[seedcleaner]

Hello, We recently traded 02 2388 for new 2588. Before using it in the field for wheat, I would like to know what your experiences have been with helical concaves for corn, beans and wheat. We have always used small and large wire and with cover plates when needed. Do helical concaves really work better for less corn rotor loss and help knock white caps off in wheat. Also, do you believe chaffer weaknesses have been dealt with, as we had several issues in the below 800 hours of use? Our 1999 2388 hasn't had a replaced part on chaffer or bushings with over 1600 hours yet. Thanks in advance. p.s. New to web site and thoroughly enjoy it, although my wife thinks otherwise

 

[seedcleaner]

So no one has any experience with the helical concaves as seen at this website, either for a deere or case? http://www.loewenmfg.com/innovate.html
Has anyone else had issues with chaffers on low hour, 02 or newer 2388/2588?
Any comment on Gorden Harvesting products, particularly his chaffers for corn, beans and wheat as seen at www.harvesting.com. I am really pleased with the Gordon rotor bar he makes. Thanks again. seedcleaner

 

[doorknob]

When I first read your thread, and saw your handle "seedcleaner", I thought "cool, another seed grower". Then you asked about all the crops that I dont grow.

So, I cant offer any info on those crops, but I have nearly all the equipment you mention. I have a full set of gorden bars which I've ran several variations with reguards to configurations on the rotor. I have a set of helical "no-wire" concaves, and an air-jet chaffer with 3 different screens. A friend/neighbor with a 2388 has a loewen chaffer, but again, all ran in seed on the west coast.
The products seem to work well and are built very sturdy. But I know nothing of their performance in your crops. Sorry.

 

[redrotor]

I was looking at the Kuchar concaves and grates for our 2388. I would like to know how they compare to the helical concaves because I am going to purchase something different this winter. So I am with Seedcleaner on this one and would like some insight if anyone can spare some quality information.
Thanks

 

[seedcleaner]

Thanks for the replies. Doorknob, what crops do you run on the west coast? I have never changed the configuration of gordon bars once they were installed. They wear very well though. Because they don't wear and the shape their in, they have really helped reduce soybean cracks and splits, something we fight in seed beans. A neighbor ran his for several thousand hours before needing replaced on an older rotor, 1688 I believe. I invite such quality aftermarket parts for these combines. They are good from the factory but there is still room for improvements from aftermarket companies. Redrotor, I don't know much about Kuchar concaves. Do they offer them for Case IH. I like the angle of the Helical. Whatever you get, make sure cover plates will work, if you do need them.

 

[doorknob]

For the last........many years, we've been all seed. Mostly grass seed. Turf type tall fescue lately. Red clover and crimson clover seed as well for rotation. This year we decided to raise a couple acres of swwheat for rotation. Yes, the gorden bars are an amazingly well built part. Some times if the straw is having a little trouble roping, you might try removing 4 thresh bars and installing 8 spikes. Depends if you run cover plates as to where you want to put the spikes. The helical concaves without wires will allow a lot material through quite early in the proccess. In fact I think I may buy a set with wires this coming year for trial so I can try the airjet chaffer again. I have an idea of a small mod to the air-jet to reduce the spearing problem.

Here's a link to a fairly recent thread I made about our harvest. It actually has two parts to it, but the second half is further down the page on page two. http://combineforums.proboards42.com/ind....read=1194581807

 

[doorknob]

Oh ya, and here's a pic of the no-wire helicals installed. This makes it easy to see the amount of extra concave bar surface they have and with the gorden bars, the angle that they match very closely.

 

[seedcleaner]

Nice pics doorknob. I am getting airjet chaffer for wheat. Will I be able to also use that on kentucky 31 fescue. Just turn the fan down? I like the looks of the concaves. Also, I like the idea that the wires on kuchar concaves are on the inside surface to the rotor. Seems like a good idea. I too built a bubble up auger. Used lovejoy coupler on the end of the grain bin auger (fountain auger) mating to 2:1 90 degree gearbox. Then attached maybe a 2 1/2 foot auger going up on an angle (to right side of combine) to the middle point of the bin. Supported gearbox to a round pipe running front to back in grain tank. Works great. Your design looks very professional. Nice work

 

[doorknob]

Thanks for the kind words. Here's a couple more pics of running fescue doing a quick kill to look inside and see what's what. Also should be a pic of a side by side comparison of fescue rows behind the combines, one with gorden bars (mine) and one with standard rasp bars.
A common problem with the air-jet (and I dont have pics sorry) is the straw spearing that occurs. It may seem like it makes an unusable chaffer, but it mostly only gets so bad and then for every new straw that sticks, one will break through or let go out the back.