I've got a line on some corn heads

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member
For the CIH 1660. The only ones I have found close to home that did not already have a combine attached to them are 800 series. Really was hoping for a 963 but I have come across four 863 heads so I think maybe I ought to consider them and then upgrade later as needed. I was hoping you could shed some light on the differences between these and the newer heads? Also, I know it has feeder chains with fingers that pull the stalk into the head, snap rollers that remove the ear and sprockets and bearings that keep all these running. I could use some guidance on how to check wear on these parts because I don't really know what they look like new. What is likely to be bad? What are the "money" parts that I don't want to be replacing if possible? Any help, suggestions, comments appreciated. Road trip is Saturday to check all these out. Thanks!
 
Not really familiar with 800 series. Only messed with 900 series and up. But I do know that they're a lot heavier because they didn't use aluminum on them like the newer ones. Things to check if they're like the newer ones.

1 make sure the gathering chains are not stretched all the way out. The front idler sprocket on them is what adjusts it. It rides on a plate welded to 2 steel rods with a spring tensioner on the back of it.

2. Make sure the front idler sprocket has not dropped down. If it has, the bushings are wore out and the gathering chain will rub on the deck plates.

3. Check the knives. They typically were on the front and will be rounded with more clearance between the knives. The knives should be almost touching. Try to roll the knife rolls back and forth by hand. If there is a lot of slack, the square tube on back of knife rolls is wore out.

4. Check the front of the knife rolls. I don't know if the 800 series had bearings or bushings. There should be very little play side to side. Knives can be reversed for longer wear

5. Check the tin work for cracks and rust. Especially check up under the row hoods.

6. Take a big crescent wrench and try to turn the square driveshaft. Make sure the head will turn freely.

7. Check the pan under the auger for rust holes and wore out spots.

8. Check the oil in the gearboxes. Should be a plug in between the row hoods at the back that will take a 1/2" pull handle to take out.

That's just the basics and all that applys for 900 and 1000 series heads. I think the 800 series were pretty much the same design. Maybe someone will correct me if I'm wrong
 
Much appreciated Matt! I will make a cheat sheet from your post and check those items...and anything else that seems like it needs checking. Appreciate you taking the time to make the list...it'll come in handy!
 
Along with that good list, look for leaky seals in the gearboxes. Finding one box empty, others full, suspect the seal, even if the outside is clean.
 
Put a DEERE head on it.You will be more happy with it then a 800 or 900 head,plus there are 5-10 times more out there to chose from.Until the 1200 heads came out,more then50% CIH machines were running DEERE heads in our area.6 to 16 rows.
 
No kidding? I am OK with that. I use JD balers and I friggin love the things. I'll even admit I like the tractors if I don't have to listen to those 2 cylinder engines.

Now when I look at the Gleaners, the heads have a different drive shaft. The ones I saw on Gleaners looked like standard 1000 rpm pto shafts. The drive on the CIH is different. Never looked at JD but you say they are interchangeable? And what JD heads fit the 1660? This is not an area I am familiar with.
 
No,They are not interchangeable,it takes a kit which any ag dealer or some Mfgs sell direct.ANY Deere head will interchange with other size Deere head,except 600s and later which use a different hyd electric hookup.Look up header adapters and you will see what is available.(any make head can be put on any make Combine)SLOAN Express lists a kit.
 
Well...learn something every day. That opens up the playing field a little bit. Depending on the cost of the conversion kit of course.
 

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