to reel bats
and shields, screw heads must be to the inside
of the reel.
Leave hardware loose until all shields are
attached.
d. Clearance between end shields and header end
sheet (or nearest point of contact) should be 1
to 2 1/2 inches (25 - 64 mm).
If necessary, adjust reel support arm braces to
center the reel in the header. See your header
Operator's Manual.
13. ADJUST FINGER PITCH POSITION.
See "Recommended Settings" on page 14 and
choose a position best suited to your conditions.
IMPORTANT: To prevent twisting damage to
the reel, be sure reel support arms on header
are lifting in phase before installing bolt (A). If
installing reel on a new header, bleed reel lift
hydraulics before installing bolt (A).
Install 3/8 x 3/4 carriage bolt (A) and flange nut
in the same position at both ends of the reel.
IMPORTANT: Reel damage can result if reel is
unevenly adjusted.
INSTALL END SHIELD BEARINGS
C
D
ASSEMBLE END SHIELDS
E
ADJUST FINGER PITCH
A

Form 46240 12 Issue 06/06
ASSEMBLY
14. TIGHTEN HARDWARE - Tighten all reel
hardware to the following torques, measured on
the locknuts:
5/8" hardware: 150 ft.lbs. (200 N⋅m)
- cam arms to cranks
3/8" hardware: 22 ft.lbs. (30 N⋅m)
- arm discs to center tube
- reel supports to cam tracks
5/16" hex socket head hardware: 22 ft.lbs.(30 N⋅m)
- cranks to bats
- end bats to bats (36' only)
5/16" Phillips head hardware: 12 ft.lbs.(16 N⋅m)
- end shields
NOTE: At bearing straps, tighten only until
plastic bearing is clamped. DO NOT CRUSH
BEARING BY OVER-TIGHTENING. Bolt thread
at bearing straps should not protrude more than
3/16 inch (4 mm) above nut.
15. INSTALL AND TIGHTEN R/H CRANK
HARDWARE - After tightening all assembled
hardware, check that both cams are in time (at
the same position). When they are timed, attach
right cranks to bats, using the same hardware
and procedure as described for the left side in
Step 8.
Tighten only until bat is clamped to crank tube.
Do not collapse bat and tube by over-tightening.
16. Perform Pre-Delivery Checklist (yellow page at
back of this book).
IMPORTANT: Reel works best when fingers
come as close to cutterbar as possible without
interference. Be aware that flexing of header
and reel over bumps can result in contact if
clearance settings are insufficient. See page 15
for minimum clearance settings.
Refer to windrower or combine Operator's
Manual for reel clearance adjustment. On some
models it may be necessary to install risers on
the reel support arms to achieve adequate
clearance. If so, these will have been included in
the mounting package.

Form 46240 13 Issue 06/06
OPERATION
WARNING: Do not service or adjust
reel until:
1. The header is resting on the ground.
2. The reel is fully lowered or securely blocked.
3. The engine is stopped and the key removed
from the start switch.
4. The park brake is set.
WARNING: Be aware and stay clear
of rotating parts that cannot be
shielded. Keep shields installed and
wear close fitting clothing to help protect from
entanglement and injury.

Form 46240 14 Issue 06/06
OPERATION
PICK-UP REEL ADJUSTMENTS
The reel has a series of adjustments which affect crop flow into the sickle and conveyors. This section
describes these adjustments and gives recommended settings for several crops and conditions. The Trouble
Shooting section of this manual includes some tips to improve performance.
Finger Pitch is the angle the fingers operate at in relation to the ground. In the illustration below, finger pitch
on right is more aggressive than pitch on left. Generally, a more aggressive finger pitch is required for crops
that are down, tangled or matted. A less aggressive finger pitch is suitable for standing crop.
Adjustment of the finger pitch is achieved in two stages:
1. Select Cam Arm Position - This is a major
adjustment made by moving cam arm mounting
bolt to position X or position Y as shown. All cam
arms at both ends of the reel must be in the same
position. Position X is a less aggressive setting,
recommended for standing or partially down
crops. Position Y is a more aggressive setting,
recommended for down and tangled crops.
CAM ARM
POSITION ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
X
Best release of
crop.
Larger "bite"
(more gather) at
crop entry.
Heavier loads on
reel and drive.
Less lift.
Y
Lighter loads on
reel and drive.
Better lifting
action.
At high RPM, may
cause "tossing" of
plants in short, light
crops.
2. Select Finger Pitch - This is a fine-tuning adjustment made by selecting range slot P or Q and pitch notch J,
K, L, M, N or O. Range slot P is more aggressive than slot Q. Pitch notch J is least aggressive, notch O is
most aggressive. Select a position aggressive enough to provide sufficient lift, yet still release crop properly.
TIP: In bushy crop that sits high on the drapers or augers, try a more aggressive finger pitch to reduce
carry-over.
RECOMMENDED SETTINGS
CROP
CONDITIONS
CROP TYPE CAM ARM
POSITION
RANGE SLOT FINGER PITCH
NOTCH *
Standing or
Partially Down
Alfalfa, Rice,
Short Cereal
X P L or M
Y Q M Canola, Peas
Y P J
Tall Cereal Y P K or L
Rice Y P L or M
Thick,
Heavily Matted,
Mostly Down
Soybeans X P M
* NOTE: Recommended finger pitch notches are for MacDon 942 and 960/962 Headers. This will vary for
other headers.
FINGER PITCH ADJUSTMENTS

Form 46240 15 Issue 06/06
OPERATION
PICK-UP REEL CAM ARM POSITION AND
FINGER PITCH ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
IMPORTANT: To avoid reel damage, be sure the
same notch and range slot are being used at both
ends of the reel. Be sure crank position is
consistent at all cam arms at both ends.
To adjust cam arm position:
1. Lower the reel or engage reel support arm
props.
2. Lower header fully.
3. Reposition cam arm bolt from position (X) to
position (Y) or vice versa.
4. Repeat at all cam arms, both sides.
5. Tighten cam arm bolts to 170 ft.lbs. (230 N⋅m).
To adjust finger pitch angle:
1. Lower the reel and header fully.
2. Loosen carriage bolts (S) and (T) on both L/H
and R/H cam assemblies.
3. Slide the front carriage bolt (S) out of the notch
at each end. (To change to alternate range slot
(Q), remove loosened bolt and nut from keyhole
slot.)
4. Adjust to desired position as follows:
Grasping one bat to keep it from rotating
relative to the reel, rotate reel by hand to move
cam to desired position. If cam remains
stationary, use a 3/8 drive ratchet handle (V) in
alternate range slot to rotate the cam. Slide
carriage bolt into new notch and tighten bolts
(S) and (T) to 22 ft.lbs. (30 N⋅m).
5. Check clearance to cutterbar:
When operating reel with an aggressive finger
pitch, be sure that fingers will not contact sickle
when flexed back by crop, as at (R).
Minimum finger path to guard clearance (W) is:
3/4" (20 mm) for headers under 21'
1 1/4" (30 mm) for 21' header
1 1/2" (40 mm) for 25' header
2" (50 mm) for 30' header
Check clearance along entire cutterbar
length. See "Reel Clearance to Cutterbar" in
your header Operator's Manual.
NOTE: For auger and Multi-Crop headers,
finger path should come as close to augers as
possible without contact.
CAM ARM POSITION ADJUSTMENT
CHECK CLEARANCE TO SICKLE
(AND AUGERS IF APPLICABLE)
FINGER PITCH ADJUSTMENT
S T
Q
V

Form 46240 16 Issue 06/06
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION REF.
CROP LOSS AT CUTTERBAR
Does not pick-up down crop. Cutterbar too high. Lower cutterbar. *
Header angle too flat. Steepen header angle. *
Reel too high. Lower reel. *
Reel too far back. Move reel forward. *
Ground speed too fast
for reel speed.
Reduce ground speed or
increase reel speed.
*
*
Reel fingers not lifting
crop sufficiently.
Move cam arms to pos'n. Y
to increase finger pitch
aggressiveness.
14
Install lifter guards. **
Heads shattering or
breaking off.
Reel speed too fast. Reduce reel speed. *
Reel too low. Raise reel. *
Ground speed too fast. Reduce ground speed. *
Crop too ripe. Operate at night when
humidity is higher.
---
Cut grain falling ahead of
cutterbar.
Ground speed too slow. Increase ground speed. *
Reel speed too slow Increase reel speed. *
Reel too high. Lower reel. *
Cutterbar too high. Lower cutterbar. *
Reel too far forward. Move reel back on support
arms.
*
Worn or broken sickle
components.
Replace. *
Strips of uncut material. Crowding uncut crop. Allow enough room for crop
to be fed to cutterbar.
---
Broken sickle sections. Replace. *
* See your Header or Power Unit Operator's Manual.
** See your dealer.

Form 46240 17 Issue 06/06
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION REF.
CROP LOSS AT CUTTERBAR (continued)
Crop not being cut at ends. Reel too high or not
centered in header.
Lower reel or adjust
horizontal position.
*
*
Sickle hold-downs not
adjusted properly.
Adjust hold-downs so sickle
works freely, but still keep
sections from lifting off
guards.
*
Sickle sections or guards
are worn or broken.
Check and replace all worn
and broken cutting parts.
*
Header is not level. Level header. *
Reel fingers not lifting
crop properly ahead of
sickle.
Increase finger pitch
aggressiveness.
14
Divider runs down thick
crop at ends, prevent-ing
proper feeding.
Replace 3 or 4 end guards
with stub guards.
**
CUTTING ACTION & SICKLE COMPONENTS
Ragged or uneven cutting of
crop.
Sickle hold-downs not
adjusted properly.
Adjust hold-downs so sickle
works freely, but still keep
sections from lifting off
guards.
*
Sickle sections or guards
are worn or broken.
Check and replace all worn
and broken cutting parts.
*
Sickle is not operating at
recommended speed.
Check engine speed of
windrower.
*
Ground speed too fast
for reel speed.
Reduce ground speed or
increase reel speed.
*
*
Reel fingers not lifting
crop properly ahead of
sickle.
Increase finger pitch
aggressiveness.
14
Cutterbar too high. Lower cutting height. *
Header angle too flat. Steepen header angle. *
Bent sickle, causing
binding of cutting parts.
Straighten a bent sickle.
Align guards.
*
*
* See your Header or Power Unit Operator's Manual.
** See your dealer.

Form 46240 18 Issue 06/06
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION REF.
CUTTING ACTION & SICKLE COMPONENTS
Ragged or uneven cutting of
crop. (continued)
Cutting edge of guards
not close enough or
parallel to sickle
sections.
Align guards. *
Tangled or tough to cut
crop.
Install stub guards. *
Reel too far back. Move reel forward. *
Loose sickle drive belt. Adjust drive belt tension. *
Sickle plugging. Reel too high or too far
forward.
Lower reel or move reel
rearward.
*
*
Ground speed too slow. Increase ground speed. *
Loose sickle drive belt. Adjust drive belt tension. *
Improper sickle hold-
down adjustment.
Adjust hold-down so sickle
is held against guard cutting
surface.
*
Dull or broken sickle
sections.
Replace. *
Bent or broken guards. Align or replace. *
Reel fingers not lifting
crop properly ahead of
sickle.
Increase finger pitch
aggressiveness.
14
Steel pick-up fingers
contacting sickle.
Increase reel clearance to
cutterbar.
*
Header float too heavy. Adjust float springs for
lighter float.
*
Mud or dirt build-up on
cutterbar.
Raise cutterbar by lowering
skid shoes.
*
Flatten header angle. *
Sickle is not operating at
recommended speed.
Check engine speed of
windrower.
*
* See your Header or Power Unit Operator's Manual.