How to Set Up and Calibrate Your Header on a John Deere S700 Combine

Proper header calibration on your John Deere S700 Series Combine is essential for effective harvesting and optimal performance. This guide walks you through every step—from initial calibration to customizing auto controls—helping you get the best results this season.

1. Preparing for Header Calibration

• Connect the header to your combine.

• Access calibrations:

  • Press the Menu button (bottom right of display).

  • Select Calibrations & Procedures.

  • Tap Header Calibration.

Calibration Steps

• Press the Calibrate button (bottom left).

• Follow on-screen instructions:

  • Set machine to high idle.

  • Press Start.

  • Use plus/minus buttons to level the header.

  • Lower the head to the ground and press Next.

  • Hold the Header Raise switch as instructed.

  • Press Next.

  • The header will rapidly move to optimize performance.

• Once successful, press Save and exit calibration.

2. Adjusting Header Settings

• Open Header Settings using either the header shortcut or by navigating through the Menu.

• The top corner of the display identifies your header type (e.g., Flexible Draper).

Key Settings to Adjust

• Header Width: Adjust to match your AutoTrac spacing for accuracy.

  • Example: If running AutoTrac at 29.5ft, update header width from 30ft to 29.5ft.

• When prompted, update track spacing to match the new working width.

• Recording Stop Height:

  • Raise header to normal turning height.

  • Press Set to Current.

• Minimum Reel Speed: Adjust as needed for crop type and conditions.

• Header Hours: View how many hours the current header has been used.

3. Advanced Header Sensitivity & Auto Controls

• Sensitivity Settings:

  • Adjust HydraFlex pressure for ground following.

  • Set Draper Belt Speed:

    • Standard speed for typical conditions.

    • Reduced speed for one-side feeding to prevent crop throw.

• Auto Controls Setup:

  • For soybeans or similar crops, select these icons:

    • Header Height Resume

    • Header Height Sensing

    • Lateral Tilt

  • Preferences available for:

    • Dial-a-Speed

    • Reel Position Resume

  • Turn features on/off as needed by selecting their icons.

4. Operating Your Combine & Making On-the-Go Adjustments

• Return to the Home Page.

• Turn the header switch on.

• Push the **#2 icon on the hydroandle to engage preset settings.

• Monitor the HydraFlex setting and selected icons on the corner post of the combine.

• Adjust HydraFlex Pressure:

  • Use the dial on the front console—rotate left/right to fine-tune pressure.

  • No need to press save; changes are applied live.

• Header Positioning:

  • Button #1: Raises header for non-harvest movements.

  • Button **: Set alternate HydraFlex for unique conditions.

5. Manual Adjustments

• Manually raise/lower the header as needed for field conditions.

• Use hydro handle controls to adjust the reel:

  • Raise/Lower Reel

  • Extend/Retract Reel

Common Questions

Q: Do I need to save settings after adjusting HydraFlex pressure?
No, changes take effect immediately.

Q: Can I adjust header width and recording stop height for each field?
Yes, update these as needed for field size and crop type before starting.

Q: What do the Auto Control icons mean?
They correspond to preset header responses for crop type and preferred automation. Select these according to your crop and field conditions.