Gleaner E in popcorn?

Justin Zant · Apr 14, 2015

I've gotten myself roped into reviving a Gleaner E for a guy who is going to use it to combine test plots of popcorn. I went and looked at it and it's in a shed and does run and the brakes feel solid. I'm going to try and drive it home at the end of the week (about 3 miles through a mostly residential part of town to get to my gravel road)and tinker on it throughout the summer as I have time. I am not a Gleaner expert at all so is there anything I need to know before attempting to drive it home? It has a 3rn corn head on it so I believe it will be light in the back end so it will be a slow careful drive anyway but any advise would be appreciated. Also what areas should I pay special attention to when going over it to get it field ready? And finally am I going to need to track down any special parts to get it to shell and seperate popcorn properly? Anyone ever run an E in popcorn?

Bob Bancroft · Apr 15, 2015

Yes, it's going to be nose heavy.
You mention "brakes", plural. I assume it has three pedals? The left pedal(on the right side) is the mechanical trans/parking brake. If still working as designed, when you kick the toe latch forward, the brake will lock when you push it, and the engine will quit. This is supposed to keep you from driving with the brake on. But all you have to do, is tip the toe latch back, and you can start up and drive away. Just like the guy did with my combine, the one time I let someone else run it, after I thoroughly explained and warned him about it! (The brake won't release until you step on the pedal and release it.) The next pedals are hydraulic(brake fluid) wheel/turning brakes. Lots more stopping power there.

Justin Zant · Apr 15, 2015

Good to know! I plan on driving it around the lot where it's parked before taking off so I can get the feel for it but that tidbit potentially saved a lot of time and frustration thank you.

Tim(nj) · Apr 15, 2015

Traction drive belt should not be dry rotted or cracked. Won't last long if it is and you'll be stuck halfway home. BTDT.

gbs · Apr 15, 2015

if you run into complications getting it set up or parts contact Oakley Combine Oxford N.C., they specialize in gleaner combines from small and large from yesteryears thru today's models

Heat Houser · Apr 15, 2015

Years ago I met a guy in Indiana who did popcorn. He was using Deere but what he said is valid for any combine. The augers cannot be worn and sharp as they will cut the seed coat and then it won't pop.
He would remove the augers and grind the sharp edges square.
The elevator chain(s) need to be adjusted properly as running loose allows kernels to get between the chain and sprocket which cracks them.
It needs to be near 13% moisture for popping.
To check this, buy a bag of popcorn and do a moisture test........

This is what he conveyed to me, I haven't any experience with popcorn so I cannot verify the accuracy. Good luck.

Tim(nj) · Apr 15, 2015

One of the popcorn companies prefers to pick their corn with Byron SP sweet corn harvesters and dry it on the ears over a specially made dryer bed. Then run it through a sheller custom-made for their needs. Prevents a lot of kernel damage. There was a farm stand near here that did their own popcorn for a while. They used a picker and cribbed it, letting it air dry. Then they shelled it out of the crib and ran it through a cleaner then packaged it. Must've had problems or was too big of a hassle because they gave up that facet of the business.

Gleaner E in popcorn?

Justin Zant

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Bob Bancroft

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Justin Zant

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Tim(nj)

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gbs

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Heat Houser

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Tim(nj)

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