Combines R70 vs newer

In my opinion there are two major improvements to machines after '87: 1) P3 cylinder is a big improvement over P1. I believe this is especially true if P3 cylinder bars are wide spaced bars. We run an '87 R-60 and a R-72. We can never get as good a sample with the R-60, specifically saying we get more splits in soybeans and more cob in corn with P1. In general, I'd say we can run the cylinder speed 200 rpms higher on R-72 in soybeans and still have a better sample. Note, we run 320 on R-60 and 830 on R-72 so maybe some of the extra cracks come from more beans on steel with the lower volume of crop coming in the R-60. 2) No cage sweep on P3 processors. Hyperizing helped reduce cage sweep trouble in R-60 a lot, yet it is still there. Running standard set-up we had to run with several cage covers which I didn't like 'cause it seems like that would cut reduce seperation area. If getting an '87 I suggest getting Sunnybrooke rotor, hyperizing, or maybe installing a P3 rotor. That is if you harvest corn and soybeans.

What is the difference between the P1 and P3 rotor. You say after 87 they had the P3's in them so a latter model R(say 89 and up) would be pretty comparable to the "2" series. Speaking in general here, not specifically towards the R70.

The P1-P3 break was 89 1_2 for R-60 and R-70's. R40 and R50's are all P3's no matter the year. Differences include 1) channel helicals instead of flat helicals. They are more aggressive and convey material thru faster. Certainly can install in P1 rotor too...just didn't come standard. 2) P3 has a seperater grate. On sep. side of cylinder there is a grate which looks a little like a concave (in latter p3 models is adjustable) which helps seperate grain from MOG. 3) P1 cylinder bars look a lot like cylinder bars from many conventional machines. On the other hand P3 cylinder bars have deep rasps. You can get these bars with various rasp spacings too. However most corn_bean operators preferr wide spaced rasps (3_4"). I here some of our "Down Under" friends even run 1" spaced bars. 4) P1 had 2 big discharge paddels. P3 has 8 small ones. Again advantage P3. Maybe I give too much credit to P3 cylinder bars but I think they thresh and convey material thru the machine more effienctly at low cylinder rpms which in turn improves the sample. Grain sample is a prioity to us as a soybean seed grower. When harvesting commerical soybeans I don't really care too much about sample because it really doesn't affect my grain price. We run our P1 and P3 machines in the same fields many days and we like the P3 much better. Also, run a few days a year with a neighbor and his JD conventionals. One more difference. P3 cylinders on R60_70's had a cage sweep (I've heard much improved)from 89 1_2 thru 91. R40_50's never had them nor do any 2 series.

thanks. Your input is much appreciated!!

Just curious as to what size John Deeres you run with and what their sample looks like to compared to your Gleaners.

Our friend_neighbor with the JD has had 7720 now 9500. Grain sample comparison: 1) soybeans. Both brands are certainly capable of good samples in most conditions. Key to any brands soy sample when it comes to splits seems to be cylinder speed. Both JD's and our R-60 really need to be under 400 rpms to get the kind of samples that make decent premiums for seed. I preferr closer to 350-360 in the R-60. The R-72 is much more forgiving when it comes to cylinder speed. We can often get great samples up to 600 rpms. We still run near 400 or so when possible and they often look like to could just bag them. As I see it I wouldn't pay much extra for either brand based on soy samples alone. Both CAN do well. 2) Corn is where the Gleaners really shine, especially when it comes to fines. We have several of our grain bins set up for air drying so at times (wet corn, late in fall, etc...) we will screen our corn. It is so easy to tell which loads have been harvest by a Gleaner and which by JD conventionals. At times we've weighed our screenings for a given quantity of corn and mostof the time are under 1% screenings with Gleaner. Never weighed for JD but I'd guess that number to be at least in the 3-5% range given the same conditions. Trash in corn samples: very little in 7720 just occasional peice of stalk...lots more in 9500 but still of no economical consequence. R-60 had more than I'd liked prior to hyperizing and still plenty, again certainly of no economical significance. R-72 sample has been perfect in every regard.

Correct me if I'm wrong. '89.5 was when they went to header hydralics on combine instead of header on all size machines. '90 was the switch to P3s in 60s and 70s except for some proto types earlier. Cage sweeps in '90 and '91 60 and 70s were fore aft design and don't know of a single problem with them plugging.

If I was a betting man I would bet your right over me any day when it comes to combines

I better have an edge over you on the Gleaners. As far as other colors you surely have an edge over me. I'm unsure why they made a mid season change on hydralic system for header hydralics and waited a bit longer for processor change. Please don't stop sharing your wealth of knowledge just because of one tiny itsy bitsy little miscalculation from date of basic rotor to super rotor to hyper rotor and so on. I see little mistakes hear and there on this site just like others do but hesitate about making corrections unless very important for fear of scaring off a valuble poster. With the misuse of MGs valuable web space below by some youngen I figured I'd use some space this way. Take care and keep up the good work.