Combines New Straw Chopper Retrofit

[RamRod]

It is called the fine cut chopper. I installed one on my R72 last summer. Takes a bit of time to install. I initially had trouble keeping the chopper belt on when starting machine, and I made two belt guides that fit up close to the bottom drive pulley, front and rear. The second time belt came off (first day bean harvest),I started down field and fed some crop in before realizing that something was wrong, and jammed crop into staionary chopper, and bent back my discharge paddles on the Sunnybrook, and at end of bean harvest noticed that that event had busted the stationary rack of knives. When I had 20 minutes left to my bean harvest, the chopper threw a knife that went right through the rear side panel sheet.(like, Elvis has left the building) They have an update to harder bushings at the rotating knives attach point. The unit appears to be made in Sweden, as it came in a box indicating that. The company is going to put it back in one piece, but so far have not consented to replacing the sunny paddles that are bent back. There is more mass to the chopper unit, and the drive sheave is bigger, so on startup, the initial start can cause a flop in belt, so retainers are essential. I am not sure if they have added stuff to the kits to address this, but check it out. Sorry so long a post, but you asked. I do think it probaby is a fix for your chopping needs.

 

[NDDan]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that is only chopper available on the new machines. They must of got the bugs out. I believe a company Gleaner tech told me to lean stationary knifes back about half way for the tough green conditions. Maybe cut better there anyway with the cutting action rather than chopping. Might want to be double sure to retract all the way for corn or else there will surely be trouble down the road. From what I have heard they will do the job chopping for you and we'll be checking it out this year. Good luck

 

[s]

The fine cut chopper is available factory or field installed for 2004. A different kit is available as field installed for 2003 and prior models. Both kits will have the same result, but for 2003 and prior models, it will take a lot more time to install it. You are correct in saying that it is reccommended to run the knives in the mid position for soybeans, and fully retracted for corn.

 

[slims]

If you are planning on installing the fine-cut chopper i would suggest on installing the extra filler panel on your discharge chute it rivets on the left hand side and does a good job keeping the sheet metal from getting dings in it