Operating Basecutter

CM992500033
CM992500033-UN-10JAN00

CM982500035
CM982500035-UN-04JAN00

  1. To engage the basecutter system in forward or reverse direction, the engine should be 1500 rpm or less:
    • If the basecutter is engaged or reversed with the engine at full throttle, the basecutter will turn off and stay off until the engine is brought down to 1500 rpm and the basecutter switch turned off and back on.
    • There is no delay when turning basecutter on in either direction. There is a five second delay when changing directions. Either forward to reverse or reverse to forward within 5 seconds must be at idle or 1500 rpm for basecutter engagement.
  2. The basecutter diagnostics are set up as follows:
    1. Press the Sugarcane Harvester in SDU-A display.
    2. Selecting the Harvesting Home Page will produce the following and a sub-menu that will enable the operator to select other optional screens.
    3. Sub-Menu:

      — Chopper Pressure

      — Base Cutter Height

      — Base Cutter Pressure

  3. When operating, keep the harvester directly on the center of the row being cut. This should prevent the basecutter from missing any cane and causing torn or broken stalks.
  4. Always consider the basecutter blade life and the ground conditions when determining the speed and height to harvest your crop.
  5. Adjust the basecutter height so it just trims the top of the row, allowing the least amount of dirt into the harvester. Cutting too high causes the splitting of cane and less tonnage. Cutting too low causes dirt and stubble to enter harvester.
  6. Straight sided blades without rounded corners, are best to use, since rounded blades tend to push the cane instead of producing a clean cut.
  7. After the edge is worn, rotate the blades to opposite disks. When the edge rounds on the other side, remove all blades from the basecutter disks. Cut approximately 7.5 cm (2.95 in.) off the worn end of the blade. This will give you a straight sided blade with a new cutting edge. Mount blades back onto disks, using different holes, and rotate when necessary.

AS60558,000279E-19-20120125