Category: Cotton Picker Parts

Cotton Strippers vs. Cotton Picker Spindles

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Cotton has been one of the most important crops grown in the United States for hundreds of years. The fibers of this plant can be made into an incredible array of quality textiles used in clothing, furniture, linens and a wide array of other consumer products. However, before cotton can be processed into the many products that we find in our homes and on the shelves of retail stores, it must be harvested.

Harvesting cotton can be a complicated process, which means that it’s necessary to use high quality equipment and machinery. Two of the primary types of cotton harvesting machinery are cotton strippers and cotton picker spindles, both of which offer specific features and advantages.

The basics of cotton strippers and cotton picker spindles

While cotton strippers and cotton picker spindles are both designed to effectively harvest cotton, they operate differently and have different capabilities. Cotton strippers, just like their name suggests, are designed to strip cotton from the plant. Cotton strippers pull the entire cotton boll from the plant, regardless of whether the cotton is ripe or not, and even cut off a portion of the plant stem. After being harvested, the cotton is run through a machine that separates the cotton fiber and the plant matter.

Cotton pickers and cotton picker spindles are designed for more selective and less invasive harvesting. The spindles pick ripe cotton and leave behind the bulk of the plant matter, including unripe bolls. On farms that use cotton pickers, harvesting is usually done multiple times in a single season to give all of the cotton a chance to grow and maximize the yield of the cotton plants.

Which one is better?

You’re probably wondering whether it’s better for you to invest in cotton strippers or cotton picker spindles, but the answer really depends on your specific needs and preferences. No piece of equipment is perfect, and each has certain advantages and disadvantages to take into account. Generally, cotton strippers are better if you need to harvest as much cotton as possible in a single pass. This method is ideal if weather conditions or time constraints make multiple harvests unfeasible.

Cotton picker spindles, on the other hand, will selectively harvest ripe cotton and leave unripe plants to continue growing. This is a gentler method that’s best if you can harvest multiple times over the course of a season. At the end of the day, it’s up to your own judgment to determine which choice is best for you.

Learn more about cotton harvesting equipment and machinery

Regardless of what kind of harvesting equipment you prefer, you can find the parts you need at Certi-Pik, USA. Since 1988, we have proudly provided high quality parts for cotton harvesting. We understand how important it is for you to maintain the performance and efficiency of your machinery, which is why we are proud to offer an extensive selection of parts so that you can keep your equipment running the way it should for years to come. Browse our website or give us a call to find out more about what we have to offer.

Why Should You Inspect of Your Cotton Picker Parts?

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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:

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.

Benefits of Skip Row Farming for Cotton Production

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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.

Five Reasons Why Cotton Picker Parts Fail

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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:

For more information about maintaining your cotton picker parts, contact Certi-Pik, USA today.

Tips for Choosing High-Quality Parts for Your Cotton Pickers

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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.