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.
For many decades, John Deere made it clear to all who purchased their tractors that all the repairs would go through the John Deere repair shops nationwide. Now the Department of Justice has stated to the courts, fighting for the farmers’ rights to choose which shop they wish to use for repairs and even lean toward fixing the repairs themselves.
It is a class action lawsuit between John Deere vs. the Farmers. This is excellent news for those selling John Deere after-market parts because sales will soar as the farmers can get their tractors up and running faster than before.
The Class Act Lawsuit
The problem farmers face is the time it takes for their equipment to get repaired. The NPR reported that a farmer said it took weeks to complete repairs. There is a backup during harvest seasons; sometimes, the farmers lose their crops while waiting for the repairs. When service is needed, only the dealership can unlock software and specific tools to get the job done. John Deere holds 53 percent of the market and can charge $150 per hour.
The class-action lawsuit came from Forest River Farms in North Dakota in early 2022. There were several complaints, but the main issue is that the farmers want a choice if the dealership is too busy to do the repairs. The farmers stated they could even work on their equipment if it came down to the last resort.
In 1992, Kodak lost its case in the Supreme Court because it wanted to stop other companies from copying their machine repairs. Since 2014, the DOJ cited that farms were forced into bankruptcy due to the loss of their harvest because of the delays in repairs. The DOJ is on the farmers’ side with the statement that there is no assertion that a competitive repair market is the same as a competitive tractor market.
Other Companies Stepping Up
Several are involved with the class action lawsuit in John Deere vs. The Farmers. Repair.org is one of those stepping up to support the farmers and speak on their behalf nationwide. These are people who are farmers, and some worked at John Deere. Their main goal is to cater to the farmers and ranchers in their time of need to keep their business going.
They use strategic statements concerning repair markets, and if they are functioning poorly, the entire agriculture division suffers. Fewer choices in repair companies simultaneously lead to the loss of business and culture. Even independent repair shops suffer when major companies hold all the cards.
John Deere’s Statements
John Deere filed their repair business to come up with the numbers for the courts. It showed they made three to six times more profit in the repair business than in machine sales. A few years ago, in 2020, they told their investors that maintenance and parts services only made up 20 percent of their profits.
They did not make public statements but did sign an agreement with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The agreement stated they would allow third-party repairs and promised to hold true to the contract until legislation passes at the state or federal level. So far, similar bills have been put on the floor in Congress to fine companies up to 20K for each violation. Colorado is the most recent to consider, and others are likely to follow. However, none have gotten past the introduction stage. So far, 11 states have considered.
John Deere’s case states that they have an agreement with those who purchase their equipment, and the farmers know the deal they make in advance. Their defense is that there is no way to figure out the time frame of the repairs, the costs, and the frequency. There are different variables, and there is no way to give a date to the farmers until they know what the issues are with the repairs.
The Court’s Decision
It could take years to decades for a lawsuit to be over. In the meantime, all the courts have is the DOJ’s statement from the Biden administration. The courts will have a difficult time ignoring those statements, and those states that have this issue on the floor of their legislation are reviewing all sides to see if lawmakers can come to the rescue.
Many are crying out to speed up the process, and the legislation will likely do something before the courts. Timeframes are unknown, and John Deere did agree to ease up on the third parties to handle repairs.
How A Class Action Lawsuit Helps John Deere After Market Parts
The after-market parts for John Deere and Case will increase sales due to all this hype. Sometimes the controversy is a good thing when talking about getting the right parts for cheaper and still maintaining the best quality. All the service companies can merge together when it comes to ordering parts. Local stores will become dealers of after-market parts, and it will help the entire community. These are the primary things that will make it better for everyone.
Dealers will sell more parts.
Farmers will get their tractors fixed in a timely fashion.
No crops or harvests will be lost due to a lack of repairs.
If the farmers can have their choice of a mechanic or fix the tractors themselves, they can save money for their families or farming business.
Companies like Certi-Pik will prosper from wholesale to the dealers or directly to the farmers.
How to Get John Deere After-Market Parts
Certi-Pik, USA, is where you will find John Deere after-market parts. The OEM has the original brand name parts, but as you can see, service and repairs will become easier if legislation passes or the court sides with the farmers. The farmers will benefit significantly because their tractors will be fixed sooner than expected. Certi-Pik, USA, strives to have what you need in stock, and shipments go out the same or the next day. Contact Certi-Pik, USA, with the information on the parts you need today.
For over 100 years, John Deere has put forth the best quality tractors that many farmers trust. A John Deere tractor or machine exists for almost every task sold on the market or directly to the farmers in the John Deere brand. John Deere aftermarket parts are there for quick and durable fixes when they break down. But it leaves the question. Is John Deere the strongest tractor created?
Perception is a decisive factor in this answer, but models 8850, 9RX 640, and 4455 are the strongest listed in sales by most farmers. It is measured by the four-wheel drive, the engine size and horsepower, the massive size of the 9RX 640 tractor, and the brand’s durability.
The successful results of the old and new models speak volumes. Looking at the top three models, we can understand what makes John Deere the most robust tractor.
Model 8850
The model 8850 was the most dominant tractor in its prime. The tractor was from the 8050 series and was new from 1982-1988. It had big tires, four-wheel drive, and 370 engine horsepower with a PTO of 303.99 horsepower. John Deere reached the top of the charts several times when they put forth a new model. They were king when this model came out.
It was the largest and most powerful tractor in the early to mid-80s, and no other company could touch them in size and strength. Listed below are a few highlights and specs:
Four-wheel drive tractor
Engine size is diesel, 15.7 liters 8-cyl
Electro-hydraulic differential lock front and rear
Power wet disc brakes
16-speed transmission, partial power shift
Air conditioning in the cab
Holds 240 gallons of fuel
Wheelbase 133 inches
Front and rear tires- 20.8-38
Model 9RX 640
This latest track model takes the John Deere line-up to the extreme. The 9RX 640 is the most robust track tractor that came out in 2022 and still has updates added to the 2023 version. The JD14 engine replaces the all-famous Cummins engine with more power and better fuel efficiency. It has a total base weight of 56,981 pounds with 691 horsepower, like the original diesel engine.
The new additions to the 2023 version of the 9RX 640 mean 14 percent more horsepower, with 11 percent added torque. The latest version of the tractor is lighter by ten percent and uses three percent less fuel consumption. It also has a 13 percent reduction in repair time and thousands of dollars less in service charges. This news adds lifespan to the engine.
John Deere also added the following to make the tractor even stronger and more efficient:
They adjusted the hydraulic valve lash to lessen noise, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce wear and tear.
Added a more potent engine brake for added control and safer speeds when going downhill. This saves on the drivetrain brake parts.
Added a hydraulic fan drive with no maintenance needed and added improved cooling.
Combined sensors for fewer repairs;
Added a better wiring harness system for more accessible diagnostics, less vibration, and more reliability;
It has a rear gear train which reduces noise and adds to the lifespan of the crankshaft damper.
Model 4455
There are different perspectives on the best John Deere tractor created, but many find this at the top of the list. Two to one, this model has outsold all 55-Series and had its most famous stand from 1988 to 1992. These models had an MFWD drivetrain with 155 horsepower. Farmers from the 90s still seek out this model tractor in the used sections because it is the strongest and most reliable in its class.
This tractor is the last of the dinosaurs in the SoundGard era and is still the workhorse and now a collectible among many models. It is a smaller framed tractor and two-wheel drive but handles larger tillage better than the predecessors in most cases. It is the ultimate upgrade from the 4440 tractors. To this day, John Deere continues to model the old features of the 4455. They are among the most beautiful and powerful farm tractors. Many farmers who own this model find it hard to let go, and many refuse to sell.
John Deere’s Dominance Over the Decades
Many changes took place over the decades, with John Deere tractors working toward improvements and keeping up with the competition. When mentioning tractors, John Deere is usually the first brand that appears to mind, and the answers to that are simple, which are as follows.
Reliability
Horsepower
Durability
Quality
The look
The size
Overall, the most trusted
Yes, there may be a few years other brands took the lead, but by the end of each decade, John Deere has reigned supreme and always made a comeback to the top when they fell short (which didn’t happen often). From cotton picking to plowing fields, John Deere found ways to innovate with the times and always had efficiency with added horsepower as their goal.
We are now in the 5M series of John Deere tractors. The 80s and early 90s were the most significant years for the company. It is hard to forget all the brand-named company did for farmers and homeowner versions. Now that we are in the second decade of the 2000s, they remain a global leader with all the power to back them up.
John Deere After Market Parts
Certi-Pik, USA, is the perfect place to find John Deere aftermarket parts. The OEM has the name labels, but the parts may not always be in stock and require a backorder wait. Certi-Pik, USA, strives to have all the parts we offer in stock and can ship out the same day at a lesser cost. It gives options to have the tractor repaired sooner than expected with the same trusted quality parts as the OEM. Contact Certi-Pik, USA, with the part and part number you need to keep the farm rolling.
International Harvesters was an agricultural machinery manufacturing company formed after the merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company. It was a household name, employing thousands of workers for decades. The International Harvester products included tractors, combines, forage equipment, hay tools, seeding equipment, tillage equipment, and sprayers.
Tenneco later bought the agricultural manufacturing sector of the International Harvester as well as the agricultural manufacturing business of J. I. Case company and merged the two to create Case IH. Later, the merger between Case IH and New Holland N.V. became Case New Holland (CNH), now known as CNH Global.
As fate would have it, International Harvesters, the company that revolutionized American agriculture, could not weatherall storms. Consequently, the 150-year-old company would lose footing, leaving dealers and farmers uncertain about their future and investment.
In this article, we shall explore the history of International Harvester and how it went down.
The Rise of the International Harvester
The International Harvester traces its roots to Cyrus Hall McCormick, a great industrialist during the 19th century and the son of a farm machinery inventor. Although Cyrus McCormick’s father failed commercially, Cyrus Hall followed in his father’s footsteps and tried his luck.
At twenty-two years of age, Cyrus Hall McCormick invented a better reaper for harvesting grain and got a patent on it three years later. This success milestone prompted him to continuously improve his reapers by adding elements that enhanced the machine’s efficiency.
The First Fall – Difficult Economic Times
In 1837, economic panic befell America. The President at that time would later note that the crisis resulted from the ease of credit access and rampant speculation. This led to a widespread lack of employment, economic depression, cotton and paper money devaluing, bank failures, and financial failures.
The economic difficulty saw Cyprus take a financial dip driving the business into bankruptcy. This would also see Cyrus Hall McCormick take seven years to repay his debt; luckily, this was not the end of his story.
In the 1840s, he discovered a bigger niche for his machines on large farms out West in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, prompting him to move his business to Chicago.
While in Chicago, he improved his machines, added other agricultural products, and expanded his factories. Cyrus and his brothers mastered the art of marketing and distribution within this industry as they had over 10,000 dealers, further making the business grow.
The Second Fall – Fierce Competition
After surviving the 1837 economic panic with great difficulty, Cyprus had to battle the rising number of competitors.
Deering, Milliken, and company, whose inventions leapfrogged the McCormick machines, led to intense competition for the farmer’s money. By the 1890s, both the McCormick’s and Deering’s had big factories, and both competed for dealers and farmers, which strained the McCormick Harvesting Machines Company.
The fierce competition led to the 1902 merger between the McCormick Harvesting Machines Company, the Deering Harvesting Company, and three other companies to avert the awaiting tragedy. This merger gave rise to the International Harvester Company.
Officially a Sleeping Giant – Out of Touch with The Market
In the mid-1970s, the company was no longer expanding, and its profit margins were dwindling. Its competitors, like the John Deere Company, had surpassed them in the market.
The International Harvester Company also had a heavy debt burden that threatened to cripple the company.
Xerox President Archie McCardell was hired to reinvigorate the sleeping giant to avert this situation. The company now focused more on investing in new plants, innovative technologies, and new products, not knowing they were watering dead grass.
Customers, dealers, employees, and experienced executives should have been listened to when they tried to advise the company. Regardless, the company increased its debt load.
Another reason International Harvester fell is that it had less favorable contracts compared to its competitors like Deere and Caterpillar companies. These poor contracts also saw workers put down their tools and call a strike for about five months in the UAW, further weakening the case of the IH parts company.
Nonetheless, the company continued production of tractors and farm equipment, disregarding the market downturn. The managers miscalculated and assumed that farmers would order heavily to restock inventory after the strike ended, but this was not the case.
Around the same period, inflation and interest rates flared, making the company more susceptible to losses as farmers stopped buying International Harvesters Machines.
The inflation and high-interest rates slowed down the market, reducing demand in dealer territories. Another devastating factor entered the picture when President Jimmy Carter imposed a grain ban on the Soviet Union, further reducing farm equipment in the markets.
This saw the company possessing yards full of unsold inventory and large amounts of capital tied up. Due to this economic crisis and miscalculation, the company lost around $500 million in six months, narrowly surviving insolvency.
The Last Straw – Being Bought Out
The unsold inventory and tied-up capital further constrained the International Harvesters Company as it desperately needed operating funds, prompting it to borrow loans.
The company’s source of income would manifest when dealers sold machines. Unfortunately, dealers’ opinions were not sought while improving the company and were subjected to comply with strict rules.
They had to comply with building a new facility, the prototype building, as the company wanted all dealers to look the same. From the losses the company made in subsequent years, International Harvester’s Board of Directors voted to eliminate the company’s annual $1.20 common share dividend, further demoralizing stakeholders.
In the year 1985, International Harvester was beyond salvageable. It sold its farm equipment division, and the remainder of the company was sold to Navistar International Cooperation in the subsequent year.
Since the IH merger, customers have stayed loyal to the red equipment. Both dealers and customers feel that the merger turned out well for them. Customers can find Case IH parts and services for their equipment.
Conclusion
The fact is that the International Harvester was a giant in the industry for years. However, these factors, among others, brought it crippling to its knees with weak and ineffective management over the years, evidenced by the lack of listening to customers’ and dealers’ opinions. High-interest rates and a heavy debt burden made surviving even more difficult. Call us!
