Combines STS ladder cracking

Do you run a beanheadIJ If so the excessive shaking of the head will cause this. Which head do you haveIJ Does it have a heavy stabilizer on itIJ

we run a 36ft Draper, in cereals I dont know what a stabilizer is.

The stablizer is the device or arm that holds the cutter bar in place from moving back and forth with the sickle. It is mounted on the left side of platform between the skid and the body of the platform. About 3-4 feet in from the left side. Some heads had a problem with the cutter bar moving back and forth especially when head was off the ground. If you take a good look at this when running at full speed you will be abled to see the bar move back and forth slightly. This is enough to make your combine shake. How do I know thisIJ I had this problem on 2 of my heads. It got worse with time. Deere finally came out with a heavy stabelizer to replace the old. It looks like a tie-rod with a ball on each end and a bolt going through the ball. The year of the heads I had a problem with was a 1997 30-foot flex and a 2001 30-foot flex. I am sure if you ask the dealer or a mechanic they could find out for you, if you think this is a problem and can not find a stabelizer I will get the part number for you and information.

This stabilizer may be something unique to flex heads you thinkIJ There are no flex heads around these parts so that might explain why I didnt know what you were talking about. Took the laddder off and it looks like they missed a weld in the factory, on the top support plate. I've welded and painted and re-assembled so we will see what happens now. Thanks for your help! Ham in South Australia

Ham-Nothing to do with combines, but I notice you are from S. Australia. I'm a farmer from the Midwest area of the US and will be participating in a tour to your country. This tour will be stopping agricultural sites as well as some of the usual tourist type spots. It would be great to meet up with you if by some chance we are in your area. Check out the link to the travel agency if you are at all interested.

I looked at the itinerary. Unfortunately doesnt come anywhere near me. But if youd like email me, telling me where you are from (The Midwest is a big area!!) and a little about your self and what you do and we can compare notes, and i can send some digital pics If you dont like, thats fine too!! But have a good time on the tour.

You will be passing right by our farm when you are on the Darling Downs traveling to Kingaroy. At that time you should see harvesting taking place as well as some sorghum will be ready to harvest.P.S. Make sure that when you are in Kingaroy that the coach takes you to "The Peanut Van" as they have the best nuts I have ever tasted,it is in town. John

having trouble responding to your email..keeps being returned.. I will try again tomorrow..maybe it will be ina better mood. Thanks for yours!

It sounds like an interesting trip. Could you tell us what the cost of that trip isIJ I would not mind going on some like that someday. Franck