If you rely on heavy machinery on a regular basis, then you need to make sure that these machines work. There are countless people who work in the farming and agricultural businesses and depend on their equipment to keep their customers happy, pay their bills, and put food on the table.
Sadly, difficulties in meeting these needs can arise from time to time and this could involve a cotton picker. When this happens, what are people supposed to do to find a replacement part for their machine?
One of the most popular cotton pickers that people use today is the John Deere Cotton Picker. This John Deere product is known for its reliability, its power, and its durability. At the same time, no machine is perfect, and the John Deere Cotton Picker can have issues from time to time.
When this takes place, everyone wants to make sure that they get their John Deere Cotton Picker back up and running as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are multiple options from which to choose when it comes to finding replacement parts for a John Deere Cotton Picker.
Purchase Replacement Parts Directly from John Deere for Cotton Pickers
The first option that everyone thinks about when it comes to replacement parts for a John Deere Cotton Picker involves going to your John Deere dealer. There are several benefits of contacting your local dealer for replacement components. Some of the biggest pros include:
Because the parts for the John Deere Cotton Picker are coming directly from John Deere, everyone knows that the parts are going to work as expected.
Furthermore, by contacting your John Deere Dealer for replacement components for your John Deere Cotton Picker, the components are going to be new, meaning that they will have the life expectancy of a new part.
John Deere is the expert on their own products, including the John Deere Cotton Picker, so they are going to be able to help people find the parts they need.
On the other hand, there are also several drawbacks to going to John Deere for mechanical replacement components as well. Some of the biggest drawbacks that everyone must note include:
By going to John Deere for replacement parts, it is possible that the sales team might try to upsell the customer to purchase extra components that they might not actually need.
It is possible that John Deere might have moved on to newer models and they might not make components for the older models anymore.
By going with new components from John Deere, the cost will be incredibly expensive, which could place people under a significant amount of financial stress.
These are the most important pros and cons that everyone must note when they are looking at John Deere for replacement components for the John Deere Cotton Picker. The good news is that there are other options available as well for those who are looking for replacement parts for the John Deere Cotton Picker.
The Option of Used or Salvaged Replacement Parts for Cotton Pickers
Another option that people might want to consider if they are looking for replacement components for the John Deere Cotton Picker is going with used components. Also called salvaged parts, these are components that have been used in the past and are now looking for a new home. Like the other options, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Some of the benefits of going with used parts for the John Deere Cotton Picker include:
Because the components are used, they are going to be significantly less expensive.
Because all the parts are used, there is a much lower risk of someone being sold parts that they do not need.
There could be options from other brands or models that might work well with your John Deere Cotton Picker, opening new doors.
Some of the main drawbacks of going with used components for the John Deere Cotton Picker include:
Because the components have been used in the past, they may have also malfunctioned in the past, which means that they might do so again.
Used parts are almost always going to have a shorter lifespan, so people might find themselves in the same spot again soon.
If people buy components from another model, they might not be able to use them for their John Deere Cotton Picker.
It is important for everyone to carefully consider these benefits and drawbacks when they are looking for replacement pieces of the John Deere Cotton Picker. By thinking carefully about where the components are going to come from and how they are going to be used in the John Deere Cotton Picker, everyone is able to find the right components to get their Picker back up and running.
Look for the Top Aftermarket Parts for John Deere Cotton Pickers
In the end, the John Deere Cotton Picker is one of the most reliable cotton pickers on the market today. At the same time, no machine is perfect, and people might end up looking for replacement parts for the John Deere Cotton Picker. The two options are new and used parts. Both have their benefits and drawbacks; however, those who are looking to save money should consider going with parts for the John Deere Cotton Picker from aftermarket suppliers.
That is where we can help. At Certi-Pik, we take great pride in products we provide for John Deere, and Case IH cotton pickers, which sometimes exceeds the expectations of an OEM product. If you are looking for new replacement parts for your Picker, then we are here to help you.
We are ready to listen to your concerns and figure out which parts you need to get your machine back up and running. Count on us to get your John Deere Cotton Picker back into the fields for the next cotton harvest! Contact us today!
Harvest is no time for your cotton picker machine to have a mechanical failure. You’ve got deadlines to meet, and obligations to pay with the income. Luckily, you know the very company to call for help. They help with all brands of cotton picker machines. Not only do they stock almost every component in the picking units, but they have a great turnaround lead time on part orders. You might just make this harvest on time after all.
How Does A Cotton Picking Machine Work?
The cotton plant enters the front of the machine and is compressed between the pressure plate, and the grid bars in the picking zone. When the plant is compressed and the spindles pass through the grid bars, the multiple spindles turning at high speeds snatch the material from inside the bolls. The spindles have sharp barbs which cause the material to attach to the spindles.
The material clings to the spindles until they reach the doffers which are spinning in the same direction as the spindles but are turning at a higher speed. This higher speed allows the material to be stripped of the spindle. After the material is removed from the spindle, the spindle is cleaned of unwanted sap or debris when passing under the moistener pads allowing it to once again rotate back through the plant for more picking. The material then passes through the air system’s ductwork via suction until it is blown into a huge basket, or module builder. After the material is removed from the harvester, it is then brought to a gin, where it is cleaned and compacted into a standard bale.
Why Do Cotton Picker Parts Fail?
Machines break if their service and maintenance aren’t kept up. Cotton pickers are no different. We at Certi-Pik USA are vitally aware that picker components need to be produced with the utmost precision. With so many components needing to fit together we control our quality in house, and so can assure you of accurately made components. Any other inexperienced machinist cutting components badly is one of the reasons picker components fail. Additionally, using components not designed for your machine or forcing the part to fit something it wasn’t designed for will also make the machine fail.
Regular service and maintenance keeps machinery working at peak capacity. Although many a farmer may have good knowledge in up-keeping their equipment, it is good to contact a Licensed and professional service personnel if need should arise. Someone who regularly maintains this equipment will clean, service, and maintain your machine in order to keep it at peak performance without any question if it is done correctly. Between servicing, cleaning (namely removing debris from around the doffers, and moistener pads) and lubricating your picker should be done regularly and with the proper lubrication and oils.
Which Parts Of A Cotton Picker Need To Be Replaced The Most Often?
Spindles and spindle bushings aren’t the only components that need to be replaced frequently, because they are supported by other components:
Spindles come in close contact with doffers, and moistener pads. Frayed, or worn down moistener pads and doffers are a sign they need replacing.
Cam rollers that follow the cam track need to be maintained to ensure your equipment runs without excess vibration or unwanted interference of parts rotating at close tolerances.
Cam Track. Underlying the picking unit system is the cam track which keeps the drums, spindles, moistener pads, and doffers going strong. The cam track maintains spindle angle and speed, while also making sure the spindles are cleaned while moving beneath the moistener pads. The cam track is vital to the operation of a picker. Getting fouled and/or worn down results in inefficient picking and even fires.
Finally a potentially overlooked important area of your picker is the picking unit cabinet itself. In a harsh abrasive or corrosive environment worn parts due to moisture, and rust, or the inevitable plants or weeds that contact your cabinet can cause the sheet metal to bend, or wear through. An unwanted result of wear in the air suction area can cause an excessive air leak, resulting in a lack of suction, clogs, plugs, and even in worst cases a fire.
Other components to maintain or check periodically should include the various belts that turn the water pump, the engine fan, the A/C compressor, the alternator, and the fan rotor to name a few. Also be sure to keep an eye on the many different roller and needle bearings that keep everything rotating smoothly.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Parts From Failing?
Frequently inspecting and cleaning picker components is the first step to avoiding breakdowns and fires in cotton picking machines. If your picker is leaving too much material in the field, and if adjustments don’t make much difference in picker efficiency, then components need to be replaced.
Poor or no maintenance causes picker components to require replacement as well. Keep in mind that all of this can cause a fire which is bad news for your machine personnel as well as the machine and fields.
The Timing Of Maintenance And Service
Cotton picking machines are used once per year in most areas of the world. It’s important to at least visually check your picker’s components every season, and the doffing area might need to be cleaned every few hours when in use. The earlier you catch potential problems, the more efficient your machine will be next season.
The off season is the ideal time to inspect your machine and replace any components that are weak or worn. Keeping the picker’s components sharp and well maintained is critical to the machine’s operation. You don’t want to have your machine in the shop for service right before the harvest, or you could fall behind schedule.
Whatever the season, be sure to use good quality components from a reputable dealer. Using up to date pieces also ensures your machine will pick material efficiently for many years. Some dealers can also fabricate specific parts you need for your machine or custom make any part you need.
Obviously you can only inspect the parts you can see, so in any season keep your spindles sharp and their bushings running with correct clearances. Keep an eye on the tilt and height of your machine. This prevents leaving material in the fields.
Call upon us for your picker replacement parts and maintenance needs, and we’ll help you keep your machines running at peak performance in season and out.
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.
