[torriem]

For whatever reason, class 9 are the most popular in many parts of Saskatchewan. In Alberta class 8 seems to be the most common.

It's interesting how nominal conditions vary across the provinces. For me a class 8 just burned more fuel than a class 7 with no additional capacity. Class 9 would be similar for me. For others not too far away class 9 is not enough power.

 

[torriem]

Same head, yes. We've kept the same head through three machines so far. The 8120 had no increased capacity whatsoever over the 7010 we had before (same speed, same throughput), but burned more fuel, which was a huge disappointment to us. I know of others that have had similar experiences in this area. In our conditions more hp often means you just lose grain faster while burning more fuel. There are many limiting factors other than HP. We now run a 7230 and 7240. Class 8 would be a waste of money for us. However the 7240 has about as much hp as the 8120 had, but seems to have a more efficient engine as it's easier on fuel than the 8120 was.

Off topic, but all of this leads me to call BS on the guys that claim you have to keep the combine full for it to work best. So you have a class 7, 8 and 9 machine, all identical in every way except horsepower. A "full" 7120 could be a 9120 at 70% engine load. So the 9120 would not be "full" but the 7120 would be doing the same exact material through-put.

 

[torriem]

Feeder chain sprocket shaft.
Never did myself, but, if older series requires 1, install 8010 shaft. It does NOT have that grease nipple. All that business is a internal non serviceable clutch. Never grease an existing 1 unless you are having slip issues. If still slipping, shaft needs replacing. Garbage design!

Are you talking about the grease fitting on the rock beater? Yes they used to recommend never greasing that nipple. Now however, it's on the service list because newer rock beaters have a passage drilled out in them and that nipple is how you grease the splines where the stub shaft sticks out of the gearbox. If you let that get dry the splines will wear excessively, even when aligned. Dealer just replaced my rock beater on a 7230 and the new beater requires annual greasing.

Chopper
I live in SE Saskatchewan, so no corn experience. However, never drop chopper in low! Unless you want to replace inner chopper shafts regularly.
Just, way too much torque for that small shaft.

Not sure what you're talking about there. Whether the chopper is in high or low, the speed and torque and on the inner shaft is unchanged. That inner shaft runs at the same speed (always powered by the large pulley) at all times and is what powers the tailings and clean grain augers and elevator. The speed setting of the chopper only affects the outer shaft. If anything runninng the chopper in low eliminates heat from the bearings between the chopper and that inner shaft since they won't be turning when in low. Provided you've dropped out the knives there's absolutely no issues with running the chopper in low when dropping straw. Not sure what was causing all those inner chopper shaft replacements you worked on.

I agree the shaft within a shaft arrangement is really problematic with all those bearings that heat and can go out easily. And those silly lock collars. And putting a chopper directly under the oil pan.