Combines modern development weight savings

Bill, you are definitely a thinker. Have you considered cost of newer materials like Kevlar vs. traditional steelIJ And would farmers accept drastic changesIJ History isnt exactly on the side of farmers showing a willingness to try something new as evidenced by tractor cabs. The first one appeared in 38 but it took a completely new generation of farmers to accept them. Tom in MN

Ya Tom, Farmers did not accept many new things. They called the mollboard plough (plow) the devils work tool! (they were correct) Took 100+ years to get the stick in the ground plough the chisel plow to replace it again - really chemicals made it possible. Yet for soil conservation the chisel plow made sense for many years before it was accepted - especially on bean ground. Your test station over at lamberton was only recommending 40lbs nitrogen for corn into the 70's - talk about non- progressive. Farmers of today are much more progressive than their forefathers. Yet they are cautious as the margins of economic safety in the farming business are slim indeed. It's bad enough to deal with normal risks - weather - insects - seed - etc. without making a machinery mistake. Guess you could make a seed mistake too! You fellows have a tough job - and glad you do it so well! You all have to be optimists - as next year is always going to be better. Still think it is a great calling - feeding your country and many others in the world. best, bill koob

I like your thinking about the combine weight. The weight of the harvested grain will always be a main factor in field soil compaction, whether it in the combine or in the grain cart. By todays methods, either or both vehicles navigate the length of the field. Improvements to minimize soil compaction, should be considered valuable. How valuable, depends on your specific farm and it's operation.

International made an experimemtal combine labled CX100 it had a 650 bushel grain cart on tracks connected by removing rear axle of combine and replacing with an articulated connection to graincart on tracks they moved engine to where grain bin was and put huge floater tires on front.This addressed the problem of compaction and bin size.That was 4 years ago,like you said it may be ahead of it's time