From adjusting your header setup and gathering chains to your header angle and auger speed, a few changes can help you work through difficult down corn conditions and keep harvest moving.
Follow the below steps in order for the best results when harvesting down corn.
Use the link to download a PDF with all tips.
Tips for Harvesting Down Corn
Follow the below steps in order for the best results when harvesting down corn.
Step 1: General Setup
- Remove all cob savers (black rubbers) and the mounting hardware
- Leave the ear savers (grey rubbers) on to start
- They are flexible and, in our experience, these generally do not hold crop back and will stop ear loss
- If you see the stalks getting into the row unit and they are being held back by the rubbers then remove them
- Check to make sure deck plates are set the same across the entire head
- On all Rota Disc® models remove the stationary knives
- For North Star* heads check your knife setting
Step 2: Gathering Chains
- Remove gathering chains and reinstall upside down (so the sharp edge is the leading edge)
- This makes the chains more aggressive
Step 3: Chain Guides
- On all heads prior to 2011 and all 2012 and newer Elite/Legacy Series heads, move the chain guides to the narrowest position
- Depending on your stalk quality, you may have to move them to the outer position
- Try both to see what works in your conditions
Step 4: Header Angle
- Increase the angle to move the sprocket and chains closer to the ground to sweep in the crop
- Flattening the head may improve feeding but it will reduce the ground speed because the stalks need to process through the row unit
- Depending on your stalk quality, try both and see what works best in your conditions
Step 5: Headsight
- If you are running Headsight with an Insight box there is an unlock function called Foresight
- Contact Headsight for a free 5-hour activation
- Headsight hotline: 574-546-5022
Step 6: Augers
- If the combine has a variable speed feeder housing try speeding up and slowing down the head
- If running the head slower the auger may be required to be sped up
- Add the auger claws that are shipped with every corn head
- Start with 1 pair first, if needed add the 2nd pair
- Refer to the operator manual for installation instructions
- Add the end row augers if your head does not have them
- Even in a good year, these pay for themselves!
Step 7: ICF Sweeper
- Add an ICF Sweeper to 2013 and newer heads
- We recognize that this is the most expensive of the solutions offered, but it’s also the most effective tool for dealing with down corn
