Roll Gap; Checking Roll Gap - MacDon R85 Operator's Manual

6.2 Roll Gap

When crop enters the conditioner, steel "N-bar" rolls crimp and crush the stems in several places. This conditioning
releases moisture for quick drying. The roll gap controls the degree of conditioning.
Correct conditioning of alfalfa, clover, and other legumes is indicated when 90% of the stems show cracking with no
more than 5% leaf damage. Set enough roll gap to achieve this result.
A larger gap 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.
The factory roll gap setting of 1 in. (25.4 mm), measured at the conditioner rolls, corresponds to a roll gap setting of
1-3/16 in. (30 mm), measured at the adjustment bolt.
NOTE:
Insufficient roll gap can over-condition a crop (excess leaf damage), reduce machine capacity, and use
unnecessary horsepower. Monitor your disc speed. When crop loads increase and disc speed falls by more
than 50 rpm, check conditioning action (on the plant). Increased crop volume can increase conditioning (leaf
loss). Consider increasing the roll gap slightly. The optional load sensor on an M205 can warn the Operator
prior to a header stall or plug.

6.2.1 Checking Roll Gap

DANGER
Stop engine and remove key from ignition before
leaving operator's seat for any reason. A child or
even a pet could engage an idling machine.
1. Lower header fully.
2. Open the driveshield. Refer to
26.
3. Loosen bolts (B) that secure conditioner shield (A).
4. Remove the conditioner shield (A) by sliding it up.
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OPERATING THE HEADER
5.4 Driveshields, page
73
Figure 6.2: Conditioner Shield
Revision F