tbran
Guest
Eric, It is usually speed that cracks. However in an F closed grate system there are some other things to look for. First, in a rasp cyl a worn cyl will have a smashing effect rather than the threshing effect of good cyl bars. Worn bars contact the crop many more times than new ones. Also the cyl may not be level. This results in over and under threshing. Too much grain returned to the cyl over the tailings will result in crackage. The main culprit would probably be the concave bars. We used to run half rounds instead of channels for corn and beans unless we couldn't get the beans shelled out. Then in this case and for wheat we would change out the half round in position 1 or the stone door for a channel leaveing the half rounds in position 3 and 5 leaving position 2-4- 6 with nothing but bolts to plug the holes. In those years when beans got extreamly dry we would remove the bar in position 5 or even 3 and only run with one half round in the door for stone protection. From here keep in mind that augers running too close to the tube can crack beans as can a worn razorsharp binloading auger or unloading auger. Worn elevator paddles can cause cracks due to grain buildup too. I guess thats about all I can say 'bout cracked beans now.