Cotton harvesting is a critical stage in the cotton farming process, and the efficiency and quality of the harvest directly impact a farmer’s productivity and profitability. With advancements in agricultural technology, modern cotton harvesters have become increasingly sophisticated, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. However, choosing the right cotton harvester can be a daunting task for farmers, as several key considerations need to be taken into account. In this blog, we will explore these factors and guide farmers through the process of selecting the most suitable cotton harvester for their specific needs.
Understand Your Harvesting Requirements
Farmers must evaluate their individual harvesting requirements before embarking on the process of selecting a cotton harvester. Factors such as farm size, crop variety, labor availability, and budget play crucial roles in determining the appropriate machine. For instance, smaller farms may prefer leasing pickers, or operating an older picker with lower up front costs, while larger farms may benefit from larger new pickers capable of harvesting faster.
Harvesting Mechanism
Cotton harvesters operate using either the spindle or the stripper mechanism. Spindle harvesters employ rotating spindles to mechanically remove lint from cotton plants. These machines offer high harvesting efficiency, are suitable for long-staple cotton varieties, and yield higher grade cleaner cotton. On the other hand, stripper harvesters utilize revolving bars equipped with rubber bats and nylon brushes to strip the cotton bolls from the plants. Stripper harvesters are better suited for short-staple cotton varieties where the spindle cannot as easily grab the lint, but can yield a dirtier crop raking more of the woody structure of the plant in with the cotton.
Productivity and Efficiency
High productivity and operational efficiency are vital factors in the selection process. Harvesters equipped with advanced technologies such as onboard module builders, high-capacity cleaning systems, and automatic moisture control can significantly enhance productivity. Similarly, machines with features like GPS guidance, yield monitoring systems, and automated harvest mapping enable precision farming and data-driven decision-making, optimizing overall efficiency.
Maintenance and Durability
Investing in a cotton harvester requires careful consideration of long-term maintenance and durability. Ensuring the availability of spare parts, easy access to repairs, and ongoing technical support are crucial aspects. Machine durability depends on factors such as construction quality, material selection, a rigidly held maintenance schedule, and component reliability. Assessing these factors, including warranty coverage, can help farmers make an informed decision.
Ergonomics and Operator Comfort
The well-being and comfort of the harvester’s operator cannot be overlooked. Harvesting cotton is physically demanding work, often spanning long hours and difficult environmental conditions. Choosing a harvester with ergonomic features like air-conditioned cabins, adjustable seating, and user-friendly controls can boost operator morale, reducing fatigue and improving efficiency. Equally important is the availability of training and support to ensure operators can maximize the harvester’s potential.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is increasingly vital in the agricultural sector. Farmers should consider the machine’s environmental impact when selecting a cotton harvester. Innovations like reduced emissions engines, advanced filtration systems, and improved fuel efficiency minimize the machine’s carbon footprint and contribute to overall operational cost savings.
Reputation and Support
Collaborating with a reputable manufacturer or dealer is critical. Research the market to identify manufacturers with a track record of producing reliable and technologically advanced harvesters. Evaluate factors such as customer reviews, brand reputation, and after-sales support services. A trustworthy supplier will provide ongoing technical assistance, training, and prompt responses to any issues that may arise during the harvester’s lifespan.
Incorporating these key considerations into the decision-making process will equip farmers to choose the right cotton harvester that aligns with their unique requirements and maximizes their agricultural productivity. One aftermarket manufacturer and parts supplier that consistently meets these criteria is Certi-Pik, USA.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cotton harvester requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including harvesting requirements, mechanisms, productivity, durability, ergonomics, environmental impact, and support services. Each decision taken during this process significantly impacts a farmer’s efficiency, operational costs, and overall success. Farmers are encouraged to thoroughly research and consider the offerings of reputable manufacturers like Certi-Pik, USA, who prioritize technological advancements, new upgrades to improve picker performance, working closely with the needs of rebuilders and farmers, and exceptional customer support.
Contact Certi-Pik, USA Today
For farmers seeking the highest quality and technologically advanced cotton harvesters, Certi-Pik, USA offers an exceptional range of new replacement parts tailored to individual needs. With years of industry experience, Certi-Pik, USA has established itself as one of the most reliable manufacturers in the market. Visit our website to explore our extensive range of cotton harvester parts and take a step towards increasing your agricultural productivity and profitability today.
It is critical to develop an optimized maintenance schedule for a cotton-picking machine. You must also check all the electrical components, like the tailgate feeder switch and other connections, to ensure they are in working condition. Keeping up with maintenance is a primary goal to achieve the ultimate success of a long-lasting machine.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on all the parts that require upkeep so that all mechanical components operate at total capacity.
A Guide to How to Maintenance and How Often
Some parts require multiple checkups, while others can go days, weeks, or months before worrying about them. However, watching for any shaking or vibration will help keep parts from breaking down while out in the field. Repair or replace those parts as needed if they start to wear and tear.
Use this guide below to help you optimize a steady checklist for maintenance. It will become a habit as you follow your daily routine and keep all parts operating efficiently.
Maintenance Every Six Hours
Check for broken, wrapped, or non-functional spindles
Inspect and clean the dirt and debris off the solution nozzle on each row unit as needed
Grease the sun gears, row-unit picker bars, cam tracks, and upper gear train using the onboard lubrication system
Check These Every 12 Hours
Auxiliary water system operation
Solution tank level
Fire extinguishers
The fluid level in the solution tank
Coolant level
Engine oil level
Row-unit gear case oil level
Lubricate the unit lift rock shaft bearings
Grease tank level
Hydraulic oil level
Fuel filler neck screen
Lubricate the guide axle kingpins
Lubricate the team driveshaft covers
Feeder belt tracking
Solution strainer and nozzles
Tires and check tire pressure
Every 50 Hours, Check These
Lubricate the unit lift pivot pins and cylinders
Cotton fan drive belt tension
Lubricate the row-unit doffer column bearings
Cab fresh air filter for cleanliness
Fuel strainer and water separator
Lubricate the RMB rock shaft pivots
Maintenance and Check Every 100 Hours
Torque on the drive and guide wheel bolts
Lubricate the guide axle pivot and guide axle tie rod ends
Lubricate the row-unit driveshafts, U-joints, and frame rollers
Check the laydown roller chain tension and lubricate
Lubricate final drive axle couplers and bearings
Keeping The Cotton Picker Clean
Like maintenance, regular cleaning ensures better cotton harvesting results, preventing breakdowns and reducing repair costs. These are some excellent benefits of making this a habit after each operating use of your machinery.
Enhanced Efficiency: A clean cotton picker operates at its optimal level, picking cotton with greater precision and speed. Proper cleaning prevents the accumulation of debris, dust, and plant material that can hinder the machinery’s efficiency.
Reduced Downtime: Regular maintenance and cleaning can significantly reduce downtime. A dirty picker is more prone to breakdowns and malfunctions, leading to costly repairs and delays during the harvesting season.
Extended Lifespan: Clean machinery equals less wear and tear, which extends its overall lifespan. You can invest considerably in your cotton-growing future by caring for your cotton picker.
Better Cotton Quality: A clean cotton picker ensures better cotton quality by minimizing contamination from debris and other unwanted materials. This leads to higher-grade cotton, which can fetch better prices in the market.
Essential Cleaning Tips
Preparation: Before cleaning, turn off the cotton picker and disconnect it from any power source. Wear protective gear, gloves, and safety goggles to prevent injuries.
Remove Large Debris: Begin by manually removing large debris, such as twigs, branches, and rocks, from the cotton picker. These items can cause severe damage to the machinery if left unattended.
Air Compressor Cleaning: Use an air compressor to blow away dust and small particles from hard-to-reach areas of the cotton picker. Pay special attention to the engine compartment, transmission, and hydraulic lines.
Cleaning the Harvester Heads: The harvester heads come into direct contact with cotton and can accumulate residues. Clean these components thoroughly to prevent clogs and ensure efficient picking.
Cleaning the Picking Units: Clean the picking units carefully, removing any cotton build-up and tangled fibers. Properly maintained picking units result in improved cotton harvesting performance.
Inspect Belts and Chains: Regularly check the belts and chains for signs of wear and correct tension. Replace any damaged components promptly to avoid sudden breakdowns.
Keep the Exterior Clean: Washing the exterior of the cotton picker helps maintain its appearance, prevents rust, and makes it easier to spot any potential issues during the cleaning process.
Store Properly: During the off-season, store the cotton picker in a clean and dry environment. Cover it to protect against dust and potential damage caused by the elements.
Why Should You Follow a Schedule for Maintenance?
Many times, people forget or get too busy to perform maintenance or try to skip a step to save time and money. Here are some things that may happen if you neglect to improvise a schedule. It will lead you to follow better habits.
Neglected Cotton Pickers and Safety Risks
This poses a safety risk to operators and others out in the field. Critical components of the picker may malfunction, safety features can become compromised, and faulty electrical systems can develop. In some situations, the parts can catch on fire which could destroy the entire machine.
Higher Operating Costs and Fuel Consumption
Poor maintenance practices in a cotton picker can lead to higher operating costs and environmental issues. For example, clogged air filters and other problems force the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption and producing more harmful emissions.
Impact on Cotton Quality and Sale Value
A dirty cotton picker can adversely affect the quality of the harvested cotton. Debris, dirt, and other foreign materials can mix with the cotton during the picking and ginning, leading to lower-quality production.
Contact Certi-Pik, USA for Your Next Order
Farmers and dealers can check out our website to order online or by phone. We are here to answer your questions concerning our aftermarket parts. Contact us Certi-Pik, USA. We are happy to assist and guide you through any troubleshooting moments.
Technology is becoming more innovative every day, and with it comes the latest and upcoming technology in the cotton-picking industry. For the modern-day cotton picker, we will discuss the newest technologies changing the cotton-picking sector, making the industry more efficient. You will learn about the most recent products already on the market for sale and those still in studies at the most prominent universities.
The Latest Innovations in Spraying
Spraying herbicides to kill unwanted weeds is critical to keeping the cotton healthy when it is time for harvesting. John Deere took the 12-row sprayer and innovated it to make it more efficient for cotton farmers’ requests. They made it into a self-propelled device that can detect the weeds from the plants. With cameras and upgraded technology, they designed the See and Spray Ultimate.
The See and Spray Ultimate saves on the wasteful use of herbicides, which brings relief to the overhead spending from farmers. It allows them to use the spray more efficiently to keep the machines rolling without stopping and refilling in the middle of the field.
The cameras detect the different colors between the weeds and the plants. When the system detects the weeds according to color, it releases the spray to eliminate the weeded areas, keeping the cotton plants safe. This process saves money, time, and product inventory.
The New Cotton Picker and Stripper
On a ten-hour day, the farmers see about 100 acres more ground covered with the 12-row cotton stripper than the previous eight-row. This upgrade adds up to 48 percent per day productivity.
The cotton-picking machines are a step ahead of what will be required in the future from cotton farmers to have the cotton tagged and labeled. This product added to the cotton picker and stripper is the John Deere Harvest Identification Cotton Pro. It is already making things more accessible by providing data on the quality of the cotton harvest from the field to the mill.
Cotton farmers are paid according to quality, not weight or amount. There is a process where the tag is embedded into the module wrap that goes around the cotton. The John Deere Harvest Identification Cotton Pro uses a frequency identification reader to gather information from the tags.
Each tag has a serial number in which data is stored, delivering the following information:
Farm
Client
Field
Machine Identifier
Variety
GPS position of the wrapped location
Date
Time
Currently, it is utilized for proficiency in labeling, organizing, and allowing the farmer to get the most out of their sale. This process is only done through cotton farming, but the future could tell differently. This tactic would give the cotton industry the upper hand since they already have an implemented system.
Those who oversee the agriculture industry could force farmers to produce all of this data information to track all farming habits from start to finish, offering a more valuable record of harvesting.
How Upgraded Cameras are Helping During Harvesting
Like in a car, a cotton picker has blind spots, which can cause issues in certain areas of the machine that could be avoided. This delivers an all-around computerized vision to the cotton harvesters while in motion. The cameras allow the operator to maneuver the machine throughout the field easily.
If a part is not working correctly, the driver can immediately spot it to shut the machine down and repair it. It is also meant to help the operator ensure that all the cotton is picked and stripped without any problems. With the assistance of artificial intelligence, it works in favor of spotting weeds and spraying them accordingly.
These cameras are equipped to handle the fields for up to 12 miles per hour, allowing the operator to monitor everything on the go.
More Comfort and Technology Inside the Cab
Even the cab sees its share of innovation as it is built quieter and has more comfortable features. It has a larger space with computers and mirrors to offer better vision, and with the windows strategically placed, it lets in more light. Operators who drive them claim it is much better than its previous models, where vision is restricted in some areas of the machine.
The cab is sealed better, which lets in fewer sound effects from the powerful motors and mechanisms working, which can deafen a person over time. All of these features together assist the driver to stay on task without as many breaks, making the labor efforts more efficient.
Upcoming Technologies for More Efficiency
Everything in today’s world is turning toward AI technology and robotics. It continues to innovate agriculture positively and offers more efficient labor and better days in productivity. These are some of the upcoming products that are still undergoing studies and experimentation at certain universities:
Robotic cotton harvesters: These are designed for farmers with smaller acres and rotate their crops. Mississippi State University and scientists continue to perfect the robotic cotton harvesters to pick the cotton without taking all the debris. It is expected to be a reality once all the issues are resolved.
Drones: Drones will be used to spray the fields. Research is underway at Texas A&M University to bring the accuracy level from 60 percent to 100. At this time, farmers are using drones to spot trash in the fields and to be the eyes of the farmers for miscellaneous reasons.
Laser Weed Removal: The University of Georgia is studying the use of lasers in place of herbicides. It is a machine placed on a rover operated by a computer. The lasers would be CO2 pushing out 40 watts of power. All that is left is to find a cooling system before this technology is released to farmers.
Cotton picker parts, like every machine, will lose their prime and begin to wear and tear over the many years of use during the cotton harvesting seasons. One example is the cotton picker spindle, which is constantly in motion. Many components and parts are sold together as kits or separately.
After the manufacturer’s parts break, you want replacement parts that are made to be durable and of high quality to keep the cotton harvesting moving forward. Knowing the right parts and which ones to get maintained and choosing a trusted aftermarket parts manufacturer to work with you as a farmer or dealer is critical to the operation.
The Right Cotton Picker Machine
There are a few manufacturers of cotton-picking machines. The most prominent are John Deere and Case IH. No matter the brand, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a suitable cotton picker machine to meet your needs out in the field.
Hiring or DIY Maintenance and Repairs: As a farmer, you can hire workers to keep up with and repair breakdowns. Having this concept figured out first will help you determine which cotton picker machine will work best. Access to the machine’s parts and repair manuals, including diagrams of the machine and its characteristics, will also help.
Choosing a Familiar Machine: Knowing how to operate the cotton picker machine is critical to the user. If the user knows how to handle and maintain the machinery precisely, you know it is the right one to purchase. However, it could be a challenge with new equipment. The one hired to operate the equipment may require additional training if they are unfamiliar with the new style.
Choose Only the Best Parts: You can have the best piece of equipment, but if the parts are not of high quality, they will break sooner, or they can cause extensive damage to the machinery. Replace with the best parts when needed.
Knowing the Right Parts and Which Ones to Get
Case IH and John Deere utilize similar theories with their cotton harvesting machines, but that’s where the similarities stop: as parts for the one brand are not interchangeable with the other. Diagrams are available for Case IH and John Deere, and the good news is that parts that can be ordered in assemblies can also be ordered individually. When a part needs to be replaced you only need to purchase the piece or pieces that failed.
Farmers and dealers can find all the parts that fit these components of the cotton picker machine:
Belts
Miscellaneous Parts
Picking Unit System
Picking Unit Cabinet
Air System
Water System
There are hundreds of pieces that go with these components. Each has a part number and is found in the diagrams listed for Certi-Pik Replacement Parts for specific models of brands. Although there are parts with similar descriptions in the diagrams, the parts are sometimes model specific and are not interchangeable. It is, therefore, critical to be careful when ordering the correct part number and check the models listed in the descriptions for which ones will fit and which will not.
Keeping Up with the Maintenance
Every piece of equipment requires testing before, during, and after every harvest season. Machines break at unexpected moments and can shut down the entire harvesting operation for a day or more. One small part can stop the work process and cause extensive profit loss if maintenance is not done correctly.
Some things farmers can do during the maintenance checklists are as follows:
Keep oil and fluid levels up to par
Keep tires at the proper inflation
Clean the machine of all dust and debris each day
Check all belts and moving parts for unusual shaking or vibrations
Grease all required elements, anything with grease zerks or grease reservoirs.
Remove any debris from constantly moving parts
Ensure everything works up to par and is not slacking. If one part is wearing out, it may cause the operation to be less effective or may cause extensive damage to other parts of the cotton-picking machine
Maintenance is critical no matter who performs it. The farmer should have the updates at the end of each day to ensure all parts work correctly. The farmer may do their own maintenance or may have a mechanic or repair shop work on their equipment. It is critical to inform those working on the machines when the farmer or their dealer will supply the parts.
Choosing the Right Manufacturer for Aftermarket Parts
Communication is also important when dealing with the parts chosen. The farmer will have the final say in what needs to be done in the event of repairing or replacing parts and equipment.
All parts and accessories from the Certi-Pik, USA inventory are kept in stock and constantly monitored to ensure the best possible availability.
You must know and understand the primary cotton harvester parts to choose the correct aftermarket parts.
Picker Grid Bars: They are found in the row unit and are used to keep the plant stalk and branches in place while the spindle extracts the cotton fibers from the bolls. In so doing, they also help with keeping the cotton clean and lessen premature wearing of the moistener pad and doffers.
Plant lifters: They lift the plants while the row units pick them up. They are the lowest part of the machine, following the contour of the ground.
Picking Row Unit: These are made up of a multitude of moving parts while hanging on the front of the picker. They remove the cotton as the plant is funneled through them and hand it off to the air system.
Moistening System: Keeps the cotton sap from sticking and becoming gummed onto the spindles, moistener pads, and doffers.
Doffers: These components strip the cotton off of the spindles by rotating at a higher speed and in the opposite direction as the spindle barbs.
Ordering from Certi-Pik, USA
Farmers and dealers can get cotton harvesting parts through the Certi-Pik inventory under their choice of replacement parts. They can call in the part numbers and order by phone as well. The contact information is found on the website.
If ordered early, the shipment should go out the same day. However, the shipment will typically go out the following day if it is later. Contact Certi-Pik, USA through the website or by phone to order. To keep service moving quickly, please have the part number ready with a description off the website or our catalog to avoid confusion.
Please note: Dealers pay wholesale prices while farmers pay retail. For this reason, prices may vary.
As a cotton farmer, you know the importance of having a well-maintained cotton picker machine to ensure maximum efficiency during the harvest season. Here is a list of the top ten cotton picker parts, including the cotton spindle, which will improve your machine’s performance and increase your overall yield.
The regular attachments are meant to run the harvesting season with the promise of a good harvest with few breakdowns. However, some attachments are accessories that enhance the performance of traditional equipment.
With these accessories, your cotton picker will be in the running efficiently, making your harvest season smoother and more productive. We will first discuss the essential components to understand how the accessories make harvesting season better for the farmer and the machine.
The Primary Parts of the Cotton Picker Machine
The cotton picker harvesting machine is vital for farmers who need to harvest cotton efficiently. This machine has several essential components that gather the cotton quickly and effectively.
One of the critical components of the cotton picker harvesting machine is the picker bar assembly. This assembly acts as a gearbox, keeping the spindle in motion positioned to feed past the moistener pads and doffers. The picker bar assembly consists of several spindles, which rotate to pick the cotton fibers from the plant.
Another essential component of the cotton picker harvesting machine is the moistening system. After the cotton is picked, the doffer must remove it from the spindle. As the cotton sap is sticky, the moistening system has an important role in keeping the picking components running smoothly. When maintained and adjusted correctly, the moistening system removes unwanted sap from the spindles, ensuring it is fully picked and transferred to the cotton containment section of the picker.
The cotton picker also has a conveying system that moves the harvested cotton from the picking unit to the containment section of the picker. This system consists of fans and air ducts that transport the cotton through the machine via a pressurized venturi effect.
Lastly, the cotton picker harvesting machine has a cab where the operator sits. The cab provides a comfortable and safe environment for the operator to control the machine and monitor its performance.
The Ten Accessories for Enhanced Efficiency
Vine Cutters
Farmers rely on various accessories during the cotton harvesting season to make their work more efficient. In some areas, vine cutters are one accessory that helps farmers keep their picking unit running freely and save time. As the cutters cut through the vines and long stalks, it keeps them from wrapping around the doffer assembly and nearby components, which can be detrimental to the harvesting process.
Scrapping Plates
Scrapping plates are used to ensure the cotton, as it is extracted from the bolls, is fully pushed up the barbs on the spindles. The scrapping plates are attached to the pressure doors and help to make sure as much cotton is picked off the plant as possible the first time through the field. Certi-Pik has customized its scrapping plates for optimum depth of spindle engagement in all styles on whichever pressure door you desire to use.
The Light Bar
The Light Bar is another accessory that is commonly used in cotton harvesting. It provides farmers with better visibility during the night hours, making it easier for them to work efficiently without compromising safety.
Stalk Lifter Rods
Stalk Lifter Rods and guides work with the row units lifting action, making it easier for the plants to be guided into the picking unit, adding life to the plastic shields. They also help to harvest as much lower-hanging cotton as possible.
Camera Observation System
One of the most essential accessories used during cotton harvesting is the Camera Observation System. This system allows farmers to monitor the harvesting process and identify any issues that may arise. It comes with a monitor and two cameras.
Mud Scrapers
Mud Scrapers are another essential accessory that helps to remove dirt and mud from the tires as they roll through the muddy fields. It makes it easier to operate the machinery without all the mess, providing better control over the drive tires.
The Spring Tension Feeder Belt Kit
The Spring Tension Feeder Belt Kit ensures the belt is firmly in place on the harvesting machine. If the belt is loose or too tight, the spring tension fixes the belt placement, keeping it snuggly in place.
The Active RMB Belt Cleaning Brush
The Active RMB Belt Cleaning Brush keeps the harvesting machine clean and debris-free. It also delivers more required moisture, making it easier to keep the cotton pickers and components clean from caked-up debris.
The Lubricator Transfer Pump
The Lubricator Transfer Pump is another accessory commonly used during cotton harvesting. It helps to keep the harvesting machine lubricated, preventing any damage or wear and tear by allowing the user to fill from the ground level. The pump works by spreading the lube to the lube tank.
The Harvest Identification Cotton PRO
The Harvest Identification Cotton PRO is an accessory that allows farmers to track the cotton harvesting process. It delivers data to the John Deere Operations Center Field Analyzer tool.
The Importance of Innovation with New Accessories in Cotton Farming
In the past, picking cotton was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. But with new machinery and equipment development, the industry has become much more efficient and cost-effective. One of the most significant innovations in recent years has been the introduction of automated accessories. These machines can harvest cotton much faster, increasing farmers’ output and reducing costs.
Another important innovation has been the development of precision agricultural technology. This technology uses data analysis and sensors to help farmers optimize their planting and harvesting practices, reducing waste and maximizing yield.
This technology allows farmers to make more informed decisions about when to plant and harvest their crops and how much water and fertilizer to use. These innovations have significantly impacted the cotton harvesting industry, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Ordering from Certi-Pik, USA
If you’re a farmer or dealer needing cotton harvesting parts, you can browse our website to choose the replacement parts you need or call in your order by phone.
Our contact information can be found on the website for your convenience. For same-day shipping, be sure to place your order early. However, if it’s later in the day, your shipment will most likely go out the following day. Be sure to have the part number ready and a precise description.
It’s important to note that dealers pay wholesale prices while farmers pay retail, which may cause prices to vary. If you have any questions, contact us Certi-Pik, USA.
