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The older I get, the more I like to reduce noise. This winter I investigated ways to improve reducing feederhouse noise. A few simple ways to do this is running with a tight chain, have the front drum raised, and more than anything, run a slower feeder speed. The suction fan really howls also, so if it isn't needed, one could take the belt off, although I never have.
Another way to reduce noise is by installing a roller going across the feederhouse from one side to another that supports the top portion of the chain. This reduces noise from the top of the chain sliding along the wood slats. Another benefit of a roller is that it can prevent the lower portion from rising too high and scraping cross members as it takes thick crop to the APS. I have definitely had this issue, as the longer feeder slat bolts have made big impressions in the mid cross member. This has to be hard on things and make noise as well. Maybe this could be prevented from a real tight feeder chain, but I think that would really shorten the chain life.
Here are pictures of roller kits available for the popular CIH machines. I think Black Ace makes the kit for everybody but not positive. They also make other interesting items that can be utilized in the industry...
Black Ace Quality Parts
Case FEDDER CHAIN ROLLER KIT Part #B95753
Unfortunately, Black Ace roller kits are not cheap, and after talking to them, I could not find a roller that would fit between the longer Lexion feeder chain bolts. Time to make my own.
I used a 2 meter long, 24mm x 3 threaded rod found at Fastenal. It is only a "grade 2" but hasn"t been an issue. I bought a dozen jam nuts and a dozen nuts to hold the bar to the feeder house sides and to properly space the rollers and hold the inner bearing from turning. One could allow the entire rod to turn, but wrapping would be an issue, so only the roller is allowed to turn.
As I said, Black Ace did not have a roller to fit between the 1.75" longer bolt spacing. I researched rollers online and learned all about polyurethane rollers. Quality was a concern as everything is made inferior today and downtime is not an option. I came across a company called Blickle, from Germany.
Blickle Wheels + Casters | Swivel casters · Fixed casters · Heavy Duty casters · Heavy Duty Wheel · Light Duty casters · Stainless Steel casters · Pallet Truck Rollers · Fork Lift Wheels
They have a great website and online catalogue under the "products" link.
I used J.W. Winco as a distributor...free shipping over $50. I have used them in the past for other projects.
The four rollers I ordered took some time to find that would fit my area. The Blickle number is VSTH 100X40/25-40K. 100 mm diameter, 40 mm wide, 25 mm bearing bore to fit the 24 mm threaded rod.
Unfortunately, when the rollers arrived, it was apparent they would not quite fit between the upper and lower wood slats. A cut off wheel, and hand wood saw was used to remove the upper inch of the lower wood slat, allowing room for the roller. Access to do this is through the round side shield is (probably for cruise pilot devices) and the two black inspection panels on the top of the feederhouse. The threaded rod is secured through the two round shields. I cut a 1" hole in them on the very top, but so it clears the yellow feeder side panel. The roller spacing was determined using the chain spacing at the front of the feeder house, as it is much easier to sight up there.
We are about done with wheat harvest and the rollers appear to be very durable and it have given no trouble. I feel it is a little quieter and the long bolts from the lower chain can not rise up and snag the cross member now. I suspect longer feeder chain life, and the wood guides should never wear out.
Other modification posts to come when time permits.
Another way to reduce noise is by installing a roller going across the feederhouse from one side to another that supports the top portion of the chain. This reduces noise from the top of the chain sliding along the wood slats. Another benefit of a roller is that it can prevent the lower portion from rising too high and scraping cross members as it takes thick crop to the APS. I have definitely had this issue, as the longer feeder slat bolts have made big impressions in the mid cross member. This has to be hard on things and make noise as well. Maybe this could be prevented from a real tight feeder chain, but I think that would really shorten the chain life.
Here are pictures of roller kits available for the popular CIH machines. I think Black Ace makes the kit for everybody but not positive. They also make other interesting items that can be utilized in the industry...
Black Ace Quality Parts
Case FEDDER CHAIN ROLLER KIT Part #B95753
Unfortunately, Black Ace roller kits are not cheap, and after talking to them, I could not find a roller that would fit between the longer Lexion feeder chain bolts. Time to make my own.
I used a 2 meter long, 24mm x 3 threaded rod found at Fastenal. It is only a "grade 2" but hasn"t been an issue. I bought a dozen jam nuts and a dozen nuts to hold the bar to the feeder house sides and to properly space the rollers and hold the inner bearing from turning. One could allow the entire rod to turn, but wrapping would be an issue, so only the roller is allowed to turn.
As I said, Black Ace did not have a roller to fit between the 1.75" longer bolt spacing. I researched rollers online and learned all about polyurethane rollers. Quality was a concern as everything is made inferior today and downtime is not an option. I came across a company called Blickle, from Germany.
Blickle Wheels + Casters | Swivel casters · Fixed casters · Heavy Duty casters · Heavy Duty Wheel · Light Duty casters · Stainless Steel casters · Pallet Truck Rollers · Fork Lift Wheels
They have a great website and online catalogue under the "products" link.
I used J.W. Winco as a distributor...free shipping over $50. I have used them in the past for other projects.
The four rollers I ordered took some time to find that would fit my area. The Blickle number is VSTH 100X40/25-40K. 100 mm diameter, 40 mm wide, 25 mm bearing bore to fit the 24 mm threaded rod.
Unfortunately, when the rollers arrived, it was apparent they would not quite fit between the upper and lower wood slats. A cut off wheel, and hand wood saw was used to remove the upper inch of the lower wood slat, allowing room for the roller. Access to do this is through the round side shield is (probably for cruise pilot devices) and the two black inspection panels on the top of the feederhouse. The threaded rod is secured through the two round shields. I cut a 1" hole in them on the very top, but so it clears the yellow feeder side panel. The roller spacing was determined using the chain spacing at the front of the feeder house, as it is much easier to sight up there.
We are about done with wheat harvest and the rollers appear to be very durable and it have given no trouble. I feel it is a little quieter and the long bolts from the lower chain can not rise up and snag the cross member now. I suspect longer feeder chain life, and the wood guides should never wear out.
Other modification posts to come when time permits.
