Combines Feeder Chains

[Hyper_Harvest_II]

dirtclod, On a N-Series feeder chain we have run both CA557,A557,and the CA550. To me it depends on how long you are going to keep machine and how old are your springs on the tensioners. If machine is going to be around another 1500-2000hrs. then I would go with the CA550 for price. As for the heavier chain with old springs you may find that new chain sags a lot in the center and sometimes will rub the floor. Heavier chains will usually last longer but you need to take into account how many hours per year you are putting on machine to justify more expensive chain. I would definitely run the heavy chains in the Series II machines. Shoup Mfg. has both the original CA550 chain or the A557 heavy chain that has hour glass side attching link to help cut weight for a frction of the price of OEM. Hyper Harvest II

 

[dirtclod]

I hope I didn't do Manchester a disservice. These chains were in when I bought the machine and I don't think they have a name on them its just that a cross section of the slat looks like a picture I saw some where. A cross section of the slat looks more like a S instead of a U like the gleaner chain. The notches are not as deep and every other one is smooth. I also found out it has less slats than a gleaner chain. (20 instead of about 28) In real weedy wheat I had it wrap weeds around the brace that is between top and bottom of the front chain which would make you think it was backfeeding but it might be because the back chain wasn't picking it up. I tried real hard to tell what was going on down in the header even stood up and leaned over the stearing wheel tring to see if it was going clear around ( made some interesting patterns in the field doing that). Hard to say it happens so fast. one second every thing is feeding OK the next the middle of the header is covered with straw and you have to wait for the reel to throw it out. My impression was that it didnt go clear around. Tried every thing I could think of and just lived with it in between then I took the front chain(gleaner)out of my N7 and put in and picked up about 2 more MPH which was about the capacity of the rest of the machine. I know this is too long but my lack of experience prompts me to ask why not the most agressive chain you can get IJ Why smooth slatsIJ Thanks everyone for your thoughts

 

[NDDan]

I doubt it is the design of slat if it is indeed Manchester but most likely the flat slats and or the knotched if they are not very deep or aggresive. I wouldn't want to have less slats than OEM if that is what Manchester has. I know Manchester does offer half flat and half knotched so it is likely Manchester. I think the main reason for flat slats is popcorn harvest. I hope that helps. We use nothing but OEM with 557 but will replace 550 chain sections on older machines if the guy want to save a few bucks. I would highly suggest replaceing sprockets if installing new chains. Good luck