[Kernel]

Ive never used a rotary combine before and am looking at a IH1660.
Will the rotary action chop the straw enough to seed through with a nine inch space air hoe drill? Or does it need a straw chopper? and can an internal chopper be installed?
It has a kirby chaff and straw spreader.

Rate the chopping on different straws:
Pea straw.
Wheat straw.
Barley straw
Canola straw.

 

[flatfoot]

Straw choppers make life at seeding time so much nicer

Just my two cents, but 1688 are getting quite reasonable and with long shoe, if new style spreaders ( puts chaff and straw unto spreaders) haven't been added , CaseIH has a kit, or they did

Kirby's, are well, better than nothing!

Any of those crops, if straw a little tough at harvest will not break up enough - been there done that!

 

[Kernel]

So do the 1688 s have an internal chopper? does it work well? IS the long sieve an important feature?

 

[mvpfarms]

You can add a TSR chopper internally.

 

[cptusa]

Internal chopper was optional on all machines, check to see if they have one. If not install aftermarket. Chopper is a must. 66/88 with longer sieves would be nicer for a small amount more $.

 

[flatfoot]

IS the long sieve an important feature?

It is better, but you need long shoe for new style spreader kit to work.

 

[tswanson]

Find one with a chopper. Pretty big job to add one and expensive even from a wrecker.

 

[CRToney]

Kirby spreads better than factory spreader. I would get a 1688 as well. Engine revs 2400 rpm instead of 2700. Better hyds. Factory spreader does 30 ft max. Kirby will spread to 36 ft. Find a 960 or 962 36ft macdon cheap for cereals. And buy a 30 ft 2020 for your peas and canola. A chopper is a good idea especially if you start adding some decent fertilizer rates.