Combines Mud and weightIJ

[JAG]

last time we had a wet harvest (4 years ago) I ended up hiring 2 CIH (1688 and 2388) to help me get done. The 2388 with dual 20.8-42s did at least 2x the work of either the 1688 or my TR98, each w_ 30.5s, and didn't leave any ruts --compaction, yes, but the other machines left a real mess which kind of pre-empts a no-till program. The 2388 had bin extensions but I doubt he got more than 200 bushels in the bin when operating in the mud. I put Kirchner dual 20.8-42s on my TR98--and we havent had any mud since. I do like the stability the duals give, especially with a 30 platform head. We have some narrowing county roads that make the 180 width slow as I have to run on the ridge of dirt left by the maintainer, and the DOT has been refusing to allow even farm-to-dealer transport on a semi without pulling the outside duals. Aside from that and the initial cost I like my duals. By the way, we havent had 15 of rain total in the last 2 years. I suppose you and I should each be careful what we wish for! I also was intrigued by the track system under the Bi-rotor, but it would be unworkable for me as I plant no-till over terraces, and a rigid track system was scary enough when I demod a Challenger 75. The header would have to be independently mounted and supported if the machine had to operate over any kind of berm. Ive wondered if the new NH-CIH conglomerate would try adapting to combines the tracks off the Quad-track or whatever they call the big CIH 4x4 tractor with tracks replacing each wheel.

 

[Ilnewholland]

JD, we had tarra tires on the TR-70 we had, then 30.5-32 R2 on the TR-95 and TR-96 with 4wd, and then 18.4-42 R1 duals and 4wd on the TR-97 and TR-98 now. The duals will go a lot better in mud than 30.5's will. The tarra tires you could not keep on the row as the combine would go with the slope of the land. The R and C tires go but will always leave ruts so as I have more no till I really like the duals. I think 20.8 duals would be even better and not sure you need R2 tires. The duals seem to follow the rows good. I would never go back to a single tire combine because the duals seem to make the combine more stable on hilsides. I know the dualed combines go where my old 30.5 R2 combines would have stoped in the mud. It is geeting muddy here to as I had to put the combine in 4wd now but I could go. We finished beans yesterday and now have 240 acres of corn to go. Best of luck to you, Ilnewholland

 

[NHD]

NH is pushing duals on the CR's. That extra weight is a problem for 30.5 tires and 300+bu grain tank. My experience w_duals is they work, but what a pain if you have to move on a trailer. The TR's have a truss rod under the axle that creats a real problem when you try to back out. The CR's are higher underneath. I much prefer 30.5's radials. They go down between the rows and are not a transportation problem. Over the years we try to put drain tile into side slopes where we cut ruts. Strip-till corn and no-till beans are a big help too. With duals you also need more HP and sometimes the hyro won't pull you through. In wet years we carry a 2" poly tow rope and have a cable mounted from the front axle to the rear. If you want to see a mess you ought to see duals filled with mud mixed with wheat straw and the truss rod dragging about 6'' of mud and you have to dig down in the mud to get a chain onto something.

 

[PETE]

What are Kirchner Duals and how much did the conversion cost youIJ Did you have to get axel extensions to move the final drive outIJ Would it not be simpler to just add 20.8R-38 or even 650_65-38 Duals to the 30.5-32 Tire. I have 30.5-32 on my TR99 I really like the Michelin 1050_50-32 Tires. I just have to get the rim widened. Pete

 

[JAG]

Pete, they are straddle duals to fit on 30 rows. I dont have the exact figures handy but Im thinking it was around $6K + tires, installed here at the farm by the dealer. I think theyre as well-designed and as strong as any competing brand, which was important as I wanted to use them on my TR98 then move them to a new TR99, but with the crop situation it looks like Ill be running this combine for several years before I can afford to upgrade again. I doubt Ill be lucky enough that these would fit on a new CR but I havent checked. Yes, the axle_final drive is extended out. They have a brace underneath the machine that ties the axle extensions together. I believe thats what NHDon mentioned above. One less-expensive competitor saves cost by having a huge dish on the outside wheel and less reinforcing underneath. I have a neighbor whos happy with that setup on a 2388, but hell switch out lease machines before hes likely to run into trouble. With the very deep dish, the outside wheels would be a real trick to balance by hand whenever they are off the combine. I got mine through a dealer and dont have the contact info for Kirchner themselves. I did not find a web page for them but found this address, I dont know if its current- Kirchner Wheel Inc., Dundee, MN (507) 468-2451. Unverferth makes various wheel configurations including straddle duals and custom wheels and could probably rig up a wheel to add on 20.8s or 650_65-38s as you suggest-- http:__www.unverferth.com_wheelsys.htm