Rock Trap Kit For Cleaner Combines

1991 - Volume #15, Issue #4, Page #29

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If you harvest grain with a Gleaner combine on rocky ground, you'll be interested in this new rock trap kit that converts the existing rock door into a trap that actually holds onto the rocks.
Farmer and machine shop operator Tom Wheeler explains that unlike IH, Deere and Massey combines, which all have traps, Gleaner combines have a latched door that's designed to open up when the cylinder throws rocks against it. It then drops rocks onto the ground. Then the operator stops the combine to shut the door.
"The problem is that it takes a great deal of force to open the door. When it doesn't open, the rock causes damage to the con-cave and cylinder. On N-Series machines, rocks can also bend slats at the rear of the feeder chain and tear up helical bars," says Wheeler.
His kit simply converts the existing door into a rock trap that works like those on other combines. It consists of new latches that hold the door about 1/3 of the way open and sealing strips that close up the opening that's created. Lightweight crop material moves over the trap but rocks fall down into it. You never have to stop to close the door. Once a day or so, depending on how rocky the ground is, you stop and open the door all the way to dump the rocks.
"We've operated one combine for 5 years with a modified door with no problems and we've sold kits to local farmers. So far everyone's been pleased," says Wheeler, noting that one added benefit of the kit when installed on an N-Series machine is that it stops grain leakage at either end of the door, which has been a problem with that model.
Takes about 30 min. to install the kit on L and M Series combines (no modification required - sells for $98) and a little longer to install the kit on N-Series machines (some modification required and a bit of tack welding - sells for $140). Wheeler is working on a kit for new R-Series machines.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wheeler Welding, HCR2, Box 18, Ray, N. Dak. 58849 (ph 701 568-3204).

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Rock Trap Kit for Cleaner Combines COMBINES Accessories 15-4-29 If you harvest grain with a Gleaner combine on rocky ground, you'll be interested in this new rock trap kit that converts the existing rock door into a trap that actually holds onto the rocks. Farmer and machine shop operator Tom Wheeler explains that unlike IH, Deere and Massey combines, which all have traps, Gleaner combines have a latched door that's designed to open up when the cylinder throws rocks against it. It then drops rocks onto the ground. Then the operator stops the combine to shut the door. "The problem is that it takes a great deal of force to open the door. When it doesn't open, the rock causes damage to the con-cave and cylinder. On N-Series machines, rocks can also bend slats at the rear of the feeder chain and tear up helical bars," says Wheeler. His kit simply converts the existing door into a rock trap that works like those on other combines. It consists of new latches that hold the door about 1/3 of the way open and sealing strips that close up the opening that's created. Lightweight crop material moves over the trap but rocks fall down into it. You never have to stop to close the door. Once a day or so, depending on how rocky the ground is, you stop and open the door all the way to dump the rocks. "We've operated one combine for 5 years with a modified door with no problems and we've sold kits to local farmers. So far everyone's been pleased," says Wheeler, noting that one added benefit of the kit when installed on an N-Series machine is that it stops grain leakage at either end of the door, which has been a problem with that model. Takes about 30 min. to install the kit on L and M Series combines (no modification required - sells for $98) and a little longer to install the kit on N-Series machines (some modification required and a bit of tack welding - sells for $140). Wheeler is working on a kit for new R-Series machines. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wheeler Welding, HCR2, Box 18, Ray, N. Dak. 58849 (ph 701 568-3204).

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