Adjusting Roll Pressure

Optimum conditioning for legume-type crops, such as alfalfa and clover, occurs when 90 percent of the stems show some conditioning. Stems should be crimped with minimum leaf damage.

Too much roll pressure will cause overconditioning of the crop. Overconditioning causes the leaves to dry faster and break off before the stems are dry. Also, overconditioning requires more horsepower and causes components to wear faster.

Check roll pressure:

Cut a swath through the field at normal ground speed with tractor engine operating at rated PTO speed. Stop and check the conditioning effect on the crop. A properly conditioned crop will show stems that are crimped or slightly crushed. The leaves should be intact and not bruised.

To adjust:

1. Park machine on a level surface.

2. Lower platform and carrier frame completely.

3. Raise the front doors.

OUCC006,0000A26 -19-20SEP04-1/2

4. Raise and turn lock (C).

5. Turn screw (B) to adjust roll pressure:

  • Screw in to increase roll pressure.
  • Unscrew to decrease roll pressure.

6. Align spring end (E) with one of the eight holes (A).

NOTE: The factory setting is the fourth hole.

7. Stop screw (B) with lock (C).

8. Repeat procedure on opposite side of machine with the same adjustment.


A-Holes (roll pressure indicators)
B-Screw
C-Lock
D-Spring
E-Spring end

CC1023358

OUCC006,0000A26 -19-20SEP04-2/2