Combines fold down auger full IJ

I try not to, but when the other option is driving across the field with the auger full and out, then I'll fold. Never had any problems yet, but I had the folding chain break once. Dad said I was very lucky that the auger didn't come all the way around to the front and hit the ground. Definately the Gleaner weak spot, that auger.

If you run the type with the chain wrapped around the tube be very carefull(you should replace the joining-links reguarly) but the newer types are quite o'kay to fold down full. This came from a head gleaner engineer.It's not nice to see your tube resting on the truck thats why on our second tube we made a stay up with wire rope so when the tube folded out the cable supported the end of the tube when we had a N7. john

I used fold it down full on my N6 until the chain slipped off this fall and luckily did not do any damange but upon inspecting the auger holder I noticed that the bracket had pulled the heads off two of the three small bolts holding the bracket to the machine. These bolts are way too small for the load they carry but for now there is not a whole lot I can do about that except make sure the auger is empty when I fold it down to take a load off those bolts.

I have folded mine full. Chain broke, auger dropped onto cradle, cradle broke, installed much money. No longer fold while full. This was on a small machine, a K2. The larger machines may be heavier.

I folded the auger on my M2 while full once.First and last time to do that as it wouldn't fold back out. Had to jam the switch in the cab trying to fold it out while I ran back to the end of the auger and pushed up on it to get it started. Once it moved a couple of feet it went by itself. live and learn, I guess.

newer style can be folded back full,BUT if it has any sustancial amount of wear on the tube I wouldn't advise it,just got done replacing tube sunday morning (not fun)wrinkled at the collar on my R6 255 dollar experience. Kris_Indiana

Have done it several times, but try not to if possible. 'Specially in beans! Procedure as follows:

This may also be why Jewish farmers always choose Deere combines!

When we traded our FKS for an M2 three years ago we asked the mechanic the same thing. He said to try and empty it when possible but that it was made to fold full also. Also, folding it in was always preferable to running with it extended he said. I probably folded it back full 50 times this fall with no problems. Mechanics biggest warning was to keep the swivel well greased and a full complement of ball bearings in it or else the auger would fall off the combine completely. Our swivel has a stop welded on it so that the tube can't swivel too far foreward if something breaks. Is this standard or has our machine been updatedIJ I guess my recommendation would be to make sure all your swivel parts are in good repair and then fold it in full or empty without losing sleep. Russ

My dealer says to try and fold an empty auger (R5) whenever possible, but it is very capable of folding when full of grain. As mentioned previously, if your tube is worn, you could get a crinkle in it $$$. Also make sure that there is plenty of grease in the swivel at all times. John in NE