Combine head model numbers.

IaGary

Well-known Member
While reading the post below it got me to wondering about companies model number choices for combine heads. I know JD had the 2 series platforms and the last 2 digits were the width of the head. IH just had the 710,820,1020 and had to list the width behind the head in an ad. Ex. 1020 20' head where JD would be 220 and that is it. Meaning a 200 series 20 foot wide.

The IH and CaseIH corn heads were always number so you could tell what they were.

Similar to how JD numbered the grain platforms.

The 844 was a 800 series 4 row head on 40" or wide rows cause they were really 38" wide rows.

The 863 was a 800 series 6 row set at 30" or narrow row.

Then they came out with the 900 series and had 944,meaning a 900 series 4 row on 40/38 inch rows.

The 963 was 900 series 6 row 30 inch. A 983 would be 900 series 8 row 30 inch head.

Then came the 1000 series with a 1044,1063 and so on.

Then the 2200 series were all narrow row so the last number designated the number of rows.

Did other companies do this at all. Seems to me when I look at want ads for corn heads the other companies always listed it as a 6 row narrow or wide depending on what it was. Where the IH ads just said 844 or 963 and you knew how many rows and what row width it had.

Not that it real mathers just wondering how the companies numbered there heads.

Seems to me Massy did something similar to IH with the corn head numbers. Is this right?

Gary
 
I might not have been very clear on the IH grain platform numbers. The Model numbers 710,820 1020 had nothing to do with the width of the head.

A 820 16 foot head, would be how it was advertised. Just as a 820 25 foot would be listed that way or a 820 20 foot. Where the JD 216 and 220 was all that was needed to be listed. 200 series 16 foot and 20 foot.

Clear as mud right.

Gary

Gary
 
What years were those Massy heads built.

When they changed models did they add a number in front of the 44, and 63 with a model change?

IH started the number system in 64 or so with the 200 series. ex- 224 243 244 233 and so on. They went to the 700 series 1968 to 70 somewhere in there. The 800 series came out in 75 or so.
 
Now that we have 15, 20, 22, 30, 36, 38 inch rows and heads wider than 8 rows, I think it got too tough to make easy numbering systems......

The orange gleaner heads were model 438, that is a pretty simple 4 row 38 inch header.... And so on.

Paul
 
Other than changing colors what did Gleaner do when they made a model change?

Or did they make a few updates and never change model numbers?

Gary
 
I'll see what I can dig out of my memory! The original, high profile heads, as well as the next generation low profile "orange heads", had the combine model letter, then the numerical header description. For example- A330, E240, etc. The low profile ones had an L in there as well- FL330. Then came the "black", or A(for adjustable) series heads. The drives were quite different, with the row units mounted on a tool bar so they could be moved. A "30" head could be set for 28, 30, or 32. A "38" head could be set for 36, 38, or 40. And finally, with different attaching packages, one head could go on different machines. Prior to the "black" corn heads, corn and grain heads were model specific, which put Gleaner at a disadvantage. I think grain heads continued to be model specific. I lost track after the mid 80's.
 
Massey was using those numbers in the 60's. They went from the hi-tin round decal heads to the low tin square decal heads with the same numbers and then went to the 1100 series in maybe the late 70's like the 1144 ect.As for IH I was thinking the head for our 303 was a 227 or something like that and the 4 rows for a 403 was a 429? Wasn't the 700 series was the first heads that used the 743, 744 ect. numbers?
 
The orange corn heads could be adapted, my F corn heads and grain heads would also fit a G. (Older heads were not adaptable, the top hooks need to bolt on, have 2 spots to bolt the hooks on....)

However, Gleaner was very poor at getting any type of universal header mount, nearly every series was different.

If you went from a K to an F to a L as you grew your farm, you had to trade the whole combine and all heads for the new package.

With a JD, once they got their quick change throat worked out, you could keep your heads, just trade combines, and save some money. Trade the head a year or 3 later when you upgraded the planter.

I think that hurt Gleaner sales a lot. Who can afford to buy a new planter, new combine, and new heads to match all in the same year.

And your selection of heads is a lot smaller, because a different set for each model or maybe 2 models.

Poor planning there, one f the few things I don't like about Gleaner.

Paul
 
JI Case numbered their corn heads in the mid 60s to represent the number of rows and the width
402 40 inch 2 row
404 40 inch 4 row
303 30 inch 3 row
304 30 inch 4 row
306 30 inch 6 row
 
Big differences between Orange and the Black Adjustable ones: Black heads you could adjust the individual row widths 2 inches wider or narrower, ie, an A430 could be set for 28, 30, 32 inch rows. Just slide the units on the toolbar, and reconnect units with different length drive couplers.

The 66H cross chains (about 6 feet long, considerably shorter than 4 miles) that drove the Orange row units were replaced by drive shafts that drove all the row units.

Sheet metal was punched to allow the 2 inch variance in row spacing. Sheet metal was hinged to flip up for easy access to adjust gathering chains.

Individual row unit components were identical, whereas Orange heads had several different snapping roll shafts, depending on location and function in the head.

Adjustment of the stripper plates was much easier on the Black heads. Oil-filled gearboxes were eliminated.
 
don't know everything ,, imho gleaner could had really kept the edge should had made all heads readily and easily interchangeable with all models and yrs built ... all massey quik attach heads interchange with 300, 410,510, 540 , 750 ect ...
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top