Checking Conditioning Effect (Impeller Conditioner)

Conditioning occurs when crop rubs against conditioner hood and against itself. This disturbs the waxy outer layer of the plant stem and speeds up moisture evaporation.

Three things affect conditioning intensity:

1. Rotor speed;

   • High speed (865 rpm)—Ideal for most crops
   • Low speed (625 rpm)—For tender crops or if leaf loss occurs on faster speed
   
   

2. Clearance between the conditioning hood and rotor tine tips. Maximum clearance reduces conditioning intensity and is a good starting point for legume crops.

3. Crop volume passing between the rotor and the hood. The more volume the greater the conditioning intensity. Crop volume can be affected by changing ground speeds. Faster ground speed may require the clearance between the rotor and conditioning hood be increased.

   To check the conditioning effect:

   1. Adjust mower-conditioner to crop requirements for grass or legumes.
   2. Cut a pass through the field at normal ground speed with tractor engine operating at rated PTO rpm.
   3. Stop and check crop for conditioning effect. Overconditioning causes the leaves to dry faster and break off before stems are dry. Overconditioning also increases horsepower requirements and causes components to wear faster.
   
   

   Grass Crops: The heads should not be separated from the stems. The stems should show impact and rubbing marks but not be slashed.

   Mixed Grass, Clover, or Alfalfa: Blossoms and leaves should not be lost or scattered. The blossoms, leaves, and stems should show impact and rubbing marks.