2010 - Volume #BFS, Issue #10, Page #106
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Performance-Boosting Combine Products
Rottinghaus, owner of Clever Tech, Inc., Jesup, Iowa, says the rotor knives on Deere straw choppers aren't heavy enough to handle heavy straw or wet, green bean stems. "Many modern soybean varieties produce dry beans on green stems, which can cause problems for combines and straw choppers. Since the original knives in the Deere chopper pivot back about 30 degrees, when they hit this tough material they let it pass over the stationary knives uncut," he says.
To solve the problem, he developed a heavier knife that will fit most Deere straw choppers. Made of grade 80 steel that's been laser cut, the Clever Tech knife has four sharp rake teeth on it, to make a serrated edge. It's designed to pivot only 10 degrees, so it forces material through the stationary knives until everything is cut.
Rottinghaus' combine straw chopper knives sell for $7.87 each (plus S&H), depending on the model. All knives are weighed and balanced before shipping.
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