Evolution
Geringhoff is established in 1880
In the nineteenth century, farming was very hard work. Harvesting was done with bare hands. Around this time many machines were invented which showed the way to the future. Among them, Carl Benz invented the first automobile and Henry Ford established many new manufacturing processes. Carl Geringhoff used these technological advances and applied them to agriculture and found his company in Ahlen, Germany.
Geringhoff strives to make harvest easier
Geringhoff's focus was on harvesting machinery. First were steam powered tractors and then threshing machines. Geringhoff's goal was to make harvesting easier and more productive and to improve the working conditions of farmers. In addition to threshing machine, Geringhoff later produced grain and corn drying equipment.
The first combines are built
The first combines invented worldwide focused on harvesting wheat. In 1911, the Holt Manufacturing Company of California produced the first self-propelled harvester on record. Holt later went on to become the Caterpiller Construction Company.
Over the next 40 years, there are many advances in harvesting technology
- 1923, Australia - The Sunshine Auto Header was the first patented center-feeding self propelled harvester for wheat.
- 1923, Kansas - The Curtis brothers and their Gleaner Manufacturing Company patented a self propelled what harvester.
- 1923 - Fordson engines used in both the Gleaner and the Sunshine.
- 1937 - Australian born Thomas Carroll, working for Massey-Harris in Canada, patented a self propelled wheat harvester.
- 1940 - Massey Harris widely markets a lighter weight model across North America and around the world.
A foundation is built for today's newer design of combines
In 1952 Claeys launched the first European self-propelled combine harvester for wheat in Europe and in 1953, the European manufacturer CLAAS developed a self propelled combine harveter named 'Herkules', which could harvest up to 5 tons of wheat a day. This was the foundation for today's newer design of combines. Some of these machines are still in use and are powered by either a diesel or gasoline engine.
Geringhoff introduces its first single row harvester
In 1956, Geringhoff introduced its first single row harvester. It was pulled by a tractor and launched the mechanical revolution of corn harvesting. In 1958 this single row header was mounted on a utility vehicle and combined with a shelling system to create a self-propelled corn harvesting sytem.
Geringhoff introduces the first corn header
In 1962, Geringhoff and Daimler Benz combined their resources and introduced their first self-propelled harvester dedicated to corn.
Geringhoff mounts lawn mower blades under row
The world's first chopping head relied on two blades similiar to a lawn mower mounted under each row unit. This early design was abandoned by Geringhoff in 1977 given its severe limitations. Challenges include: high horsepower demand, slow travel speeds, rock damage, premature blade wear, limited stalk chopping, and no vertical slice to the remaining stalk. Blunt stumps that remain resist decay and damage implement tires. Damaged blades can become dangerous projectiles.
Geringhoff shredding knives replace blades
Geringhoff introduces the PC head featuring lower horsepower demand, faster travel speeds, superior shredding and extended blade life. Hundreds of PC heads remain in use today throughout the United States and Canada. In search of even greater efficiency the PC model was replaced by the Rota Disc model in 1997.
Geringhoff introduces Rota Disc technology
Stalks are sliced at a 25 degree angle and are vertically shredded to promote decay. Cobb loss is minimized with hydraulic deck plate adjustment, slow auger speed of 150 RPM, and a deep auger trough. With the ability to destroy those tough BT corn stalks in one pass, the low horsepower demand, excellent performance in downed corn, and faster travel speeds that do not detract from shredding capability, the Rota Disc is introduced to North America under producer demands.
Geringhoff is the world's #1 stalk destruction corn head
Farmers throughout North America choose from 4 to 18 rows, 20" - 36" spacing, rigid or folding design, and a color to match their combine. Consistently rated the # 1 resale value in the industry Geringhoff owners no longer require a stalk chopper and save time, fuel, and other related expenses.
Geringhoff launches the Northstar model
Marked as the industries most universal corn header Northstar models offer 4 row up to a massive 24 rows with folding models available up to 18 rows. This lightweight and highly innovative model is viewed as the most cost efficient and well built corn harvesting system available.
Geringhoff unleashes the world's largest corn head
Continuing the tradition of cutting edge technology, Geringhoff introduces the massive 18 row 30" Northstar corn head. Coming in at 45 feet and designed specifically for the world's most advanced corn growers, Northstar is becoming the standard required by the industry's hungriest combines.
The most impressive corn head of all time
Geringhoff unveiled this impressive 41 foot monster at the 2010 Farm Progress Show. Born out of first class engineering and designed for corn growers who demand more out of their equipment. The Folding Northstar 24 row 20 is the world’s biggest, and most impressive folding corn head.
Geringhoff releases the all new Elite Series
Advances in seed genetics and rapidly increasing yields challenges all traditional corn head designs. Constantly changing conditions are experienced from year to year, field to field and from morning to night. Geringhoff introduces the adaptable Elite Series of corn heads which sets new standards for yield retention, harvesting speed and ability to recover downed or severley tangled crops.
Geringhoff unveils their future concept corn head
In front of a packed crowd at the National Farm Machinery show in Louisville, Kentucky, Geringhoff unveiled their row independent corn harvester, The Independence. Over 8 years and $4 Million in development, Geringhoff's engineers have worked alongside the best in the industry and rethought the harvest process. Geringhoff's independent technology allows the harvest of any row spacing and will accomodate all crop conditions.
Manufacturing facility announced for St. Cloud, MN
On September 11th, 2012 Geringhoff announced plans to open a manufacturig facility in St. Cloud, MN. One of agriculture's most prestigous brands will now be made right here in America. Decades of German engineering and innovation will join forces with American muscle to continue to bring the quality and workmanship leading growers have depended on since 1880.
Stover collection system introduced at National Farm Machinery Show
In February 2013, at the National Farm Machinery Show, Geringhoff's all new Stover Collection System was introduced. Geringhoff is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of stover collection harvest headers. European farmers rely on Geringhoff’s biomass collection system to support an extensive network of biofuel production factories. Geringhoff offers a single pass process during harvest that creates a user defined windrow free of rocks and debris. No stalk chopper or rake merger is necessary.