Dave H (MI)
Well-known Member
Yes...still at it! Looked at an 863 today. This is an old head, I know. Gear boxes look OK. Couple sprockets maybe need to be replaced. Two of the chains seemed to be at the limit of the tensioners. The knives on the rollers seem to be about a good 1/2" apart...so some wear on these but it is even wear. I think this is all fixable if the price is right. Really, I went thru it all and wear seems to be of the normal use kind. The snoots are in good shape, not all trashed.
Now onto the worst thing I could find and that is the auger bed. Couple of ugly patches, some pretty good denting and, in general, the metal is fairly thin after 3 decades (at least) of corn harvesting. I was looking at poly liners for the auger bed and have also found metal liners for the bed for a little more. Anyone use these? If I can get the thing for a decent price, replace the worst of the worn parts and put in a auger bed kit would this be a good option? I don't have $5-10K for a newer one right now. Thinking this might get me thru a year or two...then sell it and trade up?
Now onto the worst thing I could find and that is the auger bed. Couple of ugly patches, some pretty good denting and, in general, the metal is fairly thin after 3 decades (at least) of corn harvesting. I was looking at poly liners for the auger bed and have also found metal liners for the bed for a little more. Anyone use these? If I can get the thing for a decent price, replace the worst of the worn parts and put in a auger bed kit would this be a good option? I don't have $5-10K for a newer one right now. Thinking this might get me thru a year or two...then sell it and trade up?