Operating a Haybine

Biggest problem is where the field is not level, like you plowed the field and the cultivator left furrows in the same direction you are cutting, and the shoes are not riding the ridge.

Then the sickle starts "plowing" and it is real hard on it. Thing to do there is to slightly raise the machine (cylinder) to get the guide bars outta da dirt.

Spring tension should be set so there is about 50 to 100 # of force per shoe on the ground when the cylinder is all the way down (check with bathroom scale). To much and you plow, to little and it hops over bumps and leaves an uneven cut.....I take it on the light side....it doesn't hop that far and helps on any furrows encountered.

Of all the things I do with my tractor, sitting in an open cockpit and watching the cutter whack down 4-5' haygrazer is at the top of the list. #2 is watching a perfect round bale hit the ground (seldom) and #3 is smelling and watching fresh dirt roll.

Mark

Biggest problem is where the field is not level, like you plowed the field and the cultivator left furrows in the same direction you are cutting, and the shoes are not riding the ridge.

Then the sickle starts "plowing" and it is real hard on it. Thing to do there is to slightly raise the machine (cylinder) to get the guide bars outta da dirt.

Spring tension should be set so there is about 50 to 100 # of force per shoe on the ground when the cylinder is all the way down (check with bathroom scale). To much and you plow, to little and it hops over bumps and leaves an uneven cut.....I take it on the light side....it doesn't hop that far and helps on any furrows encountered.

Of all the things I do with my tractor, sitting in an open cockpit and watching the cutter whack down 4-5' haygrazer is at the top of the list. #2 is watching a perfect round bale hit the ground (seldom) and #3 is smelling and watching fresh dirt roll.

Mark

1. Rocks (smaller than several inches) are no problem unless the rake fingers can lift them up to get them into the rollers which I doubt.

2. My 1209 has a hydraulic positioner which I think is super over the manual device which was on my NH 489. Also like the open drive shaft of the 1209 vs the enclosed NH. I use about 2" of spacers to align the MoCo along side my 4010 Deere which is the tractor I use for cutting. The Deere is open station with an umbrella. With the Deere wrap around seat and high position, it is perfect for the job. I usually sit sideways with my feet crossed. Yeah I know if I have a problem, I need to be really quick to get my feet untangled and onto the clutch.

3. Doesn't matter how tall the material is; it cuts and crimps.....have cut over 6' with no problem. Wrapping on the rolls would be caused by either loose rubber snagging the crop on a worn roller, or material too wet.....like you started cutting too early in the morning.

4. Don't have any corn nor deer. Enjoyed sunsets when out west in the service. Here trees block the last 30 min.

5. Used to smoke and inhaling a good cigar was tops on the list. Gave it all up and haven't touched it since 1988 when I bought a new p/u truck and didn't want to stink it up. Afraid to touch tobacco now as I feel it would only take one to get me hooked again..... but I think about it and would love to indulge. Have one for me too. Grin.

Thanks,

Mark
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