1987 - Volume #11, Issue #4, Page #21
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High Performance Combine Cylinders
"It's like mounting a flywheel on the cylinder. You get more consistent rpm's at slower speeds with less slugging. Saves 20 to 30% on fuel consumption while boosting capacity," says Mel Stovel, inventor and manufacturer of new high-performance cleaning cylinders for combines that replace original lighter-gauge metal "spider" wheels with heavy, 100-lb. cast iron wheels.Stovel uses the heavy wheels to rebuild the cylinder around the original shaft. Each spider wheel, about 2 in. wide, is individually keyed and clamped to the shaft. Original rasp bars mount normally to the wheels. On a Deere 7720, installation of the heavier wheels increases total weight of the cylinder by 500 lbs. since each new wheel weighs 100 lbs. and the original wheels each weigh from 14 to 22 lbs., depending on the configuration.
"Because you get more consistent engine rpms with the smoother-running, heavier cylinder, you also get more constant air flow through the shoe so chaff and other residue doesn't get a chance to settle back down on top of grain the way it normally does when the cylinder momentarily plugs up or works it's way through a slug of heavier material. The heavier cylinder also results in less maintenance because it runs smoother, and there's less distortion of rasp bars due to the sturdier mounts," Stovel points out.
The cylinder kit works in all crops and it's made to fit all Deere, White and conventional IH combines. A kit to fit a Deere 7700 sells for $2,310 (Canadian).
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mel Stovel Enterprises, Box 142, Foremost, Alberta, T0K 0X0 Canada (ph 403 867-2456 or 328-0361)
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