Combines Grain tank size

Ramrod, Our dealer, Smiths Mill Implement, has a customer who I think has pushed the envelope. I believe this guys extension made his tank hold something like 540 bu. I know it was flared and he had a door to open above the bin ladder so he could enter. He also ran a 12 row 30 corn head. If I have my facts straight the combine is a '95 R-72 with over 2,000 hours. I guess last year he finally took out one final drive and the hydro. He traded this past fall for a '02 R-72, but did not install his old extension. I think he went with a Crary or some other manufactured product. They might be able to tell more.

Your asking for BIG TROUBlES! The weight of the grain from standard extensions(beyond Gleaner)is maxxing out all that the frame, axles, finals, and drivetrain will handle without imminent failure. Why do you suppose the Bish, etc don't make them any bigger! They are NOT going to be the ones responsible for the failure and buying a new machine for you. I own a Gleaner that was farmerized with extensions and it had crystalized all but 3 of the bolts holding the finals to the axle. I found two missing and investigated and found all but 3 ready to pop! A word to the wise, DON'T PUSH THAT ENVElOPE!

I don't plan on trying to get that crazy to do what he did. I think that the Trelleborgs will be easier than duals as the "twist" on the final drive while in turns will be less and the trelleborg should handle this with about 26 pounds of air which should give a cushion effect with shock load situations. I would be as easy as possible on it when in mostly loaded conditions. Certainly could still have trouble. The alternative is alot more help which i don't have and tractor_grain carts, etc. -- $$$$$$. On years with big yields, would leave one or two rows empty to make it around.

What year is your R62IJ Starting in 1998 there are 4 capscrews and 2 studs holding the final drives to the axle. Prior to that there were 3 capscrews and 2 studs. That would help some. My brother is running a 1997 R62 with 360 capacity. His wheel base is set out to 144" centers which adds a lot of stress to everything. About his second year he broke one bolt and some of the others were loose. All bolts were replaced and torqued at that time and they have not come loose or broke since.

You are talking well over 60,000 ns. Turn down hill, hit the brake, hit a small wash..... be carefull. You could exceed a 50 ton shock load on a final. I would be very careful here. I would also double check the load limit on the tires as well. They can fail as well as the iron . let us know as to your success. I would double check the bearing preload, lug bolts, studs and final bolts quite regularly.

It is a 1997 R72. I will check the setup on the attachment of finals to axle - I do use the front axle risers to get the tall Trelleborgs under the walkway to cab. Thanks to all for your comments!

G'Day RamRod Can I try a (C.I.D)IJ Something that I didn't see a lot of in the states when I was cutting there in 89_90!!!

Always good to consider all the options one may have. Thanks for the ideas! I also am considering planting more headlands so that the in field rows are shorter and I could be easier on equipment. Also, Geringhoff makes their 22" heads in 8, 9, 10, and 12 row sizes, so there are more options there even though we plant with 24 row planter. Thanks again.

Are you a no-tillerIJ The reason I ask is if you have to cultivate those head rows are a pain, and you end up running some of it down when you cultivate. I also run a 12 row head, but my longest rows are only a 1_2 mile so the corn has to be over 200 bushel before I can't make it through. Which does happen some years. We just use a grain cart, but you said you were trying to keep down your labor force so maybe you need to pull the grain cart behind your combine. HA Kurt

No, we do not no-till. Are on 22" rows and do not own a row cultivator, so would not be a problem adding more headland rows. On half mile fields we want to make it All the way up and back the field!