Combines Rebuilding 883

I think the gear boxes are quite different from the 800 to 1000 series (I might be wrong but I thought it went from cast iron to aluminum to cast iron again - all different designs). It seems like you would be replacing everything but the backbone_toolbar (from the gearbox to the knife bearing retainer). If the 1000 series parts won't fit, at least you could rebuild what you have and install plastic dividers (CaseIH, GVl or other). I have a 1063 that I put GVl plastic on it and it's 10x the head it was before.

The upgrade does not include anything on the gearbox. The problems are the lower frame on the row unit bend out at the lower roll attach point making it hard to shim the new rolls. The bolt holes need to be reworked on the lower attach point and it is hard to get at.The proper alinement is very important for the new sealed bearings. On the roll output shafts on the gearbox may have excess wear from running the old rolls too long. Replacement shafts are pricey or it may be possible to reverse left to right.Also the row unit frames must be inspected for cracks. If you get into the gear box you may want to put in the new style gathering chain drive shafts with the keyed sprockets.

Question about your last statement. Can you really update the g.chain drive shaft to a keyed shaftIJ Do you have part numbers for this. Many thanks. JWK

The keyed shafts for the 800 head are available from Vande Weerd Combine,Rock Valley IA. 888-765-9846

Hey Greenbites, My neighbor and I are talking about doing the same thing. The 1083's that we have looked at are junk or priced too high. If we rebuild our 883 it should run as good as a 1083 when we are done for a lot less money. Sounds like an awesome idea to me.

Hey Redman I am glad that there is someone thinking along the same lines as I am. I am also partners with my neighbor and to save some money we thought this would be a good idea. We bought a 1688 which is quite a change from the 1440 and 1460 that we were running. I don't know what kind of shape your head is in but ours only ran on the 1440 so there wasn't any abuse from too much speed. Thanks for the reply,e-mail if you want to chat more.