Regular inspections and maintenance of your cotton pickers and their parts will help them to last longer and put off the need to purchase any replacement parts. Of course, normal wear and tear is going to happen, and heavy machinery simply isn’t designed to last forever. But there are some simple steps you can take to prevent unnecessary damage or wear to your machinery and avoid having to spend a lot of money on repairs and part replacements.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Regularly review your manual: Whenever you purchase a harvester, the very first thing you should do is read the manual, long before you think about starting it up. Even if you’ve had your current model for some time, you should still routinely take the time to re-familiarize yourself with your model, including some tips for cleaning, maintenance, inspections and troubleshooting. You don’t need to have any significant engineering or mechanical experience to have a basic understanding of how your machinery works and what you need to do to keep it in good working order.
Make inspections part of your routine: It’s easier to remember to perform some inspections into the condition and safety of your cotton picker parts if it’s part of your routine. Make it a monthly, quarterly or seasonal routine. You should always perform an inspection before the first time you use your cotton picker in a given year, but beyond that it’s a good idea to make some regular inspections during the harvest season just to make sure it’s operating smoothly and efficiently.
Learn how to make some basic adjustments: You’re going to have some issues with parts in your harvester coming misaligned over time, which will have a negative effect on your productivity when using the machine. If you’re able to adjust some of your equipment yourself, you’ll be able to boost your productivity and reduce downtime. Again, you don’t have to be an experienced technician or repair person to make this happen. There are some simple adjustments you can learn to make yourself, many of which you’ll find in your manual. Just make sure you know what the default settings are. If you find yourself having to make adjustments too frequently, then you might need to have a professional analyze your picker.
Keep an eye on the center rows: Crooked rows will also have a negative effect on your picking and tracking. You will frequently waste cotton and even miss some crops when you have crooked rows, which will result in a loss of money. Therefore, make sure you test out the center rows on occasion to make sure they’re working as they should so you don’t have to worry about losing money due to accidentally flattened crops caused by crooked center rows.
These are just a few considerations to keep in mind when inspecting your cotton picker. For more information or to order cotton picker parts, contact the experts at Certi-Pik, USA today.
Cotton producers are constantly looking for new ways to keep their current yields steady while cutting down on expenses. One of the best means of accomplishing this is through skip row production.
There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of skip row farming over the years for various types of crops. Cotton has been put through some skip row studies ever since the late 1950s, with one particularly noteworthy study published in Georgia in 1967 indicating just how well cotton can respond to skip row processes.
From 1959 through 1964, 2×2 skip row cotton provided higher yields versus solid-planted cotton on a planted-row acre basis (as opposed to an area acreage basis). The research indicated cotton bolls were larger and had longer fibers when grown in the skip row format. However, the micronaire and strength were not affected compared to conventional configurations.
Studies continue to this day
Researchers continue to study the effectiveness of various farming methods for cotton, including the skip row farming system. Some research has shown that the benefits of skip row cotton can include reduced stress during times of rain deficits because of increased moisture, as well as a greater yield on a planted-row acre basis, better fiber quality and increased light interception and airflow.
While some studies have indicated skip row farming can reduce input costs, it should be noted that this might not come without sacrificing the yield of the crop on a land-acre basis. Some studies performed by Australian researchers show yields of 18 percent higher for solid-row patterns than cotton planted in 2×2 or 2×2 skip row patterns on a land-acre basis.
More recent studies have also been performed in the United States and focused primarily on yield. A 2005 study in Texas analyzed the seeding rates in both 2×1 skip row and solid planting in cotton harvested by strippers. When moisture was limited and yields were low, the highest lint yields and net values for every acre were seen in the 2×1 skip row plantings that had 40-inch spacing between rows.
There are many other reports in which skip row cotton yields were lower than the yields from solid-planted cotton when using similar row widths on a land-area basis. Here again, the primary difference is that skip row cotton often results in a higher yield on a planted-acre basis, but it tends to be harvested land acres that are used as the basis for most comparisons.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best practices for farming and harvesting your cotton crops, or are in the market for cotton picker parts that will help you enjoy a productive harvest, we strongly suggest you contact us at Certi-Pik, USA and we will be happy to provide you with some advice based on your situation and the machines you’re using. We have been working in the cotton picking and planting industry for years and are pleased to be of assistance to cotton pickers in any way we can. We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you have for us.
Having a cotton picking machine that functions properly is essential for getting the most out of your crop each and every year and for having efficient harvesting processes. Even a single part that’s not working properly could affect the efficiency of the entire piece of machinery, which could result in your harvesting processes slowing down significantly until you’re able to make the repair.
But why exactly do cotton picker parts fail to begin with? As the owner of a cotton picking machine, it’s important that you understand the issues that cause part failure and what you can do to prevent it. Here are a few of the most common issues:
Improper usage of the part: There are times when people will put parts into a cotton picker in a way they’re not supposed to be used. This will, not surprisingly, lead to a failure of the part. Make sure you are using parts that have been designed for your specific machine—work with a manufacturer who will custom-make parts for you, if you’re not able to find the part you need standard on the market.
Low-quality parts: Sometimes there’s no real reason for a part failing other than it being cheap or of low quality. Do some thorough research on the parts you buy and the manufacturers that make them before you purchase the part. You want to be sure you’re making an investment in a high-quality part that you won’t just have to replace again in a couple years. Save yourself some money with this research—you’ll be glad you did.
Poor maintenance habits: Cotton picker parts require a certain level of maintenance to keep them in good operational condition throughout each season. If you have any concerns about your part’s functional capabilities, it’s important you address them immediately before the potential repairs become even more significant. Make it a priority to have your machinery professionally serviced on a regular basis to keep it operating well and to make sure all parts are working exactly as they should.
Bad dealer: The correct maintenance efforts will only do so much for you if you’re working with a bad parts dealer. A dealer or manufacturer who is unreliable and does not have a good reputation for their work is simply not a good choice for purchasing parts for your machinery. An inexperienced or unqualified dealer might recommend the wrong part, or could fail to take certain elements of your machinery into account with their recommendation. You can avoid this issue by thoroughly researching any dealer or manufacturer before deciding to work with them. This research could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Lack of cleaning: Cotton picker parts should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Always use the correct oils and lubricating agents for your parts—check the manual for the machinery to see if there are any instructions with regard to this.
For more information about maintaining your cotton picker parts, contact Certi-Pik, USA today.
As a cotton farmer, you know well that the quality and total yield of your cotton crop is heavily influenced by the type of equipment you use to harvest it. Your cotton picker is a significant investment for your operation—a complex piece of machinery that will maximize your harvesting efficiency and help you get the most out of each year’s crop. To be able to maintain optimal levels of efficiency in your operation, it is important to select only high-quality replacement parts for your cotton pickers. In doing so, you will be able to keep the machine operating at maximum efficiency and quality for years to come.
The right dealer leads to the right parts
Perhaps the single most important factor that goes into finding high-quality cotton picker parts is working with a dealer that is familiar with cotton pickers and can work with you personally to address your needs. Any reputable dealer of cotton picker parts will be able to provide you with options specific to your machinery, helping you determine which of these parts will work best with your equipment and provide you with the best results in your harvest. These recommendations will be based on years of experience and an extensive knowledge of cotton pickers and their components.
In addition, it’s helpful to have a relationship directly with a manufacturer of these cotton picker parts, who will be able to create replacement parts that are custom-tailored to fit your machinery. Having these parts custom-manufactured ensures they will meet your exact needs.
The importance of part quality cannot be overstated
So how do you know if you’ve got a high-quality cotton picker part on your hands? One good way to determine this is by asking other consumers about their experience with the part. Finding reviews or testimonials is a great way to determine if a part is truly of high quality. Consider also the reputation a specific manufacturer has when you make your decision. Any manufacturer that places a great deal of emphasis on customer service and satisfaction can typically be trusted to make good equipment.
You should also do some research so you know exactly what you should be looking for. There are many different types of designs and features of the various parts of a cotton picker. Consider which of these features are most important for you to have, and then work with your reliable parts dealer or manufacturer to design or purchase the parts with those features that you need.
Certi-Pik, USA is here for you
At Certi-Pik, USA, we have an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality customer service and cotton picker parts. Our supplies help you maximize the efficiency of your machines and will assist you in getting the most out of your harvest this year. If you have a machine that simply isn’t working as well as you would like it to, contact us and we’ll provide you with some advice about potential parts replacements and information about how we can help.
Cotton continues to be one of the most important crops grown in the United States, especially in the southeast, where massive cotton operations produce enormous harvests every single year. Still, cotton farmers are always looking for new ways they can boost their crop yield. Many times, it’s just a few basic things that can help these farmers achieve greater efficiency and profitability out of their crops.
With this in mind, here are a few cotton growing tips that can help you achieve productive results with high quality cotton picker parts this season and beyond at your cotton farm.
Begin cleaning and weeding early on
Weed management is important in the cotton growing industry. It’s especially important to get rid of pigweed, as it can wreak havoc on a cotton crop.
You should aim to have a completely clean field upon planting the crop, and after that you should follow a meticulously laid out herbicide schedule, and use post-emergence products as needed. Pigweed tends to emerge within 18 to 21 days after you plant the cotton, so the first three weeks of the crop’s life are especially important for weed management so you can maintain better control over the weeds in the area. It also allows you to reduce the amount of money you spend in the long run on labor and herbicide.
Manage your irrigation
Tweaking your irrigation plans can help you get the best results out of your overall crop yields and your resulting profits. Many studies have shown that using higher volumes of water during the later growth periods of the crop can help provide greater yields.
Choose the correct cotton varieties
Any cotton varieties you grow should fit well with your operation. Beyond just the yield you’re trying to get, you should consider the conditions of your field, including soil texture and type, pest and weed pressure and whether the land is dry or irrigated. You should also have several variety tests performed. You might even consider planting several varieties one year to analyze which produces the best results at your farm.
Make bug control a priority
It’s never a good idea to skimp on bug control. An insect infestation could prove devastating to your operation, both in terms of crop loss and the financial hit. Therefore, to save money and prevent potential losses, try to plant as early as possible and make sure you isolate your cotton crops from any other crops that tend to serve as major hosts for pests, like corn.
Quality over everything
Quality is the most important aspect of your product. High-quality cotton is not as common as you might think on a global scale, so your profitability could be linked more to the quality of your cotton than the amount you produce. The previous tips should help you increase this quality.
For more information about how you can get the best results out of your cotton harvest this year and every year, contact the team at Certi-Pik, USA. We specialize in the fabrication and sale of a wide range of cotton picker parts, and look forward to assisting you soon!
