Fires arise in cotton harvester parts due to a buildup of debris that generates heat. If the operator catches it in the smoldering mass phase, it can be a relatively minor problem that is solved quickly. However, failing to pay attention to the possibility of fires can result in serious harvest loss and worker injury. Here are effective measures for avoiding and containing cotton picker fires:
Stay ahead on cleaning: In order to avoid fires in the first place, stay on top of cleaning and servicing the picker. The buildup of lint, seeds and oil allows for ready fuel if an engine gets too hot or friction increases during the picking process. While this is by no means foolproof, it will eliminate the most common causes of cotton picker fires.
Watch for odors: Cotton and its oils have a distinct smell when they are burning. If you have someone new on your team, burn a small amount of cotton in a controlled setting so the odor is recognizable if it arises. That way, you and anyone working for you will know immediately when it is time to stop the harvester and find the source of the smoldering so it can be stopped.
Make communication possible: Harvesters should be equipped with cell phones or radios in case of trouble. One small fire can burn up a field, so anyone operating the harvester needs the means to get help quickly.
Clear baskets: People are frequently reluctant to empty the baskets, as that means losing part of the crop. However, this is also how fires are missed and become out-of-control conflagrations. Make it clear that it is preferable to lose some cotton rather than burn up an entire field due to fires left undetected. A full basket blocks the view to hydraulic hoses and fuel lines, which may be the source of a fire. With seed cotton still on the picker, that can be a disaster waiting to happen.
Keep fire extinguishers nearby: For flash lint and seed-based fires, use a water-based fire extinguisher. Other types of fires need a Type ABC extinguisher. When using these, point them at the base of the flames and use short bursts. Spraying long blasts can actually spread the fire to the field. Replace all used extinguishers, as these are one-use items.
If in doubt—stop: If you do not find the source of the fire or it appears that the fire arose from a mechanical deficiency, it is best to stop picking for the day. The loss from a fire will always be greater than that resulting from a slightly delayed harvest. Sometimes the best course of action is to bring in the picker and give it a more thorough inspection in case fuel or hydraulic lines are the culprits.
Good maintenance of cotton harvester parts can prevent fires, and you need a good supplier to assure quality maintenance. Contact Certi-Pik, USA to find the parts you need and enjoy many safe cotton harvests in the future.
It is always less expensive to replace cotton picker parts than the entire harvester. That is why it is important to pay attention and know when parts are starting to show shortcomings. Start by being aware of these five signs that it may be time to order new parts and increase the efficiency of your harvest:
Noticeable wear: Worn spindles, moistener pads, bearings and cam tracks are normally pretty noticeable. That is why it is advised that you inspect pre- and post-harvest. If you see fraying or obvious damage, this is the first sign that it’s time to buy new parts. Running your picker on excessively worn parts shortens its useful life, so it is best to act as soon as you notice damage.
No improvement after adjustment: Some parts, like spindles, moistener pads and doffers reduce their functioning when they need adjustment. Most of the time, making these minor repairs improves functioning and harvest quality. However, if you notice there are still shortcomings even after you complete the adjustments, it is likely the parts are no longer serviceable. You may also discover during adjustment that wear and tear makes it impossible to achieve the needed alignments, like the one between spindle and moistener pad. This is also a sign that your issue goes beyond adjustment and enters the realm of needing new cotton picker parts.
Frequent fires: If all the cleaning and adjustments you perform still lead to smoldering within your harvester, it is likely that spindles and other parts are no longer working at peak efficiency. When parts start to fail, oils and seeds will build up and provide fuel for fires—especially if the debris winds up near fuel lines or engines. Sometimes the only way to prevent this in the future is to replace the malfunctioning part. Otherwise you risk a full-field fire and worse losses.
Poor tracking: When there is still cotton left in the field, that often shows a row tracking problem with the picker. Like many other issues, this often requires a minor adjustment and harvest efficiency improves. However, if poor doffing, hard locks and crop losses continue, it is time to see which part is failing and find its replacement before you miss out on the full potential of your harvest.
Previous poor maintenance: If you acquired a cotton harvester on the used market and find shortcomings in its maintenance as you use it, it is likely that part failure is soon to follow. In these cases, it is usually prudent to replace parts as you can afford them, since harvesters are very dependent on frequent maintenance. If a previous owner was unwilling to clean and lubricate the harvester, it is likely that there were no part replacements either. Acting before they fail is your best course of action, as it will help preserve your harvester in the long run.
If your harvester requires new parts or a rebuild, contact Certi-Pik, USA for a catalog. We fabricate parts for many models of picking units and would be glad to help you achieve a more productive harvest.
When your cotton harvester starts to act up, it may require a rebuild. This process is not too harrowing if you can find a good source for John Deere cotton picker parts. As this is such a specialty item, it can be difficult to find a good source for parts and purchase the items most likely to keep your harvester running well for a long time. Here is an overview of how to approach this issue so you can successfully rebuild your cotton picker.
Start with a trusted source
The only good news with finding a trusted source is that the market is not saturated with likely candidates. Companies that deal with cotton pickers are national by virtue of the demand for that availability. This is not a service easily secured just through visiting a corner market.
Since your potential sources are most likely specialists, your first priority is brand expertise. Not everyone offers parts for all brands of cotton pickers, and some shops may only focus on one type of model. Check with distributors to assure that they carry parts for your particular model. John Deere, CNH and Case IH are just a few of the brand models for cotton pickers, and buying CNH parts for a John Deere is unlikely to be helpful. That is why you should be aware of your harvester specifications and find those most familiar with the brand.
While parts are often stocked, some distributors build to order. Check for online reviews and call to ask specifically about the part you need and experience with the brand. Also check for terms and conditions that allow for returns or refunds. You never want to go with a distributor that does not offer a guarantee of satisfaction. There needs to be some type of warranty in case a part does not work out, as that harvester secures your income and you will require a remedy if the new parts fail.
Know what you need
You also want to be sure you know which parts you need to get your harvester working well again. Most distributors offer specialty and sheet metal parts that will work well with rebuilding a cotton harvester. Some will be kept in stock while others will require custom building.
In-stock parts can include cam tracks, spindle nuts, lubrication hoses, CTX scrapping plates, cabinet parts, drumheads and spindles. Slip clutches and idler gears are also subject to regular replacement. Before you spend more money on a custom part, check a distributor’s in-stock list first to possibly save costs.
Knowledgeable distributors who can offer guidance or refer you to a repair technician are also a good resource. If you are having difficulty diagnosing the issue with your cotton picker, it can prove convenient to speak with someone who can let you know if you are in over your head.
Certi-Pik, USA sells John Deere cotton picker parts for harvester rebuilds. We offer parts for other models, too, so do not hesitate to call us when you require assistance.
The first step to keeping your cotton picker well maintained and in good repair is to understand how it works. One part that Certi-Pik, USA stocks for replacement is the cotton picker spindle, which requires cleaning and maintenance unique to its function. As one of the most essential parts to your harvester, it is one you need to be familiar with if you wish to keep your cotton venture profitable and avoid delays due to avoidable repairs. Here is an explanation of the cotton picker spindle and how it works.
Spindles: Essential to machinery
Spindles are machine tools which rotate on an access. They are present in wood lathes, milling equipment and drill presses, as well as cotton pickers. On a spindle harvester, their job is to rotate at high-speeds to remove the seeds from the cotton. As this step used to be performed by hand, it is an incredible labor-saving device. The technology is so effective that it has changed very little since its initial invention.
When spindles fail during harvest, you will likely end up with cotton that is picked but not useful, or damage to your plants and crop. Well-maintained spindles are the reason older models continue to work well decades later. You will find maintenance is a good idea with new harvesters, too, as your cotton picker is an expensive capital investment.
Before picking: Check spindles
Maintenance requires being aware of the conditions of spindles at all times during harvest season. When it is time for the first cotton harvest, check the spindles before going forward. You want to check for worn or damaged spindles, along with the parts that support them. Moistener pads keep them from debris buildup, and doffers, bushings, bearings and cam track also contribute to overall functioning of the spindles and overall harvester operation.
Also check adjustments of the moistener pads and the doffer. These should run close to the spindles so they can perform their functions. Once you confirm everything is aligned and working well together, it is time to start the harvest.
Post-harvest maintenance steps
If you experienced any rough operation during harvest, check to see if anything is broken. Wear and tear you couldn’t see before harvest may have manifested once you started work. Since the plants are greener at the first picking, it is easier for spindles to gum up or develop issues. That is why it is a good idea to check them again once you end work, even if you did a pre-harvest inspection.
You also need to clean spindles after every harvest, even if the conditions were optimal. Remove the plant juices, as that can jam them. Check for cotton stuck in the grates. You can use tap water to keep the moistener system full and the spindles clean. If you have hard water, spindle oils are also highly recommended.
Understanding the importance and operation of spindles will help you preserve them. When they wear out, contact Certi-Pick, USA to replace the damaged cotton picker spindle. Review our catalog or call us today to find what you need.
Owning and operating a cotton harvester means keeping that marvelous piece of engineering in top working order year after year—however as most cotton farmers know all too well, nature, the elements and time are all working against you. A well-kept cotton harvester can function for decades without losing efficiency, but year after year, something is going to need replacement.
A cotton harvester is only as good as the sum of its parts, which means quality parts equals quality operation. And, if you’re looking to make a smart investment in your cotton harvester, it’s a good idea to make sure your parts are coming from Certi-Pik, USA!
Why choose Certi-Pik, USA for cotton harvester parts? Take a look at the many reasons we’ve been a leading supplier of parts since 1988:
Worldwide brand: Our parts may be made in the USA with pride, but they’re known all around the world. As a worldwide shipper of cotton harvester parts, you’ll find the Certi-Pik brand throughout the global market, including countries where agriculture is a staple of the economy, including Greece, South Africa, Spain, Russia, South America, Australia and Israel! Being a worldwide brand means you don’t have to worry about our stability—we’ve been here for years and will continue to provide quality into the future.
Brand partnerships: As in any industry, the cotton harvesting industry is one that’s paved with quality brand names—names that we’ve aligned ourselves with to further our own quality reputation. When you come to Certi-Pik, USA for cotton harvester parts, you’ll find offerings made to fit John Deere, Case IH, and CNH cotton harvesters, among others. In buying through us, you’ll be guaranteed the quality that comes with renowned brand names.
Accreditations: because we take our role in the industry seriously, Certi-Pik, USA strives to maintain professional accreditations that lend credence to our brand. We’re a proud member of the Better Business Bureau and member of the Federation of Independent Business, for starters! Our industry credentials encompass a number of other quality systems, making us a sound choice to earn your business.
Quality control: Our customers deserve the best and we rise to that standard by providing nothing short of it. Thanks to an in-depth quality assurance procedure, you can be sure that every part that ships from our facilities has undergone tremendous scrutiny, so that it holds up to the long life of service ahead of it.
If you’re seeking to remain diligent in the maintenance and upkeep of your cotton harvester, know that Certi-Pik, USA has your back! Thanks to all of the above attributes and more, we’ve built a business that we’re proud of and one that our customers have come to trust for decades.
Don’t let Mother Nature, Father Time or tremendous wear and tear batter your cotton harvester into submission—instead, make sure that it’s strong enough to stand up to your needs year after year. Trust Certi-Pik, USA to provide you with quality parts that will amount to a quality machine, through and through.
