We have always engaged at wide open. 1991 9600 and have never had problems. I also AlWAYS lay the auger back. We farm a couple of fields with electric poles and several with tree rows. I still always take a peak at the auger when I see those poles, even if I'm not close, just out of habit from the old 6600. Also, even with wheat, we cut most everything back and forth, and turning left with possible trees or poles, you want it in.