Hydraulic Corn Head First Of Its Kind

Hydraulic Corn Head First of Its Kind COMBINES Headers 8-4-23 The new Hydra-IV corn head from Chisholm-Ryder, Niagara Falls, N.Y., is the first all-hydraulic corn head. It doesn't have any gears, chains or sprockets. Brad Rowe, assistant sales manager for the company, explains that the head was designed primarily for sweet corn harvesting. The absence of drive chains, gathering chains and sprockets reduces the damage to tender sweet corn kernels. However, the company feels that despite the price ù $19,000 for a 4-row 30 or 38-in. row head ù the absence of drive chains, sprockets, and gear boxes will also make the corn head popular with farmers who grow field corn because of reduced maintenance and replacement costs. The working components are hydraulically driven from a "Power Pack" that attaches to the combine's jack shaft. Rowe says the head and Power Pack are designed to quick-attach to New Idea's Uni-System but, with modifications, they'll fit on all popular combine models. Seven hydraulic motors are on the 4-row head. Four of the motors, one for each row, power the stalk rolls. Two motors control the infeed motor augers, which replace gathering chains, and one motor powers the cross auger to the combine throat. A control unit that sits in the combine cab lets you control the hydraulic motors. Stalk roll speed for each row is adjustable and is also reversible in case of plugups. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Chisholm-Ryder, Drawer F, Bridge Station, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14305 (ph 716 285-9186).

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