Reel Speed; Optional Reel Drive Sprockets; Ground Speed - MacDon D65 Operator's Manual

3.7.6 Reel Speed

Reel speed is one of the factors that determines how crop is moved from the cutterbar onto the drapers.
The reel performs best when it appears to be driven by the ground. It should move the cut crop evenly through the
cutterbar and onto the drapers without bunching and with minimal disturbance.
In standing crop, reel speed should be slightly higher than, or equal to, ground speed.
In flattened crop or crop that is leaning away from the cutterbar, the reel speed needs to be higher than the ground speed.
To achieve this, either increase the reel speed or decrease the ground speed.
Excessive shattering of grain heads or crop loss over the header backtube may indicate that the reel speed is too high.
Excessive reel speed also increases reel component wear and overloads the reel drive.
Slower reel speeds can be used with nine-bat reels, which is beneficial in shatter-prone crops.
NOTE:
Nine-bat reels are available on 4.6–7.6 m (15–25 ft.) headers from the factory. A conversion kit to change from a six-bat
reel to a nine-bat reel is available for these headers.
Refer to 3.6.2 Header Settings, page 44
Reel speed is adjustable using the controls in the windrower cab. Refer to your windrower operator's manual for
adjustment details.

Optional Reel Drive Sprockets

Optional reel drive sprockets for use in special crop conditions are available as an alternative to the factory-installed
sprocket.
The header is factory-equipped with a 19-tooth reel drive sprocket that is suitable for most crops. Other sprockets are
available that provide more torque to the reel in heavy cutting conditions, or higher reel speeds in light crops when
operating at increased ground speeds.
For installation details, refer to

3.7.7 Ground Speed

Operating at the proper ground speed will result in cleanly cut crops and evenly distributed material in uniform windrows.
Refer to 3.10 Windrow Types, page 86
Reduce ground speed in difficult cutting conditions to reduce loads on cutting components and drives.
Use lower ground speeds in very light crops (e.g., short soybeans) to allow the reel to pull in short plants. Start at
4.8–5.8 km/h (3.0–3.5 mph) and adjust as required.
Higher ground speeds may require heavier float settings to prevent excessive bouncing which causes uneven cutting and
possible damage to cutting components. If ground speed is increased, draper and reel speeds should be increased to
handle the extra material.
Figure 3.29, page 59 illustrates the relationship between ground speed and area cut for the various sized headers.
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OPERATION
for recommended reel speeds in specific crops and crop conditions.
5.9.3 Replacing Reel Drive Sprocket, page
for effects of ground speed on windrow formation.
232.
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