Unplugging The Mower Conditioner; Haying Tips; Curing; Topsoil Moisture - MacDon R80 Operator's Manual

6.14 UNPLUGGING THE MOWER
CONDITIONER
WARNING
Stop tractor engine and remove key before
removing plugged material from mower
conditioner. A child or even a pet could
engage the drive.
a. Stop forward movement of the tractor and stop
the PTO.
b. Raise the header fully, shut down the tractor
engine, and remove the key.
c. Engage lift cylinder lock-out valves.
WARNING
Wear heavy gloves when working around
cutterbar.
d. Open cutterbar doors and clean off cutterbar or
rolls by hand.
Form # 169053
OPERATION

6.15 HAYING TIPS

6.15.1 Curing

a. A quick cure will maintain top quality because:
•
5% of the protein is lost for each day hay
lies on the ground,
•
The sooner the cut hay is off, the earlier the
start for next growth.
b. Leaving the windrow as wide and thin as
possible makes for the quickest curing.
c. The cured hay should be baled as soon as
possible.

6.15.2 Topsoil Moisture

a. On wet soil, the general rule of "wide and thin"
does not apply. A narrower windrow will dry
faster than hay left flat on wet ground.
b. When the ground is wetter than the hay,
moisture from the soil is absorbed by the hay
above it.
before cutting.
estimate level:
LEVEL
Wet
Damp
Dry
c. If ground is wet due to irrigation, wait until soil
moisture drops below 45%.
d. If ground is wet due to frequent rains, cut when
weather allows and let the forage lie on wet
ground until it dries to the moisture level of the
ground.
e. The cut hay will dry no more until the ground
under it dries, so consider moving the windrow
to drier ground.

6.15.3 Weather and Topography

a. Cut as much hay as possible by midday, when
drying conditions are best.
b. Fields sloping south get up to 100% more
exposure to the sun's heat than do north sloping
fields. If hay is baled and chopped, consider
baling the south facing fields and chopping
those facing north.
c. When relative humidity is high, the evaporation
rate is low and hay dries slower.
d. If there is no wind, saturated air becomes
trapped around the windrow. Raking or tedding
will expose the hay to fresher, less saturated air.
e. Cut hay perpendicular to the direction of the
prevailing winds is also recommended.
50
Determine topsoil moisture level
Use a moisture tester or
% MOISTURE CONDITION
Over 45 Soil is Muddy
25 – 45 Shows Footprints
Under 25 Surface is Dusty
Model Year - 2010