Combines gathering chains

I know calmeragresearch.com has extensions for gathering chains and also a 5 tooth instead of the normal 8 tooth gathering chain sprocket. I would be curious also, I do feel the Deere head is worse than most. We used to run a 894 and always fought pile up. I parked the Massey 83 late in the season last fall, I like our 2208 Case-IH the best

Deere offers poly paddles that bolt to the gathering chain lugs - I plan on trying them on a few rows this year and see how it goes. Gg

well thats some good news, hope the cost won't blow me away! thanks for the replys

I replace my chains when I can not tighten them anymore. I keep a few in the combine tool box and if one keeps falling off I switch it then. I also keep a few lower sprockets in the combine. Seems they ware out almost as fast as the chains. I have a 974 8rn cornhead. I would guess they run around 5000-6000 acres. Seems some last longer than others do. I see that Shoup has chrome pin chain for about twice the cost of black pins. Do chrome pins last twice as longIJ As stalkrolls wear you will have to drive slower because it will start pinning stalks in the deck plates. It will just matter how long you want to go that way. I need to change mine as I can not go over 5mph anymore. Most time under 5 is alright but sometimes I could go a little faster. I have maybe 8000 acres on my cornhead. Ilnh

I would suggest to oil, one could argue that the oil will not stay on very long but definetly during storage keep a light cote of oil on the chains. as far as determining wear. keep an eye on the adjustment of the chain. not sure what corn head you have but the manual will give explicit instructions on proper adjustment. when the adjustment is running out and or the chain link develops to much free play I then replace them. Visual wear of the chain roller is also an good indicator that you might need to replace them. Keep in mind that if a chain was to break what damage it can cause to the sheet metal and machine. Also the sprockets are just as important as the chain. the front sproket will usually wear first. the cost of the chains for aftermarket are in the $27 dollar range and the front sprocket is $14 good luck

When the travel of the idle sprocket is to the extreme I pull a link and put a half link in. It almost doubles the life and have not had any trouble breaking chain. Then after idler is all the way forward again one must replace both the sprockets and chain. Repairs are to high to just get one stretch out of them.Can find the half links at local dealer.

I totally agree with what M. Farms has said. last year before harvest I remove half a link hoping to get another year. I harvested about 1200 acres. (12 row head) I thought for sure that I would have to replace all of them this year but decided to just replace as needed. So far I have harvested 1800 acres and have only replaced 2 chains and these I think the little pin came out of the 1_2 link. I do spray chain lube on once in a while. Kurt