Cotton pickers save you time and money in the field, provided they function properly. Although farm equipment is made to stand up to hard work, some of the parts may wear out quicker than others. When you’re faced with buying replacements, you can go with new or used. Here’s what to consider when you need to purchase replacement parts to find the right option.
How Cotton Picking Machine Parts Typically Fail
Cotton picking machines have many moving parts. The spindles can break or become damaged due to overuse. Sometimes, the spindles simply get dull and won’t remove the fibers from the plant. Other parts can become rusted in a humid environment that is perfect for cotton growing. It’s important to inspect the cotton picker before the season starts to make sure everything is in working order. Here are some of the top reasons cotton-picking components fail:
Wear and tear: you may be able to visually identify wear and tear on the spindles, moistener pads and bearings. When you see signs of deterioration, you know that the components need to be replaced as soon as you can.
Decreased efficiency: during the harvest, you may notice that the cotton picker isn’t working as hard as it should. There may be cotton left in the field. This could indicate a problem with one or more components. If making minor adjustments doesn’t fix the situation, inspect the equipment to see if there is a problem with an individual part.
Poor maintenance: if you haven’t taken care of your equipment during the off-season, components are going to wear out quicker. Make sure to keep up with maintenance. Store farm equipment in a safe place that won’t be affected by the elements.
Mechanical issues: as you use your equipment, debris and dirt can build up on the machinery. This can lead to fire, which will damage other pieces. The best course of action is to make repairs quickly to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Pros & Cons of Buying New
New parts are usually thought to be the most effective. First, there’s just simple convenience. You order the new part and you know that it’s going to fit. New pieces generally have a warranty. You can rely on their quality. The only downside is usually that new components directly from the manufacturer can be expensive. When you’re replacing a part on an older piece of equipment, you do have to pay attention to the cost. If you keep replacing pieces, it can be cost-effective to get new equipment at some point.
Pros & Cons of Buying Used
Although used components have many cons, they do have two very important pros. Used parts are usually less expensive than new components. When you buy used pieces, you’re also being environmentally conscious. If you have an older cotton picker, new components might be more difficult to come by. Used ones may be your only option to keep your machine going. Unfortunately, used versions usually don’t come with a warranty. If you do get a warranty, it may be limited. The life expectancy of these is unknown. You won’t know how long it should last. Used pieces may have unknown structural stability. It can be a risk to buy used pieces.
Does it Matter if the Parts are For John Deere, Case IH or Another Manufacturer?
If you’re buying components directly from the manufacturer, you may be limited to only new versions. You should only use ones that are proven to work on the models. Aftermarket new components can be a good alternative to original equipment manufacturer options. Our company deals with OEM and high-quality aftermarket fabricated replacement parts that keep your cotton picker at peak performance. We manufacture replacements with the same standards of John Deere and Case IH would. Our reputation is just as important to us so that you can count on your equipment.
Benefits of Buying New Aftermarket Cotton Picker Parts From Certi-Pik
Aftermarket components are an affordable way to keep your equipment running at peak performance and efficiency. We’ve been providing cotton farmers with replacements since 1988. We know the industry and how to find the right components for all types of cotton-harvesting equipment. Trust us as your source for replacements.
Certi-Pik, USA offers quality replacements that are proven and tested to work on your cotton equipment. You can order by email, telephone, or fax. Written confirmation of your order is preferred, but we’re always happy to talk to you about product information. Our payment policy is to give you options to pay for your shipment, from credit card, COD, bank wire, or money order.
We have a large inventory that can be shipped out very quickly. You can find a partial list of components we have on stock on our website. You should check with us because we don’t list every part on our website. We also stock many specialty items and sheet metal components that you can use to rebuild equipment. Our team has custom-built components to keep machinery running. Most of our specialty components are manufactured within our own facility and almost all are USA made.
We classify every order as a RUSH shipment. If you order before noon CST, we try to get your order shipped that day. If you order after noon, we ship your order on the next business day. We have multiple shipping options, from ground service to next day air. We know how important it is to get your components quickly to get your work done. Once your components are shipped, we can give you the tracking information to keep up with the logistics.
Certi-Pik, USA wants to provide you with the absolute best components that meet your high standards. We have a commitment to customer service along with a high-quality control to make sure that you get the best equipment to maintain functionality and performance. Contact us today for the parts you need.
Cotton products have figuratively become “woven into the fabric of our lives.” It is used in many personal and household items. It is one of the world’s leading agricultural crops because it is plentiful and can be produced economically, making products relatively inexpensive.
Eli Whitney, an American inventor who is credited with inventing the cotton gin said, “I never thought my gin would change history.” Yet it did, and it is now the most often used natural fiber worldwide, averaging about 25 percent of total world fiber use. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture around 20.1 million bales were produced in the United States in 2019. The U.S. industry accounts for more than $21 billion in products and services each year. The material is used in a wide variety of products including t-shirts, dress shirts, dresses, socks, feminine care products, quilting products, cleansing wipes, and diapers.
In clothing, natural material has many advantages versus other materials. It is absorbent. It is good in all weather. It is hypoallergenic. It is durable. Because it is natural, it is less toxic than synthetic fibers. And it is comfortable because it is a breathable material.
Among the types available, one stands out as superior: Supima.
What is Supima?
The name was created from a blend of “superior” and “Pima.” It is a premium material that has extra-long, more durable fibers. The material is trademarked by the American Supima Association indicating that this specific Pima material is 100% grown in the United States and products using it must be sourced through a licensed supply chain. Less than 3 percent of the material grown in the U. S. can be called Supima.
This variety is unique because of its:
Strength and durability. It is about twice as strong as regular material. Due to its longer fiber, it resists pilling, breaking, and tearing apart, so its products are more resilient, keeping their form for a longer time.
Softness. This cotton’s 1.5inch fiber length is 50% longer than regular 1-inch fibers. This added length results in a softer, smoother surface; one that is more resistant to pilling.
Color retention. Its fibers absorb dyes better than regular material, resulting in deeper, longer-lasting, and more vibrant colors.
Today, leading brands utilize its premium quality to craft products that are popular around the world including Banana Republic, Casper, Christy, Levi’s, Macy’s, and many more.
Where is it Grown?
It is grown only in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is grown on about 500 family-owned farms where the land is their legacy and where great care is taken to nourish and protect the soil and the water resources that they rely on.
The production begins as the crop of bolls (the seed pods of the plant) are harvested from the fields by large stripping machines. John Deere and Case IH produce excellent models for this use. The harvested bolls are fed into a machine called the “gin” where the seed is cleaned of dirt, stems, and leaves and the gin separates the fiber and the seed. The fiber is then compressed into bales and transported to textile mills where they will be processed into fabrics.
What Does Supima Cotton Feel Like?
This material’s fabrics feel smooth, even “silky.” They are soft and breathable because of their long fibers. As well, they are stronger, more colorfast, and easier to maintain. In fact, it is the softest and most durable available.
Does Supima Cotton Need Ironing?
In general, fabrics made of this material, while made of longer and stronger fibers, can wrinkle like other fabrics. However, many of these fabrics today including dress shirts and bedsheets are treated with wrinkle-resistant or no-iron finishes. In some cases, all they may need is a touch up with an iron. Fabric care will depend on the actual fabric construction. It is important to check the product label for care instructions.
Is This Cotton Sustainable?
It is considered 100 percent sustainable because it is responsibly grown using environmentally sensitive processes, transparent and traceable sources. Growers use GPS-navigated tractors to plant and harvest the material, along with satellite technology, soil monitors and other technology advances to ensure that they grow the best material in the world.
Get the Aftermarket Parts You Need for Your Harvesting Equipment
Harvesting premium material calls for using premium equipment. At Certi-Pik, USA, we are proud to offer replacement aftermarket parts, produced almost entirely in the USA, for the leading John Deere and Case IH brands.
Since 1988, we’ve worked with clients around the world to provide the highest quality picker parts available, from fabricated replacement parts to a wide selection of specialty items for use in machine rebuilding. We offer a great service experience and expertise and we’ll make sure you receive only the best every time you order from us.
There are five main varieties of cotton that are commercially grown. For comparison, just in the United States, there are about 2,500 varieties of apples. Cotton fibers may be similar, but each variety has its own properties. Egyptian material is very soft, while Asiatic material is coarse, used for blankets and other types of cloth. The most common type is Upland, which is used for a variety of products, even seed oil. Although the bolls of Upland material may be good for general use, the best cottons for fabrics are varieties that produce an extra-long staple. Here’s a primer on the difference between the two varieties.
What is Pima Cotton?
Pima cotton originated in Peru, but it is really an American marvel. Originally, it was grown in South Carolina. Producers cross-pollinated cottons to obtain an extra-long staple material. It was the Arizona Pima tribe that worked with the Department of Agriculture to bring innovations to the crop and make it the superior material that it is today. In the mid-20th century, there were many advances in quality to make it a premier variety today. It is mostly grown in Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
This variety is an extra-long fiber that measures 1.4 to 2-inches in length. Most fibers are around one inch long or less. It needs to be harvested by hand to protect the fibers. Pima produces a smoother fabric that is durable and soft. Careful harvesting maintains the true color of the material, so it takes to dyes very well. It makes one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world, but there are many fakes. The material can be scientifically verified and labeled to ensure the quality difference. It is hypoallergenic, too. It’s a great fabric for people with sensitive skin.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian material is considered one of the finest fibers in the world. At one time, the name referred to where it was grown. Today, the material is still grown in Egypt, but it is also grown in Peru, India and the United States. One of the key differences with this material is that it is hand-picked. This puts less stress on the fibers. The fibers can be produced into very fine yarns that are softer than regular material because the fibers remain straight after picking. It is a very flexible and durable fabric that makes luxurious bed sheets.
One thing to note is that this is a variety that can be grown anywhere it’s hot and dry. Some manufacturers label any type grown in Egypt as Egyptian, even though it may not be as soft and durable as true extra-long-staple. You can’t just look at the country in which the material was grown to get authentic material designed for quality. You have to look carefully at the type of material that was woven into the fibers.
How are These Different?
Both types share many similarities that make for a luxurious fabric. The main difference between the two is that the former is grown primarily in the United States, while Egyptian is grown in a hot, dry climate like the Nile River Valley. Both varieties are known as “extra-long staple cottons,” that produce a high-quality fabric. Either will make a wonderful set of sheets, provided that the material is correctly labeled. As with other options, there are many fake types of Egyptian material, largely due to the fact that any material grown in Egypt can technically be labeled as “Egyptian material.”
Which is Softer?
Pima sheets are often considered the most luxurious in the world, provided that the label is 100% authentic. Because it is not necessarily superior quality, you may want to steer clear of sheets labeled as Egyptian unless it too has a scientific verification label. Pima sheets, even with lower thread counts, such as 200 to 300 are very soft and will last a long time because the fibers are longer and more durable.
Pima Cotton Is Eco-Friendly and Widely Sought After
Pima is usually sought after for bedding materials, but more fashion designers are using it in clothing because it is soft, durable and flexible. The former material drapes well and lends itself to a multitude of uses in the fashion industry. It’s also lightweight, yet still warm and it takes color well.
Organic material limits its environmental impact by being grown without fertilizers or pesticides. The crop is extremely sustainable when it’s consciously grown to reduce its impact on the environment.
If you’re looking for replacement parts for your harvester, contact Certi-Pik, USA for a large selection of specialty items and fabricated parts designed to get you back in the field instead of waiting for repairs.
The United States is the world’s leading cotton exporter. In 2017, over 20 million bales were produced in the United States accounting for over $7 billion to the economy. China and India together produce about 50% of the world’s fiber, but much of the material stays in their countries for manufacturing. The industry in the United States generates about 250,000 jobs and accounts for over $25 billion in the economy annually. It’s not only farming cotton but the textile industry as a whole.
When is Cotton Harvested?
Generally, it is planted between March and June each year. The farther south you go, the earlier the planting season. The main thing is to wait until the danger of frost has passed. In Texas, harvesting can occur as early as June, but most is harvested from August through October. It generally takes 150 to 200 days for the bolls to mature after planting.
Where is Cotton Grown in the United States?
The plant requires a tropical or subtropical climate. The plants don’t do well in places that are extremely wet or very dry. Soil temperature must reach at least 60 F or higher for the seeds to germinate. In the United States, the southern region grows the most. California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia are the primary suppliers to the market, followed by Arkansas, North & South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Since the mid-20th century, production has become more competitive, with technology and education improving how farmers do business and export. Many organizations support over 18,000 farms across the United States through lobbying and purchasing power to ensure farmers get the best prices from their crops. Pickers and harvesters have made production more lucrative by reducing labor costs.
Which State Produces the Most Cotton?
The National Cotton Council and USDA report that 12.19 million acres of land in the United States are dedicated to plantings in 2020. Upland area accounts for 11.99 million acres, while Pima or extra-long-staple producers planted 195,000 acres. Although these figures are less than the 2019 figure, the United States is still a major player in the industry.
Texas produces about 42% of the material in the United States, followed by Georgia, which produced about 18%. The southeastern belt produces the Upland variety, a generic variety that is used to make denim, flannel fibers, or other clothes, but the entire plant is used. The linters or the short fuzz of the seed is used in making plastics. Cotton-seed oil is made from the seeds. The hulls and meal that are leftover after processing the oil is made into fertilizer or animal feed. The stalks of the plant can be plowed into the soil to enrich it.
The material is Texas’ main cash crop because eight different regions in the state have suitable growing conditions. It’s estimated that there are over 9,000 square miles of fields in Texas. In Mississippi, over one million acres are dedicated to farming. The state has practically eradicated boll weevils. Georgia’s leading crop is the same because its soil conditions are suitable to the crop. It does get high rainfall, but the soil doesn’t hold the water. This is an ideal condition to grow.
The southwestern regions that produce it, California, New Mexico, and Arizona, produce a type known as Pima, or extra-long staple. Pima is finer and more expensive. It must be harvested by hand to protect the fibers, which are a one-half inch longer or more than Upland fibers. Pima is known for producing luxurious bedding, but many fashion designers are incorporating Pima into their clothing designs because it is such a strong fiber while still being soft and flexible.
Although Texas is America’s largest producer, it comes nowhere close to the amount produced in China and India. From 2010 to 2012, Texas produced an average of 5.5 million bales. Over the same time frame, China produced 33 million bales and India produced 26.8 million bales. About 35% of the material produced in the United States stays in the country to be used by domestic textile mills and factories.
How Much Does a Single Bale Weigh?
A single bale weighs 500 pounds. From that bale, you can make:
215 pairs of jeans, or
690 terry bath towels, or
1,256 pillowcases, or
6,436 pairs of underwear, or
313,600 $100 bills, or
680,000 cotton balls
Material is stored in a module that holds 13 to 15 bales. This module protects it against the weather until the material can be ginned.
We Stock Cotton Picker Parts
Harvesting equipment is vital to farmers who produce this important crop. We stock a large selection of high-quality replacement parts for pickers. Contact us for more information.
The Case IH Module Express is a high-performance cotton picker designed to help you streamline the harvest process while reducing equipment and labor investment. This machine picks cotton at great efficiency and builds beginner-friendly modules at the same time, effectively ensuring you spend less time in the fields. Despite the impressive features that the harvesting equipment offers, it is important to be sure it will meet your needs before investing in one. Here is some information to help you:
What are the Engine Specs?
The Case IH Module Express comes with an 8.7-liter, six-cylinder FPT engine. This powerful engine has a rated horsepower of 400 and capable of churning out to 415 horsepower. There is also a high output alternator that delivers 185 amps so that there is sufficient charge to power the different functions of the picker. The engine is paired with a three-range hydrostatic transmission and drive system. These two support a picking speed of 4.2 mph in first gear, a scrapping speed of 5.2 mph in second gear, and a transport speed of 16.5 mph.
What are the Harvesting Specs?
This cotton harvesting equipment features six-row units and automatic electronic height sensing. Each row-unit has two drums; one on each side of the row and 12 bars per drum. Further, there are 18 spindles per bar and 432 spindles per row unit, bringing the total to 2,592 spindles per machine. In addition, the equipment covers narrow row spacings at 30, 32, and 34 inches and wide row spacings at 36, 38, and 40 inches. All of these specifications ensure maximum efficiency when picking cotton.
How Much Does a Used Unit Cost?
While owning a harvester will offer great convenience, buying the equipment is a huge investment. If you do not have enough money to pay for a new one upfront, you can consider buying a used one. A used unit will cost anything from $120,000 to $425,000. The price will depend on factors like the year of manufacture, the machine’s condition, separator hours, and engine hours.
What’s the Price of a Brand New One?
A brand new Module Express will be significantly more expensive than a used one, with prices starting at $500,000. While the price tag may be hefty, you will be sure that the model comes with the latest technology. Depending on the dealer you choose, you may also access financing at a friendly interest rate. The equipment will come with a warranty, allowing you to focus on your harvesting operation in the knowledge that you will enjoy dependable performance.
How Large is the Accumulator?
The six-row wide picker accumulator lets you pick more per hour, per day and per harvesting season. The high-volume accumulator makes it possible to process more material as it is being harvested. This not only helps you spend less time in the fields but also reduces your harvesting costs. The six rows of the accumulator can be in narrow spacings of 30, 32, and 34 inches or wide spacings of 36, 38, and 40 inches.
What’s the Average Baler Amount Per Roll?
The rectangular bale has a volume of 1,024 cubic feet. It produces modules that measure 8 X 8 X 16 feet, each weighing between 4,000 and 10,000 pounds. The large modules are easy to load and transport to the sides of the field, a factor that makes work easier and reduces your labor costs. A single bale can produce between 2.5 and 6.5 standard cotton bales.
What Years are This Model Available in?
When you make the decision to buy this picker, you will have a number of options to choose from in terms of years of manufacture. The Case IH Module Express is available in models from 2011 to 2020. Each subsequent model has significant improvements over its predecessor, with the 2020 model offering the latest technology and features. However, subsequent models are also costlier than the previous ones. You will have to look at the model that fits your needs and budget.
Where Can I Buy Replacement Parts?
When you are looking for replacement components for damaged or worn-out components, you can choose either original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts.
OEM Parts
When you buy OEM parts, you can be sure of quality and compatibility. OEM replacement parts can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, Case IH.
Aftermarket Parts
Provided you choose a reliable supplier, aftermarket parts will deliver the same quality as OEM parts at a fraction of the cost. Certi-Pik, USA, stocks a wide range of aftermarket parts for this picker.
How Much do Replacement Parts Cost?
Cost is an important consideration when it comes to buying replacement parts. Generally, the cost of replacement parts can reach into the thousands. However, this will depend on the specific components you are looking for. Whether you want to buy OEM or aftermarket parts, you should never compromise on quality in an attempt to save money. Quality parts will keep your machine functioning optimally and save you money in the long run.
Where Can I Buy a New Model?
A new model can be purchased through the company’s licensed dealers. One of the benefits of buying from a dealer is that there will be minimal repairs, and the machine will come with a warranty. The dealership may also offer financing at friendly rates, making it easier for you to own the equipment. Simply visit the manufacturer’s website, select your region, and begin building your new piece of equipment.
Where Can I Buy a Used Model?
Although used models will be cheaper, buying them requires that you do due diligence. With the huge investment that goes into purchasing the equipment, you will want to be sure that it is in good condition. This will help you avoid the costs and headaches associated with frequent repairs and breakdowns. Some of the authorized dealers may also sell used models. In addition, you can consider resale sites such as TractorHouse that are dedicated to this.
What is the Charge Per Acre?
Harvesting is one of the critical and costly operations when it comes to cotton production. When farmers are looking for harvesting equipment, they usually have the option to buy or hire the machines. Each of the options has its advantages and disadvantages. When comparing the cost of the two, you should use this formula:
Breakeven acres = Total annual harvest equipment fixed costs/ Custom rate/ acre – Variable cost/acre
Generally, a producer who owns harvesting equipment will have variable costs of $22.31 per acre. On the other hand, a farmer who hires a custom harvester will spend around $81.26 per acre. It is no wonder that most producers who can afford choose to buy the equipment.
What is the Max Row Unit Sync Speed?
This is a machine that takes performance to a whole new level. With a maximum row-unit sync speed of 5.2 miles per hour, the picker allows you to harvest quickly without compromising picking efficiency. At this speed, the vehicle ground speed, bars, and spindles will be well-synchronized to ensure high performance and maximum output.
What’s the Peak Horsepower?
This model features a powerful Case IH FPT 8.7-liter engine and three-range hydrostatic transmission. With these specifications, the picker has a peak engine horsepower of 400 hp. This power is enough not only to finish the harvesting process quickly but also to enable the machine to work under tough field conditions. All-day power lets you cover large fields in a relatively short period of time, effectively delivering impressive cost-per-acre harvest savings.
What is Case IH’s Automatic Intelligent Auger Packing System?
This is an advanced system of sensors and augers in the bale-building chamber that moves material automatically while the bale is being compressed. The system delivers consistent, rectangular modules that endure exposure to the weather and can be ginned excellently. This system is designed to improve efficiency and save you time during the harvesting process, effectively making your operations seamless.
What are the Bale Dimensions?
Each of the rectangular modules that the machine creates measures 8 X 8 X 16 feet. The large size of the modules makes it possible to manage harvests from large fields. Since you will end up with fewer modules after harvesting, it will also be easy to load and transport material from different fields to a central location.
What is the Bale Weight?
Each of the modules that the machine creates weighs between 4,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds. Considering the power and efficiency of the harvesting equipment, this weight allows you to load and transport the harvested product conveniently. The modules also produce a reasonable number of standard bales.
What are Extenda-Wear Plus Spindles?
Extenda-Wear Plus spindles have a superior barb pattern for increased picking efficiency and 90-micron chrome thickness that delivers maximum durability. This keeps the spindles working even under difficult conditions and allows you to harvest your field all day, day after day and season after season. These spindles are meant to save you time and enhance profitability.
How Many Barbs Does it Have?
The barb pattern on the Extenda-Wear Plus spindles features three rows of fourteen barbs. The first three barbs in every row are at a 30-degree angle to ensure picking efficiency and allow the material to move easily off the spindle when doffing. The last 11 barbs are at a 45-degree angle, a factor that further improves picking efficiency.
Is it Front or Rear-Wheel Drive?
This model has a 4WD system, meaning that all the four wheels are supplied with power from the transmission. Since the front wheels are also supplied with power, they help the rear ones in pulling the machine forward. This ensures that the rear wheels have better traction, leading to less spillage and improved performance. The 4WD system is one of the reasons why this model can work under difficult conditions.
Although the Module Express is a high-quality and durable picker, you will need to replace some of its components at one point or the other. In order to enjoy the same level of performance and reliability that you are used to, you should buy the right replacement parts for this specific model. At Certi-Pik, USA, we sell quality aftermarket parts at affordable prices. Contact us today to place your order.
