Combines Wanting to build a 12 row corn head

I'm thinking about building one in a few years. I think I will start with two 963 heads but build a new frame to put the units on. I'm not sure if the factory 6 row end plates would be strong enough or not but they would be pretty simple to cut out of thicker plate. I would cut half the flighting off of each 6 row auger and reverse it so all the flighting on each auger feeds one way then mount both augers in the head with a carrier bearing in the middle to support them. You will also have to drive the head from both sides but that should be easy to do, personally I think I would build an oil bath for the main drive chains and possibly even go with a hydrualic drive on the auger. Top it off with new poly snouts and new style stock rolls and I think you could build it for not much over $20,000.

I built a 10rn several years ago Clark Machine, Howard south dakota made the frame for me. they make a kit to build a 12rn Their are pictures of them on their website. they do a excellent job

farmmer k We built a 12 row 30 in 03. We used 8 1000 units and 4 900 units. We bought the frame from Brad Bish @ Harv's Farm Supply in Giltner NE. Couldn't be happier, it has performed well on approx 3200a. Started with a 1084 and a 944, built a 10 row out of the 1084 frame, ran it 4 seasons, frame wasn't heavy enough kept breaking the shafts between the row units because the ends drooped. The Bish frame includes heavy frame backbone, auger,auger trough,and the drives,(4 chains so each one is only pulling 3 rows). It takes a third lift cylinder to pick it up. The 2388 performs well pushing the 12 rows, none of this 5and6 mph travel speeds usually move along 3.8 to 4.3 in 180 to 220bu corn. We are rolling on 900x32 Trellborgs, have 16.9x26 (w_fluid) and 800n of cast iron on the rear. Also added the Stewart-Steel plastic end extension to unloading auger to help the fit for dumping on the go. We had already installed the water pump brgs and rollers on 10 rows,did the other 2, bought new poly dividers, spent just under $14500. It is a good solid corn hd. Have seen the frame from the boys in Howard SD, looks impressive and well built. There are 40 or 50 pics on FarmPhoto Forum of a 2388 w_ a Cat 12 row hd harvesting corn in ND, very good pics and some neat comments esp. pertaining to the Stars and Stripes. Sorry so long.

Hi how much does one of these 12 row frames cost. I had seen them before. Curently have a 2000 model 1083 just want something bigger.I have a 2004 12 row ready 2388 this would be going on.

farmmer k The frame we purchased was a 2002 carry-over, cost us $8500, our 10 row frame was traded in on the deal. I would have no idea what a new frame costs today with price of steel being what it is now. You have a good hd to transfer the units over to the new frame esp. if u have poly. Best way to find out is to call Brad, the sooner the better, same for Clark Machine. The ph numbers I have are: 1-800-658-4568 Clarke Machine (Dave). 1-404-849-2674 Harv's Farm Supply (Brad). Good luck to you because it is not that difficult.

Harv's are highway robbers!!

Try calling Dave Clark they built my 18row and did nice job and very reasonable.