Adjusting Doffer Column Height

Normal Conditions

IMPORTANT: Excessive wear to spindles and doffers can occur if spindles are not aligned properly with slots in bottom frame when doffer column adjustments are made. This alignment provides proper doffer/spindle relationship for doffer adjustment. (Proper position is with spindle just under leading edge of doffer).

1. Rotate rear drum until one row of spindles is directly in line with slot (A) on bottom frame.

2. Loosen lock nut (B).

3. Rotate rear doffer column adjusting screw (C) counterclockwise until doffer column rotates freely (until spindles are clear of doffers).

4. While rotating doffer back and forth, turn adjusting screw clockwise until a slight drag between spindles and doffers is felt.

5. Tighten lock nut while holding adjusting screw in position.

6. Rotate front drum until one row of spindles is directly in line with slot (D) on bottom frame. Repeat adjustment procedure to front drum doffer.

7. Check doffer height adjustment at least twice daily. Adjust if required.


A-Slot, Rear Drum
B-Lock Nut
C-Adjusting Screw
D-Slot, Front Drum

N42178SL

Rear Drum In Proper Position

N56691
N57062

Front Drum In Proper Position

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NOTE: Proper doffer adjustment is only effective if doffer pad spacing is equal. If spacing is unequal due to wear, remove doffer column and grind. (See your John Deere dealer).

If doffer pads touch spindle nuts, align doffer column. (See Adjusting Doffer Column Tilt in this section).

(See Adjusting Doffer Column Height-Extreme Conditions in this section for additional adjustments needed for extreme conditions).

Extreme Conditions

IMPORTANT: Uneven doffer wear WILL result when operated in extreme conditions such as tall rank plants where most cotton is doffed by top few doffers or very short plants where most cotton is doffed by lowest few doffers. Drag may still be felt when doffers are checked, but drag will only be on doffers that have not worn excessively.

NOTE: When unusual crop conditions cause spindle wrap, adjust doffers more often than what is considered normal for your area. Check and adjust doffers at least twice a day.

1. Perform procedures described for NORMAL CONDITIONS, but tighten doffer height adjusting screw on front and rear drums an additional 1/8 turn to compensate for uneven doffer wear.

IMPORTANT: The additional 1/8 turn WILL result in only a small increase of drag on spindles. At no time should doffers bind against spindles. This will cause spindles and bushings to wear prematurely.

It is important that doffers are not set an additional 1/8 turn if it is not necessary.

2. If necessary, raise doffer off spindles and readjust.

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