Combines Should we hybridize a 1998 R52IJ

You will see a benefit in capacity from a few hyperizing mods in an R52. I'm sure I'll be scorned for saying this, but I'd leave the two reverse bars in if you want more separation, which with an R52 in irrigated corn and, I assume, a 6 row corn head, you'll want. Get the extended bars (actually just modified discharge paddles; there are 8 of them) to give you the same benefit as new set-up with last row of bars closest to discharge 'extended'. You can get these through AGCO dealer as a Sunnybrook part or directly through Sunnybrook. Time well spent would also be to remove every other wire in the separating concave_grate, the adjustable one on the left. You'll gain lots of separation capacity, especially in corn but in the other crops also. like the helical triangle that Hurtt has too; in the R52 it is the second helical from the right and is found somewhere on this site in Mods I think. Of course you can go further, but I think these three things will gain you the most in high capacity and low loss from the 52, with minimal expense. The R52 is one great combine so enjoy! One other adjustment to keep in mind is to run both the front and rear drum stops in the Corn position always, and the speed in the fast range except when doing corn and using the variable speed of course. This will give you the best feeding capacity and smoothest delivery of material to rotor.

Thank you for the information. We are in an area in southern NE with little dealer support so your expertise is especially appreciated. We almost went for a 2366 because of dealer support but then we found this R52 for a good deal. I've read on the modification page that people sometimes put an old F rasp bar in the bottom of the cage to increase separation. Do you have any experience with thisIJ Is this better than the reverse barsIJ Does it take less powerIJ Thanks.

I think you'll be pleased with your decision, not that the 2366 is a bad machine, but the R52 is great in its size class. The stationary bar bolted to the bottom grate does work well in some areas, like grains. But it seems to break the cob up in corn worse than not having it in. If I were you, I'd simply leave the 2 reverse bars in and use the separator grate adjustment as required. If you want to put it in for soybeans, should help. Does take less hp than running the 2 reverse bars, but unless you're running a 25' head, I shouldn't worry too much. No worries.

Had you ever tried running all crops with feed chains in grain position as long as feeder shocks are installedIJ We have with excellent luck. Have you tried running with blank spots where reverse bars were with maybe an old sharpened gusset in that spotIJ How about maybe two reverse bars but no more than one spinning in any one locationIJ Thanks for all your insite.

Seems that the 52 works best with chains in corn position for capacity, especially in soybeans. I've seen the gusset idea. Haven't tried it, but am afraid what it might do to cobs in corn. Haven't staggered the 2 reverse bars; have either put them both in row 2 or 3, but I like the idea. Have to give it a try. You think putting one in row 2 and one in row 3 is the way to go, DanIJ

You may well be right about corn position working the best. Corn position basically locks drum midway which eliminate need for shocks. Grain position will allow drums to rise further and maybe lose control of cobs in the large yeilds! It surprises me when you say soybeans go better in corn position. We must have shocks in many crops and find grain position the best all around setting. I know how much capacity just two reverse bars spinning in one position can rob in tough going so I suggest tring no more than one in any one row. Even at just 200 cylinder RPM that one bar will likely hold up and shake up flow a bit. Don't know though for I haven't tried it but am prepaired to if needed. Good luck