Combines 02 Updates

[SDman]

Some of the new features on 2002 Axial-Flows are: 2388 PTO-style separator clutch replaced with belt tensioner separator clutch setup similar to 44_66 models Thicker vanes- from 1_8" thickness to 3_16" thickness External seive adjusters standard on all models 2344_66s have a bigger 130 gallon fuel tank Spreader coupler is easier to remove(thumb button release) Grain tank and auger trough cleanouts which have an access for a blowgun to better clean out the bottom of the grain tank 12-row ready combines can be ordered without a Power Guide Axle 2-speed straw spreader pulley allows different spreader speeds in different crops "grease banks" on unloader and rear axle areas Right rear access panel flips up for better access to the elevator drive clutch_shaft, chopper drive belt Concaves are "one-piece style", instead of using an extension on top of the main concave that was used previously There are other updates as well, but these are what I thought would be the "high points"

 

[larryNCKS]

curious. Why, after all these years, did they do away with the pto type clutchIJ TIA

 

[RPM]

Not sure but I suspect too many warranty failures of clutch discs, I know of some operators slugging machine and just throwing clutch in and out to unplug machine, sometimes it worked, but still hard on discs. This way if they pop a belt its a little harder to explain if questionable.

 

[SDman]

larry, I think the matter of the old IH PTO clutch used for a separator clutch has been cussed and discussed by CaseIH engineering for many years. It does seem to be a "weak link" on the 80 series around here. They have changed the style of clutch packs(1688s and newer),hydraulic filter location(2388s),changed the instrumentation so the sep. clutch could not be engaged at engine speeds of higher than 2000RPMs(2000 model and newer 2388s),made sure the clutch pack thickness was a certain thickness(2188s and later),and many other things that I have not listed. Some of it is due to a lack of maintainance(have seen combines with 1500 hours or more with the original "red" sep. clutch filter still on them),some of it abuse(slugging it and using the engine at high idle to try to clear a slug out of the rotor cage),and perhaps some of the parts were at the high end of their HP rating. You could also have the teflon rings wear out, causing clutch failure. Also, if the sep. clutch accumulator was low on pressure, the clutches would slip for a couple seconds, causing shorter life. I suppose the theory was that all of the headaches that I mentioned could be eliminated by just using the belt tensioner system like the 40_60 series combines have had since day 1. The only "maintainance" to that system would be the belt itself and the belt tensioner. I won't miss doing a separator clutch job out in the middle of a wheat field when its 100 degrees out. Just my thoughts.