Each year I always start with the initial setting recommended by MF, and then adjust as necessary, as conditions always vary from year to year.

My reference is a single laminated MF sheet entitled PROFIT-BOOSTING ADJUSTMENTS FOR MASSEY-FERGUSON COMBINES, publication number 602 AG/5-75/10-5 & C602/570-5-2. It covers adjustments for small grain, soybeans and corn.

Here are the initial settings for soybeans:

Elevator, drum height: Bottom hole for light crops, raise one hole for heavy crops.

Concave: remove filler bars from wide spaced concave, or remove every second wire from narrow-based concave.

Concave Setting: Front: 1/2" to 5/8" Rear: 1/8" to 5/16"

Cylinder Speed: 300 to 550 r.p.m.

Rear Beater: For aggresive handling of straw install spike-tooth beater blades.

Grain Pan Screen: Install 3/16" as needed for faster removal of dirt and fine chaff.

Triple Screen Shoe:

Top 1-1/8" screen set 3/16" to 9/16" ,

Middle 13/16" screen set to 3/16" to 9/16",

Bottom front 13/16" screen set to 3/16" to 9/16" (or 7/16" and 5/8" diameter round hole screen) ,

and bottom rear 1-5/8" screen set to 5/8".

Fanning Mill: Adjust the deflector carefully (1/8" at a time) to find the best position.

Returns Cylinder & Rethresher: Remove all channel-type concave sections to avoid cracking seeds.