Setting gap pressure on conditioning rolls

[Formerly PaMike]

Made the jump and bought my first discbine. Wow, what a machine! Anyway, anyone have tips for setting the gap on the conditioning rolls? I needed to take some shims out. The rubber pad by the shims is also worn out. NH wants $30 each! I adjusted the gap to around 1/32-1/16". Problems is due to the roll run out some of the gap is 1/8"+ when the rolls rotate. Gap even slightly bigger in the center. Seams like 1/8" gap will really not condition much but the largest stems...?? Also, how do you determine how much roll presure to use?
Thanks

 

[JMS/.MN]

Bigger gap in the center is cuz that"s where more material goes through- more roll wear. You need to examine the stems of the crop.....you need to crack the stems to let the moisture out when they dry. Leaves, like on alfalfa, dry easily. Stems hold the moisture.....need to be cracked to lose that water. Stems should be cracked according to the distance between the ribs on the rolls. ie, measure the width of the ribs on the rolls.........let"s say the ribs are 2 inches wide........the stems should be cracked every 2 inches. If they are not, tighten the rolls til they do that.

 

[nh014]

All items mentioned by JMS are correct. NH Haybines are mower conditioners, not crushers. They crimp stems as the pass through the roll lugs. You'll also want to check the roll timing and balance the rolls to reduce uneven gaps between the upper and lower rolls.

Balance the rolls first by disconnecting the drive chains and separating the rolls. Spin each roll. If they are out of round due to wear or damage the heavy side on each roll will settle to the bottom. Re-attach the drive chains after they settle out.

Then set the roll timing so that the lugs of the upper roll are spaced evenly between the lugs of the lower roll. No part of the upper lugs should touch the lower lugs.

 

[Formerly PaMike]

I didnt see any "crimp" mark on the stem from the mesh of the roll. I did notice that the thicker stems were more oval shaped instead of round due to running through the rolls.Maybe increase the tension? The rolls are about as close as they can be without touching.

 

[GordoSD]

Whatever model you have your manual will give you the gap, the pressure, and the "weight" of the head adjusted by the main springs.