Sharp Knife Straw Cutter

Sharp knife straw cutter COMBINES Accessories 11-4-35 "It's got easily replaceable knives, uses less horsepower and works great for minimum and no-till cropping because it chops up the crop so fine," says Jim Fritz, manufacturer of the "Big John" straw cutter that uses fixed knives rather than hammers to chew up straw behind combines. Available to fit most combines, the straw cutter drum replaces the conventional spreaders and is powered by belt-drive off the engine. A steel drum fitted with fixed sharp knives spins at 2,100 rpm's through a second set of fixed knives mounted into the housing. Length of cut of straw or stalks can be adjusted from 2 in. to 1 ft. by changing the setting of the fixed knives. A spreader below and behind the cutting drum distributes residue evenly over a 25-ft. width behind the combine. Fritz says fixed knives have a continuous positive cutting action which keeps slugs of straw from getting through. "It runs much more evenly and with less vibration than hammer-type straw choppers because it's always well-balanced. Swinging hammers can get bent back or out of synch depending on the amount of material passing through," explains Fritz. He adds that the sharp knife straw cutter uses 5 to 7 less hp. than hammer units and has less wear parts. Blades last up to 2,000 acres in small grains before they need replacing. A straw cutter for a 7700 Deere, fitted with 36 knives, sells for $1,495. Replacement blades cost $3 apiece. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Big John Mfg. Co., Inc., Box 456, Osmond, Neb. 68765 (ph 402 748-3860 or 748-3868).

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