IH 863 Corn Head question

Dave H (MI) · Nov 6, 2015

This is a six row and we have been going thru it, replaced most of the chains and pretty much all of the snap roll knives. Noticed when I test ran it thru some corn last week that some of the chains get pretty warm and others not so much. Just for my own education, why would this be? Do you oil these chains to cut down on friction or would this mostly just wear off in the first few minutes?

centash · Nov 6, 2015

Gathering chains? They will run slightly warm--just enough to turn snow into ice, but thats another story--and they should have the proper spring loaded tension. They also should be oiled when warm--as should all chains--on these, I slowly dribble used oil on them while the header is running; sure runs a lot quieter doing so, and it will get some oil on the sprockets and the chains' rollers and pins.
Good luck with your corn and your machine.

Ben

Dave H (MI) · Nov 6, 2015

Yep...sorry. Gathering chains. Worked good last year up until the end. Then I dropped a couple rows and limped off the field using half a corn head. I had more time with it this summer and have a good feel for how it works now. It was ll new to me last fall. Checked out all the gear boxes, slip clutches, found some loose hardware. Otherwise looks good and all six rows seem to be fine. Just the question on those chains getting warm. I'll make sure all is greased up and put some oil on the chains. Just about time here to hit it.

Tom OConnor · Nov 8, 2015

Dave,

Drizzling oil on those chains while they are running is a good way to oil the chains but an instant of inattention is all it takes for a tragedy. They can take an arm or leg off in a heartbeat. Be awfully careful if you choose to do it that way. The newer combines shut themselves off if you were to leave the seat with the header engaged. Adjust the spring loading on all the gathering chains per the book specifications and they will do several thousand acres without a problem. Also set the stripper plates as to specs and that will eliminate plugging problems. They should be a little tighter at the front than at the back. The knives are there to keep the snapping rolls from wrapping in tough stalks or weeds. They also need to be set up as close to the roll and still have clearence for the roll to clear them as it turns. Experience is a wonderful teacher and you will learn fast and gain a lot of confidence as you progress. Let me know if I can be of any help Tom

IH 863 Corn Head question

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member

centash

Well-known Member

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member

Tom OConnor

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