A Stalk-Clearing Attachment for Combine Corn Heads
C. B. Richey, Extension Agricultural Engineer
fcause of the southern corn leaf blight and tsaccompanying stalk rots, lodging of corn lexpected to be a severe harvest problem in iciana this year. Lodging means less yield EC more clogging, particularly if there are any stalks which break off as they are jatfiered. However, a simple device, devel-$edin 1969 by Bob Webster and his father Mof Coatesv ille, may prove helpful to irmers having lodging problems, and will ila safety factor by reducing the need to Biclog by hand.
Hedevice resembles a combine reel except the bats are replaced by a paddle wheel tor each row, with flexible rubber paddles seeping the upper portion of the throat.
He loose stalks that gather above the upper -Qs of the snapping rolls and cause clogging -swept into the auger by arms mounted on ‘ slowly-rotating cross-shaft.
*°assist others having combine corn har-;st clogging problems, the accompanying --tches, along with a parts and stock list, -been prepared to illustrate the Websters' device, although the details differ. Ob-,jUsly. field experience with this attaches limited. But its simplicity and suc--jsfor the Websters last year might make *°rth trying in critical situations.
tause of variations in heads, details for at-egthe post angles, braces and drive -tocket are omitted, as are many dimen-°ns‘ However, with the information fur-e, a competent mechanic should be able ^aPt this design to most corn heads.
Since trial and error will be necessary to determine the best position, the arm channels (H) are shown clamped to the post angles (N) to allow maximum flexibility for adjusting the paddle assembly. Once this position is found, additional bolts and braces can be added to keep the paddle assembly in position, if required. Note that the clamping arrangement allows adjustment of both chain tension and paddle assembly position. Belt tension is not affected by moving the arm channels (H) but it can be adjusted by slots at the paddle shaft bearing mountings.
The inner corners of the paddles (D) should be trimmed to reduce any tendency to carry stalks up and over. If necessary, the paddle angles (C) can be bent backward to reduce stalk wrapping. The optimum degree of paddle wiping on gathering chains and augers will have to be determined by experience.
The paddle assembly should not be so far forward that it interferes with standing stalks as they are drawn through the rolls. Some late-design corn heads incorporate a full-length beater in front of the auger, which helps move ears back to the auger and may also help clear the stalks. If the paddle attachment were to be tried on these machines, it would have to be located farther forward, and the paddle wheels would probably have to be of considerably smaller diameter to avoid interference with the entry of standing stalks. The belt and chain should be covered with a metal shield as soon as properly adjusted. Remember to turn power off or keep hands off when working around machinery.
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana