I know of a couple guys with out choppers that have fastened sickle section to ribbing of cage. They had to slice cage to protrude the section in just far enough to clear cylinder bar. They both claim much improvement. Four to six sections is all it took. They seam to think it takes more power. Must be the cylinder has a little more trouble conveying the shorter straw. Might want to give it a try if chopper isn't an option. Good luck