Rear tractor rims come in several designs, and the right choice depends on the tractor, tire size, wheel center, mounting style, and the work the machine performs. Some rear wheels are fixed in position, while others can be adjusted to change the tractor’s track width.

Understanding the common types of rear tractor rims makes it easier to identify a replacement and avoid ordering a wheel that looks right but does not fit.

Common Rear Tractor Rim Examples

These images show several rim designs and mounting styles. The exact fitment still depends on the tractor, tire, and wheel-center specifications.

Fixed Rear Tractor Rims

Fixed rims are designed to mount in one specific position on the tractor. They are often used when the tractor does not require frequent track-width adjustments.

A fixed rim may be part of a one-piece wheel assembly or attached to a separate wheel center. The mounting pattern, offset, and rim width must match the tractor and tire.

Fixed rims are common on:

• Utility tractors
• Compact tractors
• Older farm tractors
• Mowers and specialty equipment
• Applications with a standard wheel position

Their main advantage is straightforward installation. However, they offer less flexibility than adjustable wheel systems.

Adjustable Rear Tractor Rims

Adjustable rims are paired with a separate wheel center that allows the wheel position to be changed. The center may use loops, clamps, wedges, or other mounting hardware to attach to the rim.

Adjustable wheels allow operators to change the tractor’s track width for:

• Row spacing
• Crop clearance
• Stability on slopes
• Transport width
• Implement alignment
• Tire and fender clearance

The rim and center must be compatible. Replacing only the rim requires matching the diameter, width, profile, and attachment style of the existing wheel center.

Loop-Style Rear Tractor Rims

Loop-style rims have welded loops around the rim that connect to an adjustable wheel center. The loops allow the wheel to be mounted in different positions depending on the desired track width and wheel dish.

These rims are common on agricultural tractors that need flexible wheel adjustment. The number, spacing, and shape of the loops are important when identifying a replacement.

When replacing a loop-style rim, check:

• Rim diameter
• Rim width
• Number of loops
• Loop spacing
• Loop shape
• Center compatibility
• Valve stem location
• Tube-type or tubeless design

A rim with the correct diameter may still be wrong if the loops do not match the tractor’s wheel center.

Clamp-On and Wedge-Mounted Rims

Some rear tractor rims attach to the wheel center with clamps, wedges, or wedge-lock hardware. These systems secure the rim while allowing the wheel position to be adjusted.

Clamp-on and wedge-mounted wheels are useful when the tractor needs different track widths throughout the year. They are also designed to handle heavy loads and operating conditions common in agricultural work.

Because the hardware carries significant force, inspect clamps, wedges, bolts, and mounting surfaces for cracks, stretching, corrosion, or other damage before reusing them.

One-Piece Rear Tractor Wheels

One-piece wheels combine the rim and center into a single welded or formed assembly. They are generally simpler to install than adjustable wheel systems and are often used where a fixed wheel position is acceptable.

One-piece wheels are common on:

• Compact tractors
• Utility tractors
• Garden tractors
• Turf and grounds equipment
• Smaller agricultural machines

When selecting a one-piece replacement, verify the complete fitment rather than relying only on the tire size. The lug pattern, center hole, offset, and backspacing must also match.

Bolt-Together Wheel Assemblies

Some tractor wheels use a separate rim and center that bolt together. This design can make it possible to replace the rim or center independently, depending on the manufacturer and wheel construction.

Bolt-together wheels may provide adjustment options and can be practical for tractors that use different tire combinations or track widths.

Before ordering, measure:

• Rim diameter
• Rim width
• Bolt-hole count
• Bolt-hole spacing
• Center section
• Offset or dish
• Mounting hardware

The bolt pattern connecting the rim to the center is not always the same as the tractor’s hub bolt pattern, so make sure you are measuring the correct connection.

Clamp-On Dual Wheel Rims

Clamp-on dual rims are used to mount an additional tire and wheel beside the tractor’s main rear wheel. Dual wheels can improve flotation and traction in certain field conditions, while also helping distribute the tractor’s weight over a larger area.

Dual-wheel rims may attach with:

• Clamps
• Spacers
• Dual-wheel adapters
• Specialized mounting hardware

Dual-wheel systems must have adequate clearance between the tires, fenders, axle components, and other parts of the tractor. Always follow the tractor and wheel manufacturer’s recommendations for tire combinations, inflation pressure, and load limits.

Narrow and Row-Crop Rear Rims

Narrow rear rims are used on tractors that operate between crop rows or in areas where clearance is important. The rim width and tire combination help determine the overall tire profile and the available space between rows.

Row-crop applications may require precise adjustment of:

• Track width
• Tire spacing
• Wheel dish
• Offset
• Tire width
• Fender clearance

A narrow rim should not be selected based on appearance alone. The tire manufacturer’s approved rim-width range should always be checked.

Wide-Flotation Rear Rims

Wide rear rims are paired with larger flotation tires designed to reduce ground pressure and improve traction in soft soil. They are commonly used in applications where minimizing soil compaction is a priority.

Wide-rim applications require attention to:

• Rim width
• Tire load rating
• Tractor axle capacity
• Fender clearance
• Tire-to-tire clearance
• Operating pressure

Using a tire on a rim that is too narrow or too wide can change the tire’s shape and affect performance.

Tube-Type and Tubeless Rims

Rear tractor rims may be designed for tube-type or tubeless tires. Some older tractors and certain rim designs commonly use inner tubes, while many newer applications use tubeless tires.

Check the rim for:

• Valve stem hole design
• Corrosion around the bead area
• Tube compatibility
• Rim tape or flap requirements
• Bead seat condition

A damaged or heavily corroded rim may not hold the tire bead or tube correctly, even if the dimensions appear to match.

Common Rear Tractor Rim Profiles

Rim profiles describe the shape of the rim where the tire bead sits. Common profile markings may include letters or combinations that identify the bead-seat design, flange shape, or intended tire application.

Two rims can have the same diameter and width but use different profiles. The tire bead must match the rim profile for proper seating and safe operation.

When possible, use the existing rim markings, tire manufacturer information, and tractor fitment data together.

How to Identify the Rim on Your Tractor

Start by looking for markings stamped into the rim. Then record:

• Rim diameter
• Rim width
• Tire size
• Number of lug holes
• Bolt pattern
• Center-hole diameter
• Backspacing
• Offset or dish
• Number of loops, clamps, or mounting holes
• Tube-type or tubeless construction

Take photos of the wheel from the front, back, and side. Include close-up photos of the rim markings, valve stem, wheel center, and mounting hardware.

If the wheel uses an adjustable center, identify the center separately from the rim. A replacement rim must match both components.

Choosing the Right Rear Tractor Rim

The correct rim is determined by more than tire diameter. Before ordering, confirm that the rim matches:

• The tractor make and model
• The tire size
• The approved tire rim-width range
• The wheel center
• The mounting pattern
• The desired track width
• The tractor’s load requirements
• Tube or tubeless construction

If you are replacing a complete wheel, check the hub fitment, bolt pattern, center hole, offset, and backspacing. If you are replacing only the rim, focus on the rim profile and how it attaches to the existing center.

Final Thoughts

The most common rear tractor rim designs include fixed one-piece wheels, adjustable rims with separate centers, loop-style rims, clamp-on or wedge-mounted rims, bolt-together wheels, and dual-wheel rims. Each design serves a different purpose, from simple utility work to adjustable row-crop setups and heavy-duty field applications.

Before buying a replacement, compare the rim markings, tire size, mounting style, and wheel measurements. When in doubt, use the tractor manufacturer’s specifications or consult a qualified parts specialist.

Quality Farm Supply offers tractor rims, wheels, tires, tubes, and replacement parts to help keep your equipment ready for the work ahead.

"Why does QFS carry three different brands of roller chain?"

The answer is simple: not every operation has the same needs.

A chain driving a combine during harvest has different requirements than a chain running a grain auger a few weeks each year. Some customers want the longest possible service life and maximum uptime. Others need a dependable, cost-effective replacement that gets the job done without stretching the maintenance budget.

That's why Quality Farm Supply offers three trusted roller chain brands: Timken Diamond®, Timken Drives®, and AgSmart®. Each delivers a different balance of performance, durability, and value, allowing farmers and equipment owners to choose the solution that best fits their equipment, operating conditions, and budget. Timken positions Diamond as its premium roller chain offering, while Drives serves as a durable engineered-value solution. AgSmart provides an economical option for everyday agricultural maintenance and replacement needs.

Before choosing a chain, it's important to understand what separates these options and how to match the right chain to the demands of your operation.

Why Roller Chain Selection Matters

When a roller chain fails, the cost is often much more than the replacement chain itself.

A chain failure can result in:

• Equipment downtime during critical field operations
• Lost productivity
• Additional wear on sprockets and related components
• Emergency repair costs
• Delayed planting or harvest schedules

For farms running hundreds or thousands of acres, reliability often becomes more important than the initial purchase price.

Before selecting a chain, consider:

• Annual operating hours
• Load requirements
• Shock loading conditions
• Environmental conditions
• Accessibility of the replacement location
• Cost of downtime

A chain driving a critical combine system during harvest may justify a premium option, while a lower-hour conveyor or secondary drive may be perfectly suited for a value-oriented alternative.

Timken Diamond® Roller Chain: Maximum Performance and Longevity

Timken Diamond® has been a respected name in roller chain for more than a century and is widely regarded as one of the industry's premium chain solutions. Diamond chain is manufactured to ASME/ANSI standards and incorporates proprietary engineering features designed to maximize wear life and performance. The Diamond product line is marketed under the slogan "Nothing Outlasts a Diamond®."

Diamond chain features:

• Premium construction
• Proprietary lubrication processes
• High wear resistance
• Available heavy-duty configurations
• Designed for demanding agricultural and industrial applications

According to Timken and Diamond product literature, Diamond chain is engineered to provide superior wear life and extended service life compared to many competing products.

Best Applications for Timken Diamond®

• Combine drive systems
• Feederhouse drives
• Baler drive systems
• Grain cart drives
• High-hour operations
• Commercial farming operations
• Hard-to-service locations

If your goal is maximum uptime and the lowest likelihood of in-season chain replacement, Diamond is often the first choice.

Timken Drives® Roller Chain: Reliable Performance and Value

Timken Drives® chain provides an excellent balance between performance and cost. Timken positions the Drives brand as an engineered chain solution designed for long service life in demanding applications. Drives products include roller chains, engineered-class chains, and auger products used across agriculture and industry.

Drives chain offers:

• ANSI-compliant construction
• Proven durability
• Strong value proposition
• Dependable performance
• Broad application coverage

For many agricultural operators, Drives represents a practical middle-ground solution that delivers strong reliability while keeping maintenance costs under control.

Best Applications for Timken Drives®

• Grain handling systems
• Conveyors
• Augers
• Elevators
• General-purpose farm equipment
• Moderate-duty drive systems

Operations seeking dependable service life without the premium cost of Diamond often find Drives to be an excellent fit.

AgSmart® Roller Chain: Affordable Everyday Performance

AgSmart® roller chain is designed to provide dependable performance at an economical price point. Throughout agricultural equipment applications such as planters, grain drills, and general equipment maintenance, AgSmart offers farmers a cost-effective replacement option.

AgSmart chain delivers:

• Excellent value
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable operation
• Broad application coverage
• Budget-friendly maintenance solutions

For many farm operators, AgSmart provides the performance needed for lower-hour equipment or non-critical drive applications while helping control maintenance costs.

Best Applications for AgSmart®

• Seasonal equipment
• Lower-hour machines
• Secondary drive systems
• General maintenance repairs
• Budget-conscious operations

When affordability is a primary consideration, AgSmart is often the smart choice.

Good, Better, Best: Comparing Your Options

Good: AgSmart®

Ideal for operators seeking dependable performance at an economical price.

Best for:

• General repairs
• Lower-hour applications
• Budget-conscious maintenance

Better: Timken Drives®

Excellent balance of durability, reliability, and value.

Best for:

• Grain handling
• Farm conveyors
• Moderate-duty applications
• Operations wanting a durability upgrade

Best: Timken Diamond®

Premium chain engineered for maximum wear life and uptime.

Best for:

• Harvest equipment
• Balers
• Combines
• High-hour operations
• Critical applications where downtime is costly

Side-by-Side Roller Chain Comparison

The right chain isn't always the most expensive one. The best choice is the one that matches your application's workload, operating environment, and the cost of potential downtime.

Which Roller Chain Is Right for You?

A simple rule of thumb is to match the chain to the cost of failure.

If a chain failure could stop harvest, delay baling, or create significant downtime, investing in a premium chain like Timken Diamond often makes sense.

If you're looking for dependable performance at a lower cost, Timken Drives delivers excellent value and durability.

If budget is your primary concern or the application has lighter service demands, AgSmart provides an economical and reliable solution.

Think about the questions below:

• Is this a mission-critical drive?
• How many hours does the equipment run each year?
• How difficult is the chain to replace?
• What would downtime cost during planting or harvest?
• Is upfront cost or long-term service life more important?

Answering those questions will often point you toward the right chain choice.

Find the Right Roller Chain at Quality Farm Supply

Whether you're maintaining a planter, rebuilding a baler, preparing a combine for harvest, or upgrading your grain handling system, Quality Farm Supply carries the roller chain solutions you need.

Our team can help you select the right chain based on:

• Equipment type
• Horsepower requirements
• Application demands
• Operating environment
• Budget

From economical AgSmart replacements to premium Timken Diamond solutions, Quality Farm Supply offers roller chain options for virtually every agricultural application.

Need help selecting the right roller chain for your equipment? Contact the Quality Farm Supply team today and we'll help you find the best fit for your operation.

Harvest season is the most critical — and most unforgiving — time of the farming year. Every hour of downtime, every missed alignment, and every grain tank overflow represents real money walking out the door. Yet thousands of farmers are still operating their combines and harvest equipment with significant blind spots.

Modern camera systems like the AgSmart Camera Kit have changed the game. Here's why adding a camera kit to your harvest equipment is one of the smartest investments you can make heading into harvest season.

1. Safety First — Eliminate Dangerous Blind Spots

Harvest operations involve multiple machines moving in close proximity: combines, grain carts, semi-trucks, and support vehicles. The blind spots behind and around a combine are significant — and when you're focused on the header in front of you, it's easy to lose track of what's happening behind.

A rear-facing camera gives your operator a real-time view of the area directly behind the machine, reducing the risk of collisions with equipment and people on foot. With harvest traffic at its peak and long days leading to operator fatigue, the visibility a camera provides isn't just convenient — it's essential.

Bottom line: Camera systems help protect your crew, your equipment, and your operation.

2. Monitor Your Grain Tank in Real Time — Stop Yield Loss Before It Starts

One of the most common — and most avoidable — sources of yield loss during harvest is an overflowing grain tank. When you're heads-down focusing on cutting speed, ground conditions, and header performance, grain tank levels can creep up faster than expected.

A camera mounted on or near the grain tank gives the operator a continuous view of fill levels without leaving the cab or breaking stride. You'll know exactly when to call in the grain cart — and you won't be caught off guard by a tank that's been running full for the last quarter mile.

Bottom line: Better grain tank monitoring means fewer overflows, less grain loss, and more bushels in the bin.

3. Nail Your Unloading Auger Alignment Every Time

Unloading on the go is one of the most skill-dependent operations in harvest. Misaligning the auger with the grain cart means spilled grain, interrupted momentum, and frustrated operators. On a busy day with a fast combine and a full cart rotation, a bad alignment costs time you don't have.

A camera positioned to monitor the unloading auger gives the operator a direct sightline to the auger tip and the grain cart — making on-the-go unloading faster, cleaner, and more precise. Fewer spills. More efficient cart rotations. Smoother harvest days.

Bottom line: Better auger visibility means faster unloading, less spilled grain, and higher daily throughput.

4. Reduce Operator Fatigue and Communication Errors

Long harvest days push operators to their limits. Fatigue leads to judgment errors, missed cues, and communication breakdowns between combine operators and grain cart drivers. Traditional radio-based coordination leaves too much room for misinterpretation.

Camera systems reduce the reliance on verbal communication for routine tasks. Operators can visually confirm grain cart position, tank fill levels, and equipment status without radio calls, second-guessing, or unnecessary stops. Less back-and-forth means less mental load — and a sharper operator at hour 14 of a harvest day.

Bottom line: Camera systems streamline communication and reduce the cognitive burden on your harvest crew.

5. Protect Your Equipment — Catch Problems Before They Become Breakdowns

Headers, belts, and moving components can throw debris, develop wear, or show early signs of failure that an operator simply can't see from the cab. A strategically placed camera gives you eyes on areas of the machine that are otherwise invisible during operation — catching a loose stone guard, a dragging belt, or an unusual buildup before it becomes a full mechanical failure.

Proactive monitoring doesn't just protect your harvest yield — it protects your equipment investment and keeps your repair bills in check.

Bottom line: A camera system is an early warning tool. Catch issues early and avoid costly mid-harvest breakdowns.

Ready to See More This Harvest Season?

Quality Farm Supply stocks the full line of AgSmart Camera Systems — including wired and wireless 2-camera kits with a 9" monitor, individual cameras, and cable extensions.

Shop AgSmart Camera Kits & Components →

Whether you're outfitting a new machine or upgrading an existing setup, our team is here to help you find the right configuration for your operation.

While harvest season often gets most of the attention, many farmers know that some of next year's most important yield decisions are made in the fall. Proper fall tillage can help manage residue, improve soil conditions, enhance nutrient incorporation, and create an environment that supports strong crop emergence the following spring.

Just as important as choosing the right tillage strategy is ensuring equipment is equipped with quality wear parts that are properly adjusted and ready for the acres ahead.

Why Fall Tillage Matters

The goals of fall tillage vary from operation to operation, but most producers are looking to accomplish one or more of the following:

• Size and distribute crop residue
• Improve soil warming in spring
• Incorporate nutrients and amendments
• Reduce surface compaction
• Improve water infiltration
• Create a more uniform seedbed for planting

When performed under the right conditions, fall tillage can leave fields in a condition that allows planters and drills to perform more consistently the following season.

A properly prepared seedbed promotes improved seed placement, better seed-to-soil contact, and more uniform emergence. These factors play a significant role in maximizing yield potential.

The Impact of Worn Tillage Parts

Even the best tillage equipment can struggle when operating with worn components.

As points, sweeps, shovels, and blades wear, several issues can develop:

Reduced Penetration

Worn parts often fail to maintain working depth, reducing tillage effectiveness and limiting soil engagement.

Inconsistent Soil Movement

Uneven wear can result in variable soil disturbance across the width of the implement.

Poor Residue Management

Worn disc blades and tillage tools may struggle to size and incorporate heavy residue effectively.

Increased Fuel Consumption

Equipment must work harder to achieve desired results when wear parts lose their original geometry.

Higher Operating Costs

Delayed replacement often leads to reduced performance and increased stress on surrounding components.

Simply put, worn parts frequently cost more in lost performance than the cost of replacement.

Key Components to Inspect Before Fall Tillage

Before entering the field, operators should inspect critical wear components throughout their tillage equipment.

Disc Blades

Check for:

• Reduced diameter
• Cracks or chips
• Excessive edge wear
• Bent blades

Disc blades that have worn below recommended specifications often lose their ability to properly cut residue and penetrate the soil.

Disc Bearings and Bearing Housings

Look for:

• Excessive play
• Noise
• Rough rotation
• Leaking seals

Bearing failures during tillage season often lead to costly downtime and unnecessary repairs.

Chisel Points and Shovels

Inspect for:

• Loss of original shape
• Uneven wear patterns
• Reduced width
• Broken or cracked components

Worn chisel points can significantly reduce soil-fracturing effectiveness.

Sweeps and Cultivator Points

Verify:

• Proper wing width
• Uniform wear
• Structural integrity

Even modest wear can dramatically reduce soil coverage and weed control performance.

Fertilizer Knives

For operations applying fall anhydrous ammonia or fertilizer:

• Check leading edges
• Inspect vapor tubes
• Verify proper mounting
• Replace excessively worn knives

Proper fertilizer placement begins with properly functioning application components.

Proper Setup Matters Just as Much as Part Quality

Installing new wear parts is only part of the equation. Proper implement adjustment helps ensure every acre receives consistent treatment.

Gang Angle Adjustment

Disc harrows and vertical tillage tools should be set to match field conditions and residue levels.

Leveling

A machine that is not level front-to-back or side-to-side can leave inconsistent tillage patterns across the field.

Depth Consistency

Verify depth-control systems are functioning properly and providing uniform penetration throughout the implement.

Bearing and Hardware Inspection

Loose hardware and failing bearings can create performance issues throughout the tillage season.

Taking time to inspect and adjust equipment before entering the field often pays significant dividends in both productivity and finished field appearance.

Tillage and Soil Health Can Work Together

Modern tillage programs increasingly focus on balancing residue management with long-term soil stewardship. Many producers are utilizing:

• Vertical tillage
• Strip-tillage
• Reduced-tillage systems
• Strategic deep tillage

These approaches help address specific field challenges while minimizing unnecessary soil disturbance. The key is selecting the right tool for the objective and maintaining that tool so it performs as designed.

Prepare This Fall for Better Spring Results

The seedbed created this fall often influences planting performance next spring. By investing in quality wear parts and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and adjusted, growers can:

• Improve tillage effectiveness
• Reduce downtime
• Enhance residue management
• Promote uniform emergence
• Increase operational efficiency

Whether you're replacing disc blades, bearing housings, sweeps, cultivator points, chisel points, fertilizer knives, or other critical tillage components, quality replacement parts help ensure your equipment performs when every acre counts.

Quality Parts for Every Tillage Operation

Quality Farm Supply carries a wide selection of replacement tillage parts for leading equipment brands, including disc bearings, bearing housings, sweeps, cultivator points, chisel points, fertilizer knives, disc blades, and more.

Built for Farmers. Backed by Quality.

Shop tillage parts at QualityFarmSupply.com.

The Parts Categories That Matter Most During Harvest

Regardless of the combine brand, several replacement-part categories consistently drive harvesting performance.

Concaves

Concaves play a critical role in grain threshing and separation. Worn or damaged concaves can impact crop processing efficiency and grain quality.

• Harvest Services Concaves
• Kondex KX7 Concaves

Sieves & Chaffers

Proper cleaning begins with quality sieves and chaffers.

• Harvest Services Sieves & Chaffers
  

Crop Flow Components

Maintaining proper crop movement throughout the machine helps reduce plugging and improves material flow.

• Kondex Straw Claw Chopper Blades
• Kondex Stalk Claw Chopper Blades

Cutting Components

Clean cuts start with quality replacement components.

• AgSmart Combine Sections
• Kondex Combine Sections
• AgSmart Combine Guards

Specialty Harvest Components

For producers running specialty harvesting equipment, maintaining components before harvest is essential.

• Shelbourne Reynolds Finger Kits

Draper Belts

Draper systems depend on reliable belt performance to maintain smooth crop movement into the combine.

• Raptor Draper Belts

Prepare Before the Rush

The best time to replace worn parts is before harvest begins. Conducting a comprehensive inspection of your combine can help identify issues before they lead to costly downtime during the busiest time of year.

Pay close attention to:

• Concaves
• Sieves and chaffers
• Sections and guards
• Chopper components
• Finger kits
• Draper belts
• General wear items

Having replacement parts on hand before harvest can help keep your operation moving when field conditions are right.

Shop Combine Parts at Quality Farm Supply

Whether you operate a John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Claas, Gleaner, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Versatile, Kubota, or Deutz-Fahr combine, Quality Farm Supply offers replacement parts from trusted brands to help keep your equipment ready for harvest.

From Harvest Services and Kondex to AgSmart, Shelbourne Reynolds, and Raptor Belting, QFS provides the components farmers need to stay productive throughout the season.

Ready for harvest? Explore Quality Farm Supply's complete lineup of combine parts and replacement components today.

Van Sickle recommends thinning the paint when using air-spray equipment. The label starting point is 8 parts paint : 1 part VM&P Naphtha, though many users find it sprays more consistently at approximately 5 parts paint : 1 part VM&P Naphtha.

Airless Sprayer

Thinning is generally not required for airless spraying. Depending on temperature and your equipment, a small amount of reducer can be added if needed for flow.

1-Gallon Paint Thinner

Brushing

The paint can be applied straight from the can without thinning. If brush marks are a concern, add a small amount of VM&P Naphtha or R-05 Reducer to improve leveling.

• Use a high-quality natural bristle or enamel-rated synthetic brush.
• Apply thin, even coats and avoid over-brushing as the enamel begins to set.

Hardener (Optional)

Van Sickle states that hardener is not required, but adding their hardener can:

• Improve gloss retention
• Increase film hardness
• Improve cure characteristics

If you're painting equipment that will be exposed to weather and abrasion, the hardener is usually worth the additional cost.

8 oz. Hardener

16 oz. Hardener

Drying & Recoat Times

• Dry to touch: approximately 2–4 hours under normal conditions (70–80°F)
• Recoat: 8–12 hours

My Recommendation for Farm Equipment Restoration

For tractors, combine parts, headers, wheels, and sheet metal, here's the approach that tends to produce the smoothest finish — and is typically what most tractor restoration shops use with Van Sickle enamel:

1. Thorough cleaning and degreasing
2. Prime any bare metal
3. Spray with a conventional HVLP gun using roughly a 5:1 paint-to-VM&P Naphtha ratio
4. Add hardener if maximum durability is desired
5. Apply 2–3 medium wet coats with proper flash time between coats

The Right Parts for Every Header Model

Shelbourne Reynolds headers are known for their efficiency and gentle crop handling — but like any precision equipment, they depend on properly maintained cutting components. Here's what we carry:

• Finger Kits — Available for the XCS42/XCV42, XCS36/XCV36/XRS36, CVS28/CSD28/RSD28+, and CVS24/CSD24/RSD24+ models. Complete kits make replacement straightforward and ensure consistent performance across the full cutting width.
• Left Hand End Finger (Part #197719 01) — Designed for the outermost position on the header, taking the brunt of field debris and wear.
• Left Hand Inboard Finger (Part #197718 02) — Critical for maintaining proper crop flow and stripping action through the header.
• Right Hand End Finger (Part #197719 02) — Mirror counterpart to the left end finger, equally important for balanced cutting performance.
• Center Finger (Part #197717 01) — The workhorse of the stripper header, responsible for consistent crop engagement across the center of the cutting width.
• Center Backer Plate (Part #193558 01) — Provides the structural support behind the finger assembly, protecting against flex and premature wear.
• 32' Knife Kit — A complete knife replacement solution for full-width cutting restoration on your 32-foot header.

Why Replace Cutting Parts Before They Fail?

Worn fingers and damaged knife components don't just reduce cutting efficiency — they can cause uneven stripping, increased grain loss, and added stress on surrounding components. Proactive replacement before or during harvest keeps your header running at the efficiency Shelbourne Reynolds engineered it for.

Shop Shelbourne Reynolds Parts at Quality Farm Supply

Quality Farm Supply carries the Shelbourne Reynolds cutting parts your header depends on. Browse our full selection online at QualityFarmSupply.com and get the right part shipped directly to your operation.

When harvest season arrives, every component on your header needs to perform. One of the most overlooked — and most impactful — parts of your cutterbar is the sickle section. Worn, chipped, or dull sections don't just slow you down. They cost you yield, increase fuel consumption, and put unnecessary stress on your entire header drive system.

If you're running a grain header, draper, or small grain platform, now is the time to inspect your sickle sections — and if they're due for replacement, there's no better choice than Kondex.

Why Sickle Sections Matter More Than You Think

Your sickle bar makes thousands of cuts per minute across every acre you harvest. Each section is under constant stress — impact from rocks and debris, friction from crop material, and the relentless wear of high-speed operation. Over time, even the best sections dull and chip.

The result? Ragged cuts, increased crop loss, header plugging, and reduced throughput. In a tight harvest window, that's a problem you can't afford.

What Sets Kondex Apart

Kondex has been manufacturing precision-engineered harvesting components for decades, and their sickle sections are built to a higher standard than generic replacements.

Superior metallurgy — Kondex sections are manufactured with high-quality steel and proprietary heat treatment processes that deliver longer wear life and better edge retention than standard OEM replacements.

Cleaner cuts — A sharper, more consistent cutting edge means less crop loss, better throughput, and reduced power demand on your header drive.

Consistent quality — Every Kondex section is manufactured to tight tolerances, so you get consistent performance across the entire sickle bar — not just the first few passes.

Wide application coverage — Kondex sections are available for a broad range of headers and platforms, including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, MacDon, and more.

Don't Forget the Splice Kits

Replacing individual sections is only part of the job. Section Splice Kits give you everything you need to complete the repair correctly — the right hardware, in the right configuration, to get your sickle bar back together fast and running true.

A proper splice kit means:

• No hunting for the right bolts or clips at the worst possible time
• Faster installation so you're back in the field sooner
• Confidence that the repair is done right the first time

Quality Farm Supply stocks Kondex Splice Kits alongside the sections so you can order everything you need in one place.

When Should You Replace Your Sickle Sections?

Don't wait until you're in the middle of harvest to find out your sections are shot. Here's what to look for during your pre-harvest inspection:

• Chipped or broken section tips — Even one bad section can cause plugging and uneven cutting
• Worn cutting edges — Hold a new section next to an old one; if the bevel is gone, it's time
• Bent or cracked sections — These can cause vibration and accelerated wear on adjacent components
• Increased header plugging — Often a sign that sections are no longer cutting cleanly

A good rule of thumb: if you're more than halfway through the expected wear life, replace before harvest — not during it.

Also from Kondex: Knife Head Sections

If your operation runs a rotary header, disc mower, or other knife-head style cutterbar, Kondex has you covered there too. Kondex Knife Head Sections are engineered to the same high standard as their sickle sections — built for maximum wear life, consistent cutting performance, and reliable operation in tough field conditions.

Why Kondex Knife Head Sections stand out:

• Precision-engineered geometry — Designed for clean, efficient cuts that reduce crop loss and maintain throughput
• Heat-treated steel construction — Superior hardness and wear resistance for extended service life in demanding conditions
• Consistent fit and finish — Manufactured to tight tolerances for reliable installation and balanced operation
• Broad compatibility — Available for a wide range of rotary and disc-style cutterbars across major equipment brands

Whether you're cutting hay, small grains, or specialty crops, worn knife head sections rob you of efficiency and quality. Replacing them with Kondex before the season starts is one of the simplest ways to protect your yield and your equipment.

Quality Farm Supply stocks Kondex Knife Head Sections alongside sickle sections and splice kits — so you can get everything your cutterbar needs in a single order.

Stock Up Before Harvest Hits

Kondex Sickle Sections, Knife Head Sections, and Section Splice Kits are in stock at Quality Farm Supply and ready to ship. Don't get caught waiting on parts when the crop is ready and the weather window is closing.

Shop the full Kondex line at QualityFarmSupply.com and go into harvest with a cutterbar you can count on.

Quality Farm Supply — Quality Parts. Dependable Performance. Farmer-Focused Service.

When it comes to combine performance, most farmers focus on concaves, sieves, and rotor settings. But there's one component that quietly determines whether grain ever makes it to the threshing system in the first place — the feeder house chain.

A worn, stretched, or low-quality feeder house chain doesn't just slow you down. It creates uneven feeding, increases grain loss, puts stress on surrounding components, and can bring your entire harvest to a halt at the worst possible moment. Choosing the right chain before the season starts is one of the smartest investments you can make.

What Does a Feeder House Chain Actually Do?

The feeder house chain — sometimes called the feeder conveyor chain or elevator chain — is the backbone of your combine's crop intake system. It runs along the bottom of the feeder house and uses slats or paddles to move cut crop material from the header up into the threshing and separating system.

It sounds simple, but the demands on this chain are significant:

• It runs continuously at high speed throughout the entire harvest day
• It handles everything from dry, brittle corn stalks to wet, heavy rice and soybeans
• It's exposed to dirt, rocks, moisture, and abrasive crop material
• It must maintain consistent tension and alignment to feed evenly

When the feeder house chain is performing well, you don't think about it. When it's not, everything downstream suffers.

Signs Your Feeder House Chain Needs Replacement

Don't wait for a complete failure. Watch for these warning signs:

Stretch and Slack — All chains stretch over time. Excessive slack means the chain is no longer indexing properly, leading to inconsistent feeding and potential slippage over the drive sprocket.

Worn or Cracked Slats — Damaged slats can't move crop material efficiently. You'll see uneven feeding and increased losses at the header.

Noise and Vibration — Rattling, slapping, or unusual vibration at operating speed is a clear sign the chain is worn beyond its service life.

Visible Link Wear — If the side plates are visibly thin or the pins are worn, the chain is operating on borrowed time.

Uneven Crop Flow — If your combine is surging or feeding inconsistently despite proper header settings, the feeder chain is often the culprit.

A good rule of thumb: inspect your feeder house chain at the start of every season and replace it if you have any doubt. The cost of a new chain is a fraction of the cost of downtime during peak harvest.

OEM vs. Harvest Services: What's the Difference?

When it comes time to replace your feeder house chain, you have a choice: go with the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chain from your combine brand, or choose an aftermarket option like Harvest Services.

Here's how they compare:

OEM Feeder House Chains

OEM chains are manufactured to the exact specifications of your combine model. They're designed and tested by the same engineers who built the machine, which means fit and compatibility are guaranteed right out of the box.

Advantages:

• Exact fit — no guesswork on compatibility
• Engineered to OEM tolerances for your specific machine
• Backed by the manufacturer's parts warranty
• Familiar to dealers and technicians for support

Disadvantages:

• Significantly higher price point — often 30–50% more than quality aftermarket options
• Availability can be limited during peak season when dealer inventory runs thin
• Lead times from dealers can slow you down when you need parts fast

For farmers who run newer machines still under warranty, or who prefer the peace of mind of factory parts, OEM is a solid choice. But for many operations, the price premium is hard to justify when high-quality aftermarket alternatives are available.

Harvest Services Feeder House Chains

Harvest Services is a trusted aftermarket brand built specifically for the demands of commercial grain farming. Their feeder house chains are engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications — without the dealer markup.

Advantages:

• Manufactured to match OEM dimensions and performance specs
• High-strength alloy construction for durability in demanding conditions
• Significantly more affordable than OEM — better value per season
• Widely available through ag parts suppliers, in stock when you need them
• Proven performance across major combine brands including John Deere, Case IH, and New Holland

Disadvantages:

• Not backed by the combine manufacturer's warranty (though Harvest Services stands behind their product quality)
• Some farmers prefer OEM for newer machines during the warranty period

The bottom line: Harvest Services chains are built for farmers who want reliable, high-performance parts at a price that makes sense for their operation. For most producers running combines with any hours on them, Harvest Services delivers the performance you need at a cost that keeps your parts budget in check.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Running a newer combine under warranty? OEM may be the safer choice to protect your investment.
• Running a machine with significant hours? Harvest Services gives you OEM-level performance at a fraction of the cost — and that savings adds up fast when you're replacing chains every season or two.
• Need parts fast during harvest? Harvest Services chains are stocked and ready to ship, so you're not waiting on a dealer order when every hour counts.

Stock Up Before the Season Starts

The worst time to think about your feeder house chain is when you're already in the field. Inspect your chain now, order your replacement before the rush, and head into harvest with confidence.

Quality Farm Supply carries Harvest Services feeder house chains for all major combine brands — in stock and ready to ship. We also carry OEM-compatible options so you can choose what's right for your operation.

Shop Feeder House Chains at Quality Farm Supply

Have questions about which chain fits your combine? Contact our parts team — we'll help you find the right fit before harvest hits.

Rice harvest is one of the most demanding applications a combine will ever face. The abrasive hull, heavy wet straw, and muddy field conditions push every wear part to its limit — and unlike corn or soybeans, there's very little margin for error when the crop is ready and the weather window is tight.

The farmers who make it through rice harvest without costly downtime are the ones who inspect and replace wear parts before the season starts — not after something fails in the field. This guide breaks down the key wear parts by system so you know exactly what to check, what to stock, and what to prioritize.

Threshing System: Your Highest-Priority Parts

The threshing system takes the most punishment in rice. The abrasive hull accelerates wear on every component it contacts, and worn threshing parts directly translate to grain loss and cracked kernels.

Rasp Bars & Threshing Bars — These are the workhorses of your threshing system and the first parts to show wear in rice. Inspect for rounding, cracking, and uneven wear across the bar face. Worn rasp bars reduce threshing aggressiveness and increase grain loss. Replace them as a set to maintain balanced performance.

Concaves & Concave Inserts — Rice-specific concaves have tighter spacing than corn or soybean configurations to handle the smaller grain. Check for bent bars, cracked welds, and excessive wear on the leading edges. Running worn concaves in rice means grain passing through unthreshed — and that's yield you're not recovering.

Concave Filler Plates — In wet or tough conditions, filler plates close gaps in the concave to reduce grain loss. Inspect for warping and secure mounting before the season.

Separation System: Don't Let Grain Escape Out the Back

Separator Grates & Grate Bars — Worn grates allow unthreshed material to pass through to the cleaning system, reducing efficiency and increasing losses out the back of the machine. Inspect bar thickness and spacing carefully.

Rotor Vanes & Rotor Wear Plates — Rice straw is tough and fibrous, and it's hard on rotor components. Worn vanes reduce the rotor's ability to move material efficiently through the separation zone. Check for cracking, thinning, and loose mounting hardware.

Beater Bars & Impeller Fins — Often overlooked, these components take a beating in rice. Inspect for wear and replace any that show significant material loss.

Feeder House: The First Point of Failure

The feeder house is where rice harvest starts — and where many operations lose time. Wet, heavy rice straw is relentless on feeder house components.

Feeder House Chain & Slats — This is one of the highest-wear items in rice harvest. The constant exposure to wet, abrasive material accelerates stretch and slat wear faster than in other crops. Measure chain stretch, inspect slat condition, and replace before the season if there's any doubt. A feeder house chain failure mid-harvest is one of the most disruptive breakdowns you can have.

Feeder House Floor Liners — Rice stalks are abrasive, and the floor liner takes a constant beating. Thin or worn liners allow material to hang up and create feeding inconsistencies. Replace worn liners before they wear through to the floor itself.

Stone Trap Door & Seal — Rice fields — especially in flooded production systems — can hide rocks and debris. Make sure your stone trap is functioning properly and the seal is intact.

Header: Where the Crop Enters the Machine

Cutter Bar Sections & Guards — Rice fields often have hard, compacted soil at the base of the plant, and cutting close to the ground accelerates wear on knife sections and guards. Inspect every section for nicks, cracks, and dull edges. Dull sections increase power demand and reduce cut quality.

Knife Clips & Hold-Downs — These keep the knife sections running true. Worn or loose clips cause the knife to flutter, reducing cut quality and increasing wear on sections.

Draper Belts — If you're running a draper header, inspect belts for cracking, fraying, and proper tension. A belt failure at the header shuts down the whole operation.

Reel Tines & Reel Bats — Broken or bent tines cause uneven crop delivery to the cutter bar. Walk the reel before the season and replace any damaged tines.

Cleaning System: Efficiency You Can't Afford to Lose

Chaffer & Sieve Sections — Rice hulls are light and require precise airflow to clean efficiently. Worn or bent chaffer louvers disrupt airflow and reduce cleaning performance. Inspect every section and replace any that are bent, cracked, or missing louvers.

Fan Blades — An out-of-balance cleaning fan from worn or damaged blades affects airflow across the entire cleaning shoe. Inspect blades for wear and ensure the fan is balanced before the season.

General Wear Items: The Small Stuff That Stops the Machine

Don't overlook the components that keep everything else running:

• Bearings — Feeder house, rotor, and cleaning fan bearings all take heavy loads in rice. Listen for noise, check for heat, and replace any that show play or roughness.
• Sprockets & Drive Chains — Worn sprockets accelerate chain wear and vice versa. Replace them together when either shows significant wear.
• Belts — Rice harvest puts high load on drive systems. Inspect all belts for cracking, glazing, and proper tension.
• Wear Liners — Throughout the feeder house and machine body, wear liners protect structural components. Replace them before they wear through.

Build Your Pre-Season Parts List Now

The worst time to order wear parts is when you're already in the field. Lead times, dealer stock shortages, and shipping delays can cost you days of harvest — and in rice, a few days can mean the difference between a clean harvest and a weather-damaged crop.

Use this guide to build your pre-season inspection checklist. Walk your machine system by system, note what needs replacement, and get your order in early.

Quality Farm Supply stocks rice harvest wear parts for all major combine brands — including rasp bars, concaves, feeder house chains, cutter bar components, and more. In stock and ready to ship so you're not waiting when the season hits.

Shop Rice Harvest Wear Parts at Quality Farm Supply: [Click Here]

Questions about what fits your machine? Contact our parts team — we'll help you spec the right parts before harvest starts.

Kondex KX7 concaves and Kondex Bushel Boss separator grates are engineered to work as a complete system. Run them together and you get cleaner threshing, better separation, and more grain in the bin. Here's how it works.

Why the Full System Matters

Most operators think about concaves and separator grates as separate upgrades. They're not — they're two halves of the same process.

Concaves do the threshing: separating grain from the plant material as it passes through the rotor. Separator grates finish the job: allowing clean grain to fall through while moving straw and chaff toward the rear of the machine.

Running premium concaves with worn or stock separator grates is like upgrading your engine and keeping a clogged air filter. You're leaving yield on the table. The Kondex KX7 + Bushel Boss combination closes that gap.

Kondex KX7 Concaves: MaxThresh + MaxRound

The KX7 system is built around two complementary concave assemblies, each engineered for a specific role in the threshing chamber.

KX7 MaxThresh Concaves

MaxThresh concaves deliver a better, faster thresh than large-wire or small-wire concaves. An angled-bar design meets the crop head-on for more aggressive, immediate threshing. Kondex applies laser cladding to the threshing bars for extended wear life well beyond standard options. MaxThresh assemblies belong in the frontmost positions in your threshing chamber for earlier threshing and more separation as crop flows through.

KX7 MaxRound Concaves

MaxRound concaves also feature an angled-bar design, but their primary function is separation. They're highly effective at preventing plugging, which directly reduces rotor loss. Bars are heat-treated for a 25% improvement in wear resistance. MaxRound assemblies always go behind MaxThresh concaves to maximize separation performance.

Greater Customization

At half the width of most traditional concaves, KX7 doubles your configuration options. Removable, replaceable, and reversible box inserts let you customize your threshing chamber by crop type or field condition — something traditional concaves can't match.

Kondex Bushel Boss Grates: Built for the Separator

While your concaves are working the rotor, your separator grates are doing the finishing work in the cleaning section. Stock grates wear down, warp, and lose their ability to pass clean grain efficiently — costing you bushels without any obvious sign of failure.

Kondex Bushel Boss separator grates are precision-manufactured replacements designed to restore and exceed OEM separation performance. Key advantages include:

• Consistent wire spacing — maintains optimal grain passage as hours accumulate
• Heavy-duty construction — resists the warping and wear that degrades stock grates over time
• Drop-in fitment — engineered to fit your combine without modification
• Broad compatibility — available for John Deere S-Series and other major combine platforms

Running Them Together: Setup Tips

When running KX7 concaves and Bushel Boss grates together, a few setup adjustments will help you get the most out of both:

• Raise concave clearance slightly — the KX7 angled-bar design threshes more aggressively, so you can open clearance without sacrificing separation quality
• Reduce rotor speed — cleaner threshing means less mechanical stress; dialing back rotor RPM reduces cracked grain and wear
• Increase fan speed — improved grain passage through Bushel Boss grates means your cleaning shoe can handle more airflow without blowing good grain out the back
• Monitor rotor loss first — after installation, walk the field and check for rotor loss before adjusting sieves; most operators find loss drops significantly with no other changes

Crop-by-Crop Breakdown

Corn — The KX7 + Bushel Boss combination excels in high-yield, high-moisture corn. Aggressive threshing up front and clean separation through the grates reduces cob material in the tank and lowers dockage.

Soybeans — Cleaner threshing with less pod shatter and cracked beans. Bushel Boss grates help move the lighter material efficiently without losing good beans over the sieves.

Wheat and Small Grains — Consistent bar and wire spacing across both components improves separation without over-threshing. Particularly effective in tough, tangled straw conditions.

Specialty Crops — Where sample quality is critical, the reduced-aggression setup (raised clearance, lower rotor speed) paired with Bushel Boss grates gives you the control to protect grade.

Signs It's Time to Upgrade Both

Concaves:

• Visible wear on bars or wires
• Increasing grain loss at the rear of the machine
• Elevated cracked grain percentages at the elevator
• Inconsistent threshing across the width of the rotor

Separator Grates:

• Visible wire wear, bending, or warping
• Increased chaff or cob material in the grain tank
• Grain loss that doesn't respond to sieve or fan adjustments
• Hours accumulating past OEM replacement intervals

Shop Both at Quality Farm Supply

Quality Farm Supply stocks Kondex KX7 concaves and Kondex Bushel Boss separator grates for a wide range of combine makes and models. Our team can help you identify the right fit for your machine and crop mix.

👉 Shop Kondex KX7 Concaves — Click Here

👉 Shop Kondex Bushel Boss Separator Grates — Click Here

Have questions? Contact our parts team — we're here to help you get the most out of every acre.

When it comes to combine performance, the details matter. The difference between a good harvest and a great one often comes down to the wear parts running inside your machine — and nowhere is that more true than your feederhouse and residue management components. Kondex Corporation has engineered two products that are changing the way operators think about aftermarket parts: the StrawClaw™ and the StalkClaw™.

Here's why they outperform both OEM and standard aftermarket alternatives.

What Is the Kondex StrawClaw™?

The StrawClaw™ is Kondex's premium replacement for combine straw chopper blades. Designed for high-speed residue management, the StrawClaw™ is engineered to cut more aggressively, last longer, and maintain its edge further into the season than standard OEM or aftermarket blades.

StrawClaw™ vs. OEM Straw Chopper Blades

Standard OEM straw chopper blades are made from conventional steel and are designed to meet a price point. They work — but they wear. As the season progresses, dull blades require more horsepower to achieve the same cut quality, residue distribution suffers, and you're back at the dealer ordering replacements.

The StrawClaw™ advantage:

• Kondex Carbide-Enhanced Steel — The StrawClaw™ uses Kondex's proprietary steel formulation with carbide-enhanced cutting edges that stay sharper, longer
• Self-sharpening geometry — As the blade wears, the cutting angle is maintained, so performance doesn't degrade the way it does with flat OEM blades
• Longer service life — Operators consistently report 2–3x the service life of standard OEM blades, meaning fewer mid-season replacements and less downtime
• Better residue distribution — Sharper blades cut straw more completely, resulting in finer, more evenly distributed residue that breaks down faster and causes fewer issues at planting

StrawClaw™ vs. Standard Aftermarket Blades

Not all aftermarket blades are created equal. Many aftermarket options are simply cheaper copies of OEM blades — same steel, same geometry, lower price. The StrawClaw™ is a genuine engineering improvement, not just a cost-cut.

What Is the Kondex StalkClaw™?

The StalkClaw™ is Kondex's premium replacement for combine stalk roll knives — the components responsible for pulling corn stalks down through the row units and away from the snapping plates. It's one of the most abused wear parts on a corn head, and one of the most overlooked.

StalkClaw™ vs. OEM Stalk Roll Knives

OEM stalk roll knives are designed to function adequately across a wide range of conditions. The StalkClaw™ is designed to excel.

The StalkClaw™ advantage:

• Aggressive stalk engagement — The StalkClaw™'s unique claw geometry grabs and pulls stalks more positively than flat OEM knives, reducing stalk wrapping and plugging in tough conditions
• Hardened cutting edges — Kondex uses through-hardened steel that resists wear from abrasive soil contact, maintaining knife geometry longer than OEM alternatives
• Reduced horsepower demand — Sharper, more aggressive knives pull stalks through with less resistance, reducing load on the stalk roll drive system
• Performance in tough conditions — In high-moisture, green-stalked, or lodged corn, the StalkClaw™'s geometry outperforms OEM knives that struggle to grab and pull irregular stalks

StalkClaw™ vs. Standard Aftermarket Stalk Roll Knives

Most aftermarket stalk roll knives are direct OEM copies. The StalkClaw™ is not. The claw geometry is a Kondex-engineered design that provides a fundamentally different — and better — stalk engagement profile. If you've been running generic aftermarket knives and dealing with stalk wrapping or plugging, the StalkClaw™ is worth the upgrade.

The Kondex Difference: Why Their Engineering Matters

Kondex Corporation has been manufacturing precision agricultural cutting components since 1965. They're not a parts distributor stamping out copies — they're an engineering company that designs, metallurgically develops, and manufactures their own products.

What sets Kondex apart:

• Proprietary steel formulations developed specifically for agricultural wear applications
• In-house heat treatment for consistent hardness and toughness across every part
• Continuous R&D — Kondex actively tests and improves their products in real field conditions
• Made in the USA — manufactured at their facility in Kondex, Wisconsin

This is why Kondex parts aren't just "as good as OEM" — in many applications, they're measurably better.

The Bottom Line: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you're running a high-acre operation, the math on Kondex is straightforward: longer service life means fewer replacements, less downtime, and lower total cost of ownership — even if the per-unit price is slightly higher than a generic aftermarket blade.

Shop Kondex StrawClaw™ & StalkClaw™ at Quality Farm Supply

Quality Farm Supply carries the full Kondex line, in stock and ready to ship. Don't wait until you're in the field with a worn-out blade to make the switch.

Shop Kondex parts at qualityfarmsupply.com — fast shipping, competitive pricing, no dealer markup.

Questions about which Kondex part fits your combine? Contact our team at Quality Farm Supply — we'll help you find the right part for your machine.

Getting your corn head set up correctly before you hit the field is one of the highest-return investments you can make this harvest season. A poorly adjusted corn head costs you bushels on every pass — and those losses add up fast across hundreds or thousands of acres. This guide walks you through the key adjustments to get your corn head running at peak efficiency.

1. Row Unit Spacing & Alignment

Before anything else, confirm your row unit spacing matches your field's row width. Misaligned row units cause stalk damage, missed ears, and increased gathering chain wear.

• Measure center-to-center spacing at the gathering points
• Verify alignment is consistent across all row units
• Check that all row unit mounting hardware is tight — loose units cause erratic performance

2. Gathering Chain Tension & Condition

Your gathering chains are the first point of contact with the stalk. Worn or improperly tensioned chains are one of the leading causes of corn head losses.

• Tension: Chains should have approximately ½" of deflection at the midpoint. Too tight causes premature wear; too loose causes missed stalks
• Condition: Inspect each chain for worn, cracked, or missing fingers. Replace any damaged sections before heading to the field
• Lubrication: Ensure gathering chain oilers are functioning and filled

3. Stalk Roll Timing & Clearance

Stalk rolls pull the plant down and away from the ear — proper timing and clearance are critical to clean snapping without ear loss.

• Set stalk roll clearance to manufacturer spec (typically 0.030"–0.060" depending on brand)
• Check stalk roll timing — mismatched rolls cause stalks to wrap and plug
• Inspect stalk roll knives for wear and replace if dull or chipped
• Confirm stalk roll drive chains are properly tensioned

4. Snapping Plate Adjustment

Snapping plates determine how aggressively the head snaps ears from the stalk. This is one of the most critical adjustments for minimizing ear loss.

• Too wide: Ears pass through without snapping — high loss
• Too narrow: Stalks pull through, causing plugging and stalk wrapping
• Start at manufacturer's recommended setting and adjust based on crop conditions
• In down corn or tangled stalks, slightly wider settings reduce plugging

5. Deck Plate Clearance

Deck plates work in tandem with snapping plates to guide the ear into the header. Modern corn heads often have hydraulic deck plate adjustment — use it.

• Set deck plates to match ear diameter — typically 1.5" to 2.5" clearance
• In dry, brittle corn, tighter settings reduce kernel shelling
• In tough, green-stalked corn, slightly wider settings reduce plugging
• Check for wear on deck plate edges — worn edges cause inconsistent snapping

6. Header Height & Tilt

Running the head at the correct height and angle keeps gathering points close to the ground without digging in.

• Set header height so gathering points run 2"–4" above the ground
• Adjust header tilt so the snapping plates are parallel to the stalk angle
• In lodged or leaning corn, lower the head and increase forward tilt to pick up down stalks
• Use header height sensors if equipped — they pay for themselves in reduced losses

7. Ground Speed

Speed kills efficiency in corn harvest. Running too fast is one of the most common causes of avoidable losses.

• Optimal ground speed is typically 3.5–5.0 mph depending on yield and conditions
• In heavy, high-yield corn, slow down — the combine needs time to process the crop
• Monitor grain loss monitors continuously and adjust speed accordingly
• In down or tangled corn, reduce speed significantly

8. Pre-Harvest Inspection Checklist

Before you make your first pass, run through this checklist:

• ✅ All gathering chain fingers intact and properly tensioned
• ✅ Stalk roll knives sharp and timed correctly
• ✅ Snapping plates and deck plates set to crop conditions
• ✅ All row unit bolts and hardware tight
• ✅ Header drive gearbox oil levels checked
• ✅ Gathering chain oilers filled and functioning
• ✅ All shields and guards in place
• ✅ Row dividers straight and undamaged
• ✅ Hydraulic deck plate system functioning (if equipped)
• ✅ Header height sensors calibrated

9. In-Field Adjustments

Even a perfectly set-up corn head needs fine-tuning once you're in the field.

• Walk behind the combine after the first few passes and check for ear loss on the ground
• Adjust deck plates and snapping plates based on what you observe
• Monitor the grain loss monitor and make incremental adjustments
• Check for stalk wrapping — a sign of stalk roll timing or clearance issues

Need Replacement Parts Before Harvest?

Quality Farm Supply stocks a full line of corn head replacement parts to get your header running right:

• Gathering chain fingers & complete chains
• Stalk roll knives & wear parts
• Deck plates & snapping plates
• Row unit bearings & hardware
• Header drive components

Shop corn head parts at qualityfarmsupply.com — fast shipping, competitive pricing, no dealer markup.

Have questions about setting up your specific corn head? Drop a comment below or reach out to our team at Quality Farm Supply.

They're Lighter Than You Think — And That Matters

Steel is heavy. And all that weight takes a toll on your combine's cleaning shoe drive, bearings, and frame over thousands of hours of operation. Harvest Services plastic components are significantly lighter, which means less stress on your machine, less vibration, and fewer surprise breakdowns during the middle of a run. Your combine works hard enough — no need to make it carry extra weight.

Rust? Not a Problem.

Combines sit. They get wet. They go through seasons of dew, rain, and humidity. Steel rusts — and once a louver warps or a sieve stiffens up, your cleaning performance suffers. Plastic doesn't corrode. Your Harvest Services components will come out of storage next fall looking and performing exactly like they went in.

A Cleaner Sample, Every Time

Here's something most farmers don't think about: steel sieves are stamped, and stamping isn't perfect. Louver angles vary. Openings aren't always consistent. Plastic molding, on the other hand, produces the same geometry every single time. That consistency means more predictable airflow, better grain-to-chaff separation, and a cleaner sample out of the back of the machine. Less grain loss. Better quality. Every load.

Quieter. Seriously.

Run a combine with plastic cleaning components and you'll notice it immediately — it's quieter. That might sound like a small thing, but when you're in the cab for 14 hours a day, it matters. And a quieter machine makes it easier to hear when something else isn't right.

Drop-In Fit. No Headaches.

Harvest Services components are engineered as direct OEM replacements for John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Gleaner, Massey Ferguson, and more. No modifications. No fabrication. Pull the old ones out, drop the new ones in, and get back to harvesting.

The Bottom Line

Better cleaning performance. Less machine wear. No rust. Quieter operation. And a fit that works right out of the box. Harvest Services plastic sieves, chaffers, and air foils aren't just a replacement — they're an upgrade.

👉 Ready to make the switch? Shop Harvest Services components at qualityfarmsupply.com

Around here, harvest windows don't give second chances. When the combine stops, everything else does too.

The growers who finish strong aren't scrambling in October—they're dialed in before the first field. A solid pre-season inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect your time, your yield, and your bottom line.

Use this QFS checklist to go through your machine front to back—so you're fixing things now, not in the middle of a perfect day.

1. Engine & Fluids — Start With the Basics

If it doesn't run right, nothing else matters.

• Check engine oil level and condition (change if questionable)
• Inspect coolant and confirm proper protection levels
• Check hydraulic fluid for level and contamination
• Replace fuel filters if you didn't at the end of last season
• Check air system and clean or replace pre-cleaner
• Inspect hoses and clamps for leaks, cracks, or soft spots
• Verify DEF system is full and functioning (if equipped)
• Check gearbox and feederhouse oil levels

💡 Tip: Fluids are cheap. Downtime isn't.

2. Belts & Chains — Prevent Easy Breakdowns

This is where small wear turns into big headaches.

• Inspect belts for cracking, glazing, or fraying
• Check tension across all major drives
• Inspect and lubricate chains; replace any stretched sections
• Check feederhouse chain alignment, tension, and slats
• Clean out the stone trap before it becomes a problem

💡 If it looks "almost worn," it won't make it through harvest.

3. Header & Platform — Where Yield Is Made

Your header sets the pace for the entire operation.

• Inspect knives, guards, and hold-downs
• Replace worn cutting components—don't gamble here
• Check reel condition and drive systems
• Inspect auger flighting and fingers
• Adjust header tilt and float for crop conditions
• Check draper belts (if equipped) for tracking and tension
• On corn heads: inspect deck plates, chains, and snapping rolls
• Grease everything per spec

💡 Most harvest loss starts at the header—not inside the combine.

4. Threshing & Separation — Protect Your Bushels

Loss here is hard to see—and expensive.

• Inspect concaves for wear or damage
• Check rotor/cylinder for missing or worn components
• Set concave clearance for your crop ahead of time
• Inspect grates and walkers
• Check chopper blades and replace as needed

5. Cleaning System — Keep Grain Clean

Efficiency here impacts both yield and quality.

• Straighten or replace damaged sieve sections
• Inspect fan blades and confirm speed control
• Check clean grain and tailings elevator systems
• Verify tailings return is operating properly
• Clean out all leftover debris from last season

6. Grain Handling — Keep It Moving

Unloading issues cost more time than you think.

• Inspect grain tank for cracks or leftover grain
• Check auger flighting, tubes, and drive components
• Test auger swing/fold functions
• Clean and calibrate grain loss sensors
• Verify yield and moisture monitors are reading correctly

7. Electrical & Controls — Avoid Frustration

Electrical issues never happen at a convenient time.

• Test all lights (field and road)
• Inspect wiring for rodent damage or wear
• Check all cab controls and displays
• Verify GPS and auto-steer calibration
• Clean battery terminals and test charge
• Test safety shutdown systems

8. Tires, Tracks & Undercarriage — Stay Mobile

Don't overlook what keeps you moving.

• Check tire pressure and condition
• Inspect for cracks, cuts, or excessive wear
• For tracks: inspect tension and rollers
• Re-check wheel torque after initial run time

9. Cab — Get Ready for Long Days

You'll spend a lot of hours here—make it count.

• Clean out dust and debris
• Replace cab air filter if needed
• Test heat and A/C
• Inspect seat belt and safety switches
• Confirm fire extinguisher is ready
• Stock tools, fuses, and operator manual

10. Safety — No Shortcuts

Protect yourself and anyone around your operation.

• Replace missing or damaged shields
• Check SMV emblem visibility
• Verify decals are legible
• Test backup alarm
• Make sure everyone knows safety procedures

11. Run It Before You Need It

Don't wait for the field to find issues.

• Start and warm up completely
• Listen for anything unusual
• Cycle all systems
• Check for leaks under load
• Make a short test pass if possible
• Re-check fluids after the first hour

Stock the Parts That Keep You Running

Even with a perfect inspection, parts wear out. The difference is whether you're prepared.

What we recommend every customer keeps on hand:

• Knife sections and guards
• Key drive belts
• Chain links and repair sections
• Fuses and relays
• Hydraulic fittings and hose repair parts
• Grease and fluids

Why QFS Customers Stay Running

Most downtime isn't caused by major failure—it's waiting on parts.

At Quality Farm Supply, we focus on the wear parts and critical components that keep combines moving during harvest. When something goes down, you don't have time to "order it and wait."

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of baler belt lacing and what each one does best.

1. Alligator Lacing (Rivet-Hinged)

Best For: General-purpose round and square baling, quick field repairs.

Alligator lacing is the most widely used belt lacing in agriculture — and for good reason. It’s fast to install, widely available, and strong enough for most hay and straw applications.

How it Works: A series of interlocking metal staples are driven through the belt ends and crimped in place, then connected by a hinge pin. The result is a flexible, low-profile joint that tracks cleanly through most baler systems.

Best Application: Alligator lacing is the go-to choice for operators who need a reliable, easy-to-install solution across a variety of belt widths and thicknesses. It’s also the best option for emergency field repairs — most farmers carry a roll in the toolbox.

The Advantage: Fast installation with basic tools. No press required.

2. Clipper Lacing (Wire Hook Style)

Best For: High-tension applications, square balers, and heavy-duty commercial use.

Clipper lacing uses a series of wire hooks that are driven through the belt and folded over, then connected by a hinge pin. The hooks create a stronger mechanical grip on the belt face than standard alligator staples.

How it Works: The wire hooks bite deeper into the belt carcass, distributing tension across a wider surface area. This makes Clipper lacing significantly stronger under high-load conditions.

Best Application: Square balers and high-density round balers that run belts under extreme tension. Also recommended for wider belts where belt tracking and joint integrity are critical.

The Advantage: Higher tensile strength than standard alligator lacing — better suited for demanding commercial operations.

3. Flexco Lacing (Plate-Style / Bolted)

Best For: Long-run commercial operations, maximum belt life, and permanent installations.

Flexco plate lacing uses metal plates that are bolted or riveted through the belt ends, creating the strongest and most durable joint available for agricultural belting.

How it Works: Steel plates sandwich both sides of the belt end and are secured with bolts or rivets. The result is a joint that approaches the tensile strength of the belt itself.

Best Application: High-volume commercial hay operations running belts continuously through long seasons. Also ideal for belts that are difficult to replace mid-season due to machine access or labor constraints.

The Advantage: Maximum joint strength and longevity. The best choice when downtime is not an option.

4. Lace-Style (Spiral / Zigzag) Lacing

Best For: Older baler models, smooth belts, and specialty applications.

Spiral or lace-style lacing uses a continuous wire or plastic coil that weaves through loops on both belt ends, similar to a shoelace. It creates a very flexible, low-profile joint.

How it Works: Loops are punched or formed along both belt ends, and a spiral coil is threaded through to connect them. The joint flexes easily in multiple directions.

Best Application: Older baler designs with tight pulley configurations where a rigid joint would cause tracking issues. Also used on smooth belts where other lacing types may not grip the belt face adequately.

The Advantage: Extremely flexible joint with a very low profile — ideal for tight wrap angles and small-diameter pulleys.

Key Factors When Choosing Baler Belt Lacing

Beyond the lacing type, keep these factors in mind:

• Belt thickness — lacing must match the belt gauge for proper seating and strength
• Belt width — wider belts require more lacing segments and higher-rated hardware
• Pulley diameter — tight wrap angles demand more flexible lacing styles
• Crop type and moisture — high-moisture silage puts more stress on joints than dry hay
• Installation tools available — some lacing requires a press; others install with a hammer

Don’t Let a Failed Joint Halt Your Harvest

The best belt in the world is only as strong as its lacing. At Quality Farm Supply, we stock a complete selection of baler belt lacing and accessories — including Alligator, Clipper, and specialty lacing in a range of sizes and ratings — so you can keep your belts running strong all season long.

👉 Shop Baler Belt Lacing & Accessories

👉 Shop All Baler Belts

The texture on the surface of your baler belts directly impacts how quickly a bale starts spinning, how tightly it packs, and how well the machine handles different crop moistures. Running the wrong tread can lead to core-starting failures, belt slippage, or excessive leaf loss.

To help you maximize your tonnage and minimize field downtime, let's break down the most common types of baler belt treads and what each one does best.

1. Diamond Top Belting

Best For: All-around versatility, dry hay, and high-volume operations.

The Diamond Top pattern is the undisputed industry standard for modern round baling. Featuring a continuous grid of raised, diamond-shaped profiles, this design offers an incredible balance of aggressive grip and smooth operation.

How it Works: The diamond texture provides thousands of tiny gripping edges that bite into the crop immediately. This ensures a fast, reliable core start in the chamber, which is crucial for building dense, uniform bales.

Best Application: If you bale a mix of alfalfa, clover, and grass hays across varying conditions, Diamond Top is your go-to choice. It performs exceptionally well in dry, slick grasses that traditional smooth belts struggle to grab.

The Advantage: It cleans itself remarkably well, resisting the buildup of sticky crop residue that can cause belt tracking issues.

2. Chevron Top (Rough Top / V-Cutter) Belting

Best For: High-moisture silage, heavy crops, and demanding commercial use.

Chevron or V-tread belts feature distinct, raised “V” shapes molded directly into the rubber. This is the heavy-duty workhorse pattern of the hay world, designed for maximum mechanical traction.

How it Works: The raised ridges act like paddles, aggressively pulling crop material into the chamber and forcing the bale to turn under heavy pressure.

Best Application: This pattern is highly recommended for silage and wet baling. High-moisture hay is heavy and naturally slick; Chevron belts provide the raw mechanical grip needed to prevent the bale from stalling in the chamber under extreme weight.

The Advantage: Unbeatable core starting in tough, heavy, or springy residue (like corn stalks).

3. Mini Rough Top (Continuous Pattern) Belting

Best For: Delicate forage crops, high leaf-retention, and budget-conscious maintenance.

Mini Rough Top belting features a fine, uniform pebbled or textured surface. It provides a more subtle grip compared to deep diamonds or heavy chevrons.

How it Works: The low-profile texture provides enough friction to keep the bale turning smoothly without aggressively puncturing or tearing the crop material.

Best Application: Ideal for high-quality legume crops like pure alfalfa or clover where leaf retention is paramount. Because the texture is less aggressive, it minimizes “leaf shatter”—keeping the most nutrient-dense part of the plant inside the bale rather than dropping it on the chamber floor.

The Advantage: Gentle on premium forage while still offering significantly better traction than a completely smooth belt.

4. Smooth Belting

Best For: Older baler models, utility baling, and highly abrasive soils.

While most modern balers have transitioned to textured belts, many classic machines still rely on traditional smooth surface belting.

How it Works: Smooth belts rely purely on the tension of the baler’s hydraulic or spring system to create friction against the bale.

Best Application: Best suited for traditional dry utility grass hays or operations running older vintage balers engineered specifically for smooth tracking. They are also highly durable in sandy or rocky soils, as there are no raised profiles to chip or wear down from abrasive dust.

The Advantage: Exceptionally long wear life and highly economical, though they require ideal crop moisture to prevent core-starting slips.

Don’t Let a Worn Belt Halt Your Harvest

No matter which tread fits your operation, running belts past their prime is a recipe for field failure. Over time, textures wear smooth, edges fray, and lacing weakens—usually letting go at the worst possible moment.

At Quality Farm Supply, we stock a complete selection of premium, OEM-spec replacement round baler belts and Baler Belt Lacing & Accessories to ensure you spend less time turning wrenches and more time rolling hay.

Ready to upgrade your grip this season? Browse our full selection of Baler Belts or contact our parts experts to find the exact match for your machine.

When harvest season arrives, every bushel counts. And while most operators focus on header setup, ground speed, and rotor settings, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your combine is often overlooked: the concaves.

Kondex KX7 concaves have earned a strong reputation among serious grain farmers for delivering cleaner separation, reduced grain loss, and better performance across a wide range of crop conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Concaves — and Why Do They Matter?

Concaves are the curved grates that wrap around the rotor or cylinder inside your combine. As crop material passes through, the concaves work with the rotor to thresh grain from the plant material. The quality of your concaves directly affects:

• Threshing efficiency — how completely grain is separated from the cob, head, or pod
• Grain loss — how much good grain passes over the sieves and out the back of the machine
• Crop damage — cracked kernels reduce grade and dockage at the elevator
• Throughput capacity — better concaves let you push higher ground speeds without sacrificing separation quality

The KX7 System: MaxThresh and MaxRound

The Kondex KX7 system is built around two complementary concave assemblies — each engineered for a specific role in the threshing chamber.

KX7 MaxThresh Concaves

KX7 MaxThresh concaves deliver a better, faster thresh than large-wire or small-wire concaves. The key is an angled-bar design that meets the crop head-on for more aggressive, immediate threshing. To protect against wear while softening contact, Kondex applies a laser cladding additive to the threshing bars — extending performance and life well beyond other high-wear options.

MaxThresh assemblies should be placed in the frontmost positions in your threshing chamber. This achieves earlier threshing and allows for more separation as your crop flows through.

KX7 MaxRound Concaves

KX7 MaxRound concaves also feature an angled-bar design for some threshing, but their primary function is separation. They’ve proven highly effective at preventing plugging, which directly lowers rotor loss. MaxRound bars are heat-treated for a 25% improvement in wear resistance over non-heat-treated concaves.

MaxRound assemblies should always be placed behind MaxThresh concaves to maximize separation performance.

How KX7 Makes You More Productive

The angled-bar design of both KX7 assemblies meets the crop head-on for more immediate threshing — increasing the overall capacity of your combine. This allows you to:

• Raise your concave clearance
• Reduce wear on your rotor
• Gain more flexibility to fine-tune settings
• Achieve more grain-on-grain threshing through increased airflow disruption

Greater Customization

At half the width of most traditional concaves, KX7 doubles your configuration options. Choose from MaxThresh and MaxRound assemblies, each with removable, replaceable, and reversible box inserts. This gives you the unique flexibility to customize your combine’s threshing chamber by crop type or field condition — something traditional concaves simply can’t match.

Precision Manufacturing

Every KX7 concave is robotically manufactured, with welds individually inspected by American Welding Society (AWS)-qualified welders. Kondex’s ISO-certified quality assurance process includes rigorous visual and robotic testing to ensure each component meets or exceeds expectations for fit and performance.

Which Crops Benefit Most?

KX7 concaves are particularly well-suited for:

• Corn — improved separation in high-yield, high-moisture conditions
• Soybeans — cleaner threshing with less pod shatter and cracked beans
• Wheat and small grains — consistent bar spacing improves separation without over-threshing
• Specialty crops — the reduced-aggression design is a strong fit for crops where sample quality is critical

Is It Time to Upgrade?

If your current concaves are showing wear, or if you’ve been accepting grain loss and cracked samples as “just part of harvest,” it may be time to take a closer look at what’s happening inside your combine.

Signs it’s time to replace or upgrade your concaves:

• Visible wear on the bars or wires
• Increasing grain loss at the rear of the machine
• Elevated cracked grain percentages at the elevator
• Inconsistent threshing across the width of the rotor

Shop Kondex KX7 Concaves at Quality Farm Supply

Quality Farm Supply stocks Kondex KX7 concaves for a wide range of combine makes and models. Our team can help you identify the right fit for your machine and crop mix.

👉 Shop Kondex KX7 Concaves — Click Here

Have questions? Contact our parts team — we’re here to help you get the most out of every acre.

Operating a tedder with incorrect or worn-out wheels and tires leads to uneven fluffing, increased field debris in your hay, and unnecessary structural stress on the machine’s frame and gearboxes.

Whether you are running a classic John Deere, a high-capacity New Holland, or a precision Kuhn tedder, here is exactly how to determine and select the proper wheel and tire size for your equipment.

Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Tire

To find your hay tedder tire size, first check the sidewall for manufacturer markings (e.g., 15x6.00-6). If the text is worn off, use a tape measure while the tire is inflated to determine the overall diameter, section width, and rim size.

Step 1: Identify the Sidewall Numbers

Most implement and garden tires use a 3-number format (e.g., 16x6.50-8):

• First Number — The overall outside height/diameter of the tire in inches (e.g., 16")
• Second Number — The width of the tire section in inches (e.g., 6.50")
• Third Number — The diameter of the wheel/rim in inches (e.g., 8")

Step 2: Manual Measurement

If the sidewall is illegible, measure the tire dimensions by hand while the tire is inflated:

• Section Width — Use a tape measure across the widest part of the tire (sidewall to sidewall)
• Overall Diameter — Measure straight across the center of the tire from the very top tread edge to the very bottom tread edge
• Wheel/Rim Diameter — Measure from the inside bead lip on one side of the rim to the inside bead lip on the opposite side

Step 3: Ply Rating and Tread

Once you have your size, confirm the ply rating meets or exceeds OEM spec. For most modern high-capacity tedders, a 6-Ply (Heavy-Duty) tire is recommended for puncture resistance on rough terrain. Look for a smooth, ribbed, or turf tread pattern — tedder tires need to float over stubble, not dig in like a tractor tire.

Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Wheel for Wheels That Slide Onto A Smooth Axle Spindle

If you are replacing the entire wheel and tire assembly — which is highly recommended to save time and eliminate the headache of mounting small pneumatic tires — you must ensure the steel wheel matches your tedder’s axle hub. Standard tedder wheels (like common 16x6.50-8 or 15x6.00-6 assemblies) rely on specific hub dimensions to fit correctly onto the frame.

Step 1: Hub Length

This is the most critical measurement to ensure the wheel does not slide on the axle or stick out too far. Measure from one outer edge of the wheel bearing (or hub) to the other outer edge, straight through the center.

Measure from one outer edge of the wheel bearing (or hub) to the other outer edge, straight through the center.

This is the width of the hole that runs through the center of the wheel. Usually measured by passing a pencil through and measuring the span.

Common hub lengths for hay tedders are typically around 2" to 3.25". For example, a common Hay Tedder Wheel & Tire Assembly — 16" x 8", 6-Ply — has a hub length of 3.18".

Step 2: Axle Bore (Bearing I.D.)

Measure the inside diameter of the wheel bearing to determine the size of the axle spindle it fits onto. Most standard tedders use a 1" bore (25 mm). This must match your axle spindle precisely to prevent wobbling or premature bearing failure.

Measure the inside diameter of the bearing (the hole the axles slides into) to ensure the new wheel will sit properly on your tedder’s axle.

Selecting the Right Hay Tedder Wheel for Wheels that use a Bolt-On Rim

Step 1: Bolt Pattern 

If your wheel uses lug bolts rather than an integrated bearing hub, verify the bolt circle and lug count. Most smaller implements use a standard 4-bolt or 5-bolt pattern. 

Measure the dimension from the one lug hole directly to the center of the opposite lug hole. You only need to know the bolt hole measurements if you hay tedder uses a bolt-on wheel rim rather than a smooth axle slide-on pin.

Step 2: Measure the Pilot (Center Hole) Diameter

(For non-bearing hugs or pilot mounted wheels). This opening must precisely match the axle spindle outside diameter.

You only need to know the bolt hole measurements if you hay tedder uses a bolt-on wheel rim rather than a smooth axle slide-on pin.

Summary: Full Measurement Checklist

Before ordering your replacement tire or wheel assembly, have these specs confirmed:

By keeping these dimensions aligned with your specific manufacturer’s guidelines, you’ll guarantee a smooth ride, pristine hay, and a machine that’s ready to work hard all season long.

Looking for a rugged, field-ready replacement? Quality Farm Supply stocks premium, heavy-duty wheel and tire assemblies built specifically to endure the demanding conditions of hay tool maintenance.

This guide covers everything you need to inspect, adjust, and replace on your stripper header before you make your first pass of the season.

How a Stripper Header Works — And Why Maintenance Matters

Unlike a conventional cutting header, a stripper header doesn't sever the crop at the stem. Instead, a high-speed rotor fitted with flexible stripper bats combs through the standing crop, stripping the grain heads directly from the stalk and leaving the straw standing in the field.

The advantages are significant — higher ground speeds, dramatically reduced straw volume entering the combine, lower fuel consumption, and better performance in lodged or tangled crops. But the stripper rotor and its components operate under high rotational stress and constant crop contact, making regular inspection and timely replacement critical to maintaining those advantages.

Stripper Bats — The Highest-Wear Component

The stripper bats are the flexible rubber or polyurethane fingers mounted on the rotor that do the actual stripping work. They take a beating every hour of operation — flexing thousands of times per minute against standing crop at high rotor speeds.

What to inspect:

• Bat length — worn bats that have shortened from abrasion reduce stripping efficiency and increase grain loss. Measure bat length against the manufacturer's specification and replace any bat that is more than 10–15% shorter than spec
• Bat cracking or tearing — cracks at the base of the bat are a sign of fatigue; a bat that tears off in the field can cause rotor imbalance and secondary damage
• Bat stiffness — bats that have hardened from UV exposure or age lose the flexibility needed for clean stripping; they grab and pull rather than flex and release
• Bat spacing and alignment — confirm all bats are seated correctly in their mounting slots and that spacing is uniform around the rotor

When to replace:

Replace bats as a complete set — not individually. Mismatched bat lengths and stiffness levels create rotor imbalance, uneven stripping, and accelerated wear on the newer bats. If more than 20% of your bats are worn or damaged, replace the full set before the season starts.

Rotor Inspection — Speed, Balance, and Condition

The stripper rotor is the heart of the header. Rotor speed is the single most important operating parameter for stripping efficiency — too slow and you leave grain on the stalk; too fast and you increase shattering loss.

Rotor speed:

• Confirm rotor RPM against the manufacturer's specification for your crop type and conditions. Most stripper headers operate in the 700–900 RPM range for wheat, but consult your operator's manual for your specific header
• Check drive belt condition and tension — a slipping belt causes rotor speed to drop under load without any obvious indication from the cab
• Inspect the rotor speed sensor if your header is equipped with one; a faulty sensor can mask actual speed variation

Rotor condition:

• Inspect the rotor tube for dents, bends, or cracks — rotor damage from rock strikes can cause vibration and imbalance
• Check all bat mounting slots for wear or deformation; a worn slot allows bats to shift position during operation
• Inspect rotor end caps and mounting hardware for wear and security

Bearings — The Most Overlooked Failure Point

Bearing failure is the most common cause of mid-harvest stripper header breakdowns — and the most preventable. Bearings on the rotor, auger, and reel operate under continuous load and high rotational speed throughout harvest.

Pre-season bearing inspection:

• Rotate the rotor, auger, and reel by hand and listen for grinding, roughness, or irregular resistance — any of these indicate a bearing that needs replacement before the season
• Check for excessive radial or axial play at each bearing location — movement beyond manufacturer tolerance means the bearing is worn
• Inspect bearing housings for cracks, corrosion, or seal damage that allows contamination

Lubrication:

• Grease all fittings per the manufacturer's schedule — most stripper header bearings require greasing every 50–100 hours of operation
• Use the correct grease specification for your header; mixing grease types can cause seal degradation and premature bearing failure
• Don't over-grease — excess grease pressure can damage seals and introduce contamination

Replace proactively:

If a bearing showed any roughness or noise last season, replace it before this season starts. A bearing that makes it through one harvest may not make it through the next — and a bearing failure at peak harvest is far more expensive than a proactive replacement in the shop.

Crop Dividers, Auger, and Feed System

Crop dividers:

• Inspect divider points for bends or damage from rock strikes — a bent divider disrupts crop flow into the rotor and can cause uneven stripping across the header width
• Check divider mounting hardware for security; loose dividers vibrate and fatigue their mounting points

Auger and feed system:

• Inspect auger flighting for wear, bends, or cracks — worn flighting reduces feeding efficiency and can cause crop to bunch at the feeder house transition
• Check auger finger condition and retraction timing — fingers that don't retract properly at the correct position cause crop to wrap around the auger
• Inspect the feeder house transition area for wear or buildup that restricts crop flow

Header tilt and float:

• Verify header tilt and float settings are within spec for your field conditions — a header that doesn't float properly over uneven ground causes the rotor to run at inconsistent height, affecting stripping uniformity
• Check all hydraulic cylinders and hoses for leaks or restricted movement

Pre-Harvest Setup Checklist

Use this checklist before your first pass of the season:

• Inspect and measure all stripper bats — replace full set if worn or damaged
• Verify rotor RPM against manufacturer spec
• Check drive belt condition and tension
• Inspect rotor tube, mounting slots, and end caps
• Rotate all bearings by hand — check for roughness or play
• Grease all fittings per manufacturer schedule
• Inspect crop dividers for damage and security
• Check auger flighting and finger condition
• Verify header tilt, float, and hydraulic function
• Confirm all guards and shields are in place
• Run the header at operating speed before entering the field — listen for vibration, noise, or irregular operation

A stripper header is one of the most efficient tools in small grain harvesting — but only when it's properly maintained and set up. Worn bats, neglected bearings, and out-of-spec rotor speed quietly cost you bushels on every pass without any obvious warning until something fails.

Quality Farm Supply stocks Shelbourne Reynolds stripper header finger kits. Our parts team can help you confirm the right fit for your specific header before you order.

Get your header ready now — before wheat harvest shuts you down.

Shop Shelbourne Reynolds Stripper Header Finger Kits - Click Here. 

Your hay rake is one of the simplest machines on the farm — and one of the easiest to neglect. But worn rake wheels, bent tines, and improper setup cost you more than you think: scattered windrows, excessive leaf loss, slower curing times, and lower-quality bales. A few minutes of inspection and the right replacement parts before the season starts can save hours of frustration in the field.

This guide covers everything you need to know about inspecting your rake wheels, knowing when to replace them, and setting up your rake for clean, consistent windrows all season long.

Section 1: How to Inspect Your Rake Wheels

Before the first cutting, pull your rake out of storage and give every wheel a thorough inspection. Here's what to look for:

Tine condition

• Check each tine for bends, cracks, or breaks. Even a few damaged tines per wheel will disrupt the raking pattern and cause uneven windrows.
• Look for tines that have lost their original curve or tension — flat or straightened tines won't lift hay cleanly off the ground.
• Replace any tine that is bent more than 15–20 degrees out of its original position.

Tine attachment points

• Inspect the clips, bolts, or retaining rings that hold tines to the wheel hub. Loose or missing fasteners allow tines to shift position or eject during operation.
• Replace any worn or missing hardware — tine hardware is inexpensive insurance against losing tines in the field.

Wheel hubs and bearings

• Spin each wheel by hand and listen for grinding or roughness. A smooth, free-spinning wheel indicates good bearing condition.
• Check for excessive play in the hub — side-to-side wobble indicates worn bearings that need replacement before the season starts.
• Grease all hub fittings per the manufacturer's specification.

Wheel frame and arms

• Inspect the wheel carrier arms for bends or cracks, especially if the rake hit rocks or debris last season.
• Check all pivot points and linkages for wear and lubricate as needed.

Section 2: When to Replace Rake Wheels

Rake wheels don't last forever, and running worn wheels costs you hay quality and raking efficiency. Replace your rake wheels when:

• More than 20–25% of tines are damaged or missing — at this point, the wheel is no longer raking evenly and you're losing hay with every pass
• Tines are consistently breaking — repeated breakage often indicates metal fatigue; replacing individual tines on an old wheel is a losing battle
• The wheel hub is cracked or the bearing seat is damaged — hub damage can't be repaired reliably in the field
• The wheel is visibly out of round — a warped wheel creates an uneven raking pattern and puts stress on the carrier arm

When replacing wheels, replace in matched sets on each side of the rake to maintain balanced raking performance.

Section 3: Choosing the Right Replacement Rake Wheels

Not all rake wheels are interchangeable. When ordering replacements, confirm:

• Wheel diameter — common sizes range from 44" to 52"; match your OEM specification
• Tine count — more tines per wheel generally means finer, more thorough raking; match your original configuration
• Tine style — standard, heavy-duty, and pickup tines are available depending on crop type and field conditions
• Hub bolt pattern and bore — must match your rake's carrier arm mounting
• OEM compatibility — confirm the wheel is rated for your rake brand and model (New Holland, Kuhn, Sitrex, H&S, Vermeer, and others all have specific fitments)

Quality Farm Supply stocks rake wheels and tines for a wide range of rake brands and models — if you're not sure what fits your machine, our team can help you find the right part.

Section 4: How to Set Up Your Rake Wheels for Best Performance

Proper rake wheel setup is just as important as the condition of the wheels themselves. A well-maintained rake that's improperly adjusted will still produce poor windrows.

Ground clearance and tine angle

• Set tine ground clearance so tines just skim the surface without digging in. Tines that dig into the ground pick up dirt and debris, contaminating the windrow and increasing ash content in the bale.
• Adjust tine angle per the manufacturer's recommendation for your crop type — a more aggressive angle moves more material but increases leaf loss in legumes like alfalfa.

Wheel overlap

• On multi-wheel rakes, ensure adjacent wheels overlap slightly to avoid leaving strips of unraked hay between wheels.
• Check overlap after any wheel replacement, as slight diameter differences between new and old wheels can create gaps.

Rake angle and windrow width

• Adjust the rake angle to produce a windrow width appropriate for your baler pickup — too narrow and the baler struggles to pick up cleanly; too wide and the windrow won't cure evenly.
• For rotary rakes, ensure both sides are set symmetrically to produce a centered, consistent windrow.

Ground speed

• Match ground speed to crop volume and conditions. Too fast in heavy hay causes tines to throw material rather than roll it into a clean windrow, increasing leaf shatter in dry conditions.
• Slow down in thin or dry crops to minimize loss.

Section 5: Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Use this checklist at the start of each season and after every 50–75 hours of operation:

• Inspect all tines — replace bent, broken, or fatigued tines
• Check all tine fasteners — tighten or replace as needed
• Grease all hub fittings
• Spin each wheel by hand — check for bearing roughness or play
• Inspect carrier arms and pivot points for wear or damage
• Verify wheel overlap and ground clearance settings
• Check rake angle and windrow width settings
• Inspect hitch and transport components
• Confirm all safety shields are in place

Conclusion

A well-maintained rake with properly set up wheels is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in hay quality. Replacing worn tines and wheels before the season starts is far cheaper than the hay you'll lose — or the downtime you'll face — running worn equipment through your first cutting.

Quality Farm Supply stocks rake wheels, tines, and rake parts for a wide range of brands and models. Shop online or call our team — we'll help you find the right parts for your machine and get them to you fast.

What Are Sickle Sections and Why Do They Matter?

Sickle sections are the individual serrated or smooth-edged blades that bolt onto the sickle bar and do the actual cutting work. As the sickle bar reciprocates rapidly, each section shears crop against a stationary counter-knife (guard). When sections dull, chip, or crack, the result is:

• Ragged, uneven cuts that stress plant stems and reduce regrowth in hay applications
• Increased knife drive load, leading to premature pitman arm, wobble box, or drive belt wear
• Crop pushing and bunching instead of clean shearing, especially in heavy or tough-stemmed crops
• Missed grain at the header in small grains like wheat, barley, and oats

Replacing sections at the right interval — not just when they fail — is the most cost-effective maintenance habit you can build into your harvest season.

1. Selecting the Right AgSmart Section for Your Application

Not all sickle sections are created equal. AgSmart offers several section profiles designed for specific crop types and cutting conditions.

• Standard Serrated Sections: The workhorse choice for most small grain and hay applications. The serrated edge grips and shears cleanly through dry, upright crop. Best for wheat, oats, barley, and dry alfalfa.
• Smooth-Edge Sections: Preferred for green, tough-stemmed crops like soybeans or wet hay. The smooth edge slices rather than grabs, reducing wrapping and plugging in high-moisture conditions.
• Hi-Lift Sections: Feature an upward-angled profile that lifts lodged or down crop into the cutting zone before shearing. Ideal for storm-damaged fields or heavily lodged small grains.
• Coated/Hardened Sections: AgSmart's hardened sections use a specialized heat treatment or coating process to extend wear life significantly in abrasive, sandy, or rocky soil conditions where sections dull rapidly.

Key fit consideration: Always match the section to your sickle bar's bolt pattern (typically 1-1/2" or 3" spacing) and confirm compatibility with your specific header make and model before ordering in bulk.

2. Reading Wear — When to Replace

Visual inspection before and during the season is your first line of defense. Replace sections when you observe any of the following:

• Chipped or missing teeth on serrated sections — even one missing tooth creates a dead zone that pushes rather than cuts
• Rounded or polished edges — a shiny, smooth bevel on a serrated section means the hardened edge is gone
• Cracks at the bolt holes — stress fractures here mean imminent breakage and potential damage to the sickle bar itself
• Bent or warped sections — caused by rock strikes; a bent section will contact the guard unevenly and accelerate guard wear
• Excessive crop pushing in the field — if you're seeing uncut stems or the header is working harder than usual, worn sections are often the culprit before any mechanical issue

Pro tip: Replace sections in sets across the full sickle bar rather than spot-replacing individual sections. Mismatched wear levels create uneven cutting load and accelerate wear on the newer sections.

3. Tools and Prep Before You Start

Replacing sickle sections is a straightforward job with the right setup. Gather the following before you begin:

• Sickle section riveter or bolt kit (AgSmart sections are available in both riveted and bolted configurations)
• Sickle bar clamp or vise to hold the bar steady during installation
• Punch and hammer for driving out old rivets if applicable
• Torque wrench for bolted sections — over-torquing cracks sections at the bolt hole
• Wire brush and penetrating oil to free corroded fasteners on older bars
• Safety gloves — sickle sections are razor-sharp even when worn

4. Step-by-Step Replacement Process

Step 1 — Disengage and lock out the header.
Lower the header to the ground, disengage the knife drive, and follow your machine's lockout/tagout procedure. Never work on a sickle bar without confirming the drive is fully disengaged.

Step 2 — Position the sickle bar for access.
Cycle the sickle bar by hand (with the machine off) to position the worn sections in an accessible location. Many technicians work from the front of the header with the header lowered flat.

Step 3 — Remove the worn section.
For bolted sections, remove the nut and bolt. For riveted sections, use a punch to drive out the rivet from the back side of the bar. Inspect the sickle bar at each location for cracks, burrs, or deformation before installing the new section.

Step 4 — Install the new AgSmart section.
Align the new section with the bolt holes in the sickle bar. For bolted installations, hand-thread the fastener first, then torque to spec (typically 8–12 ft-lbs — confirm with your header manual). For riveted installations, use a proper sickle riveter to set the rivet flush — a proud rivet will contact the guard and cause immediate damage.

Step 5 — Check guard alignment.
After replacing sections, manually cycle the sickle bar and verify each new section passes cleanly through its corresponding guard with minimal side play. Bent or misaligned guards should be replaced or straightened at the same time.

Step 6 — Inspect the knife drive components.
A full section replacement is the ideal time to inspect the pitman arm, wobble box oil level, and drive belt for wear. Catching these now prevents a mid-season breakdown.

5. Extending Section Life Between Replacements

A few operational habits can meaningfully extend the service life of your AgSmart sections:

• Maintain proper cutting height — running too low increases soil and rock contact, the fastest way to dull or chip sections
• Keep guards tight and properly aligned — a loose or bent guard creates uneven shear load on the section edge
• Lubricate the sickle bar regularly — a dry bar runs hotter and accelerates wear at the section-to-guard interface
• Carry spare sections in the cab — a mid-field section failure doesn't have to end your day if you have replacements and a basic tool kit on the machine

Shop AgSmart Cutting Sections at Quality Farm Supply

Whether you're running a disc mower, a draper header, or a sickle-equipped combine, Quality Farm Supply stocks AgSmart cutting sections to fit the most popular JD, Case IH, New Holland, and MacDon platforms. Order online with confidence — our team knows ag equipment and can help you confirm the right fit before you buy.

Have a question about sickle section selection for your specific header? Contact our parts team — we're here to help you cut clean and harvest more.

Shop AgSmart Sickle Sections Here

Raptor® Draper Belting—originally developed by WCCO Belting and now part of Continental—increases field yields by directly targeting shatter loss, crop flow mechanics, and machine uptime.

While a standard belt simply moves material, Raptor belting uses advanced material science to fundamentally alter how gently and consistently a crop is handled from the cutter bar to the feeder house.

1. Controlling "Shatter Loss" with the Edge Defender®

Shatter loss occurs when mature, brittle seed heads (like wheat or soybeans) slam violently into standard header components, shelling grain before it ever reaches the threshing drum.

• The Problem: Traditional straight cleats allow pods and seed heads to roll sideways or backward, often getting pinched or trapped against the rigid metal cutter bar, where they are crushed.
• The Raptor Solution: Raptor belts utilize a patented Edge Defender® angled cleat design. These unique, sculpted cleats act as a directional guide. They actively funnel and sweep loose grain away from the abrasive cutter bar and immediately keep it toward the center of the belt canvas. This keeps the most fragile pods moving gently inward rather than dropping to the soil.

2. Eliminating Crop "Bunching" & Slugging

A combine harvester's threshing and cleaning shoes operate at peak efficiency only when they receive a smooth, uniform mat of material.

• The Problem: Lower-grade belts slip under heavy loads. This causes the crop to temporarily pile up on the sides of the header. When the belt finally catches, it forces a massive "slug" of tangled material into the feeder house all at once. This causes a sudden RPM drop, poor grain-to-chaff separation, and significant grain being blown right out the back of the combine.
• The Raptor Solution: Raptor draper belts are engineered with a specialized filament fabric weave that resists stretching and pulling under maximum load. By eliminating belt lag, the crop feeds into the combine as a highly consistent, uniform mat. The internal threshing mechanism stays perfectly loaded, optimizing separation and heavily dropping your tail-loss percentage.

3. Structural Mechanics: Stiffness and Tracking

How a belt behaves structurally on its rollers dictates how much grain escapes through the header's gaps.

• Teardrop Fiber Reinforcement: Raptor belts incorporate an innovative, teardrop-shaped fiberglass rod vulcanized directly inside the center of each cleat. This gives the belt immense cross-directional rigidity, preventing the edges from curling up or folding down under heavy, wet crop weights.
• Zero-Gap Tracking: By pairing a stiff fabric base with precise, molded V-guides on the underside, the belt tracks flawlessly straight on its rollers without walking. Flawless tracking means the gap between the belt edge and the header seals remains completely closed, entirely blocking small grains like wheat or canola from slipping beneath the machine.

4. Compounding Your Yield: Starting Earlier, Stopping Later

Yield isn't just measured in bushels per acre; it's measured in capturing the maximum crop volume during the absolute best weather window.

• Friction vs. Skim Coatings: Raptor features a highly specialized dual-rubber design—a durable skim coat on top to fight stubble abrasion, and a low-friction coat on the bottom. This reduces mechanical drag and hydraulic pressure requirements.
• Field Reliance: Because the belt pulls smoothly without bogging down the combine's hydraulics, harvesters can head into the field earlier in the morning when dew is still on the plant, and cut later into the damp evening without worrying about the belt stalling out or plugging. Expanding your operating window means harvesting more of your crop at its peak nutritional value.

Shop Quality Farm Supply's Selection of Raptor Draper Belts Now - Click Here 

Since the late 1990s, Kondex has been leading the way in disc mower knife (DMK) manufacturing and testing — and their team was heavily involved in setting the industry standards. Because these knives spin at high rates of speed and can encounter obstacles during use, safety is paramount. But it's performance that truly sets Kondex DMKs above the rest.

🔩 How Disc Mower Knives Work

Disc mower knives are used on mower conditioners pushed or pulled by tractors. Typically, two DMKs are mounted on opposite sides of oval discs — also called turtle shells. Kondex DMKs are made to varying lengths, widths, twist angles, and mounting hole diameters, and are supplied to all major OEMs for both new production and service components. Quality Farm Supply stocks a full line of Kondex mower knives without the high dealer markup.

🔪 Machined Cutting Edge — Improved Sharpness

Kondex DMKs feature a precision-machined cutting edge that delivers superior sharpness right out of the box — and holds that edge longer under high-acreage field conditions.

💪 Milled Edge Stops Before Mount Holes — Greater Structural Strength

The milled edge is intentionally stopped before the mounting holes, preserving the structural integrity of the knife at its most critical stress point. Less breakage. More uptime.

🌀 Radial-Twist Design — Smoother Cut & Better Lifting Action

The radial-twist geometry improves lifting action as the knife spins, resulting in a cleaner, smoother cut that minimizes crop stress — and faster dry-down times that lock in peak forage nutritional value.

🔥 Superior Heat Treatment — Greater Impact Absorption

Through-hardened with a superior heat treatment process, Kondex DMKs absorb high-impact field conditions — rocks, stumps, and debris — without chipping or premature dulling.

✅ OEM-Quality Fit for All Major Brands

Kondex supplies DMKs to all major OEMs and designs their knives as direct, seamless replacements for Kuhn and other leading disc mower brands — ensuring perfect balance and smooth cutterbar operation.

📦 More Bales, Less Downtime

When you choose Kondex, you spend less time swapping blades in the shop and more time checking acres off your list. First cutting doesn't wait for anyone.

📦 In Stock & Ready to Ship Straight to Your Shop!

👇 Click below to get your replacement Kondex knives before you hit the field.

🔗 Shop Kondex Disc Mower Knives Here

Or browse our full Disc Mower Knives & Blades for more options.

Here's your complete pre-season hay checklist to make sure you're ready to roll.

🌾 1. Inspect Your Mower Conditioner

• Check blades, knives, or disc mower blades for wear or damage — replace if edges are dull or chipped.
• Inspect conditioner rolls or flails for cracks, missing tines, or uneven wear.
• Grease all fittings per your operator's manual.
• Check gearbox oil levels and look for leaks.
• Inspect driveline shields and PTO shaft for damage.
• Confirm cutting height is set correctly for your crop type.

🔄 2. Check Your Rake

• Inspect rake teeth/tines — replace any bent or missing ones.
• Check wheel bearings and hubs for play or roughness.
• Verify rake width settings and adjust for your windrow target.
• Lubricate all pivot points and moving parts.
• Inspect transport locks and safety chains.

🌀 3. Tedder Readiness

• Check all tine arms and tines for bends or breaks
• Inspect gearbox and rotor bearings
• Grease all fittings
• Confirm rotor height is set to avoid soil contamination
• Test PTO engagement before heading to the field

📦 4. Baler Pre-Season Check

Round Balers:

• Inspect belts or chains for wear, cracking, or stretch.
• Check net wrap or twine system — load fresh supply and test wrap cycle.
• Inspect pickup tines and cam track.
• Check bale chamber rollers and bearings.
• Verify gate latch and hydraulic cylinders operate smoothly.

Square Balers:

• Inspect knotter components — billhook, twine disc, stripper, and needle.
• Check plunger knife and shear bolt supply.
• Inspect pickup and auger for wear.
• Load and test twine — confirm proper tension.
• Grease all fittings and check chain tension.

🚜 5. Tractor & Operator Comfort

• Check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and tire pressure.
• Inspect PTO shaft and confirm RPM matches implement requirements.
• Test cab A/C — long days in the field demand a cool cab.
• Check canopy or shade system if running an open station tractor.
• Stock the cab with water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

🛠️ 6. Stock Your Parts Inventory

Nothing kills momentum like a breakdown with no spare parts on hand. Before the season starts, make sure you have:

• Spare mower blades or disc knives.
• Extra rake tines.
• Shear bolts (multiple sizes).
• Knotter twine and net wrap.
• Belting and belt lacing supplies.
• Common bearings for your equipment.
• Grease, oil, and hydraulic fluid.

Quality Farm Supply stocks a full line of hay equipment parts — from TeeJet tips to replacement belting — so you can get what you need fast and stay in the field.

☀️ 7. Watch the Weather Window

• Target 3–5 consecutive days of low humidity and no rain for first cutting.
• Cut in the morning after dew has lifted for faster dry-down.
• Monitor forecast closely — don't cut if rain is within 48 hours.
• Consider a tedder pass to speed drying if conditions are marginal.

✅ Ready to Cut?

Run through this checklist before your first pass and you'll be set up for a smooth, productive hay season. If you need parts, supplies, or equipment accessories, Quality Farm Supply has you covered.

Shop Hay Equipment Parts

• Bale Spears and Bushings
• Cornhead Parts
• Cutting Section Bolts and Rivets
• Disc Mowers
• Flail Mowers
• Gentle Fingers Combine Reel Teeth
• Grain Head Parts for John Deere
• Guards and Hold Downs
• Hay Balers
• Ledger and Shoe Plate, Sole, Grassboard
• Rake / Baler and Tedder Teeth
• Rotary Cutters
• Sickle Assemblies
• Sickle Heads and Bushings
• Sickle Sections
• Tedder Tire Assemblies and Parts
• Wheel Rakes

Have questions or need help identifying a part? Contact our team — we're here to help you get back in the field fast.

Haying season is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year on the farm. It's also one of the most hazardous. Round balers are powerful, efficient machines — but they involve high-speed rotating components, heavy hydraulic systems, and multi-ton bales that can move unpredictably. Every year, preventable accidents happen to experienced operators who let familiarity breed complacency.

This guide covers the most important round baler safety practices — from pre-season preparation to field operation to bale transport. Read it, share it with anyone who operates your equipment, and make it part of your seasonal routine.

Start with the Owner's Manual — Every Season

Before the first bale of the season, pull out the owner's manual and review the safety and operations sections. This isn't busywork. Manufacturers update safety guidelines, and a refresher at the start of each season reinforces habits that can prevent serious injury.

The manual will also specify the correct tractor size and horsepower range for your baler. Using an undersized tractor reduces control and increases the risk of instability, especially on hilly terrain. Always match your tractor to the baler's requirements.

Tractor requirements to verify before baling:

• Tractor is within the manufacturer's recommended horsepower range for the baler.
• Tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS).
• Seat belt is functional and used — every time, without exception.

Pre-Season Baler Inspection

A thorough inspection before the first use of the season is your first line of defense against both mechanical failures and safety hazards. Walk through the entire machine and address anything that's worn, damaged, or missing before heading to the field.

Key safety-related inspection points:

• PTO driveshaft shields: Inspect every shield section for cracks, missing pieces, or shields that don't rotate freely. A missing or damaged PTO shield is one of the most serious entanglement hazards on any farm implement. Replace immediately — no exceptions.
• All other machine guards and shields: Verify that every guard covering belts, chains, rollers, and other moving parts is in place and secure. Never operate the baler with guards removed.
• Hydraulic hoses and fittings: Inspect for cracking, chafing, and leaks. Use a piece of cardboard — never your hand — to check for hydraulic leaks. High-pressure hydraulic fluid can penetrate skin and cause serious injection injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Hydraulic cylinder lock-out devices: Verify that lock-out devices are present and functional for any raised baler components you may need to work beneath.
• Belts, chains, and rollers: Inspect for wear and damage. A belt or chain failure in the field creates both a mechanical problem and a potential safety hazard.
• Fire extinguisher: Mount a 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher on the tractor. Belt friction and equipment overheating are real fire risks during baling — having an extinguisher within reach can prevent a small problem from becoming a catastrophic one.

The #1 Rule: Never Leave the Seat While the PTO Is Engaged

Entanglement is the greatest risk during baling operations — and it is almost always the result of one decision: leaving the tractor seat while the machine is still running.

Round balers have multiple high-speed rotating components that can grab clothing, limbs, or hair in an instant. There is no safe way to reach into or around a running baler. The machine does not know you are there.

Before leaving the tractor seat for any reason — to clear a plug, check the bale, adjust twine, or anything else — follow this sequence without exception:

1. Disengage the PTO.
2. Place the tractor in park or neutral with the brake set.
3. Shut off the tractor engine.
4. Remove the key from the ignition.
5. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

This sequence takes less than 60 seconds. An entanglement incident takes less than one. There is no shortcut worth taking.

Safe Field Operation

Terrain Awareness

Round balers have a high center of gravity — especially when a bale is forming in the chamber. This makes them susceptible to tipping on uneven or hilly terrain. Keep these practices in mind:

• Reduce ground speed on slopes, uneven ground, and near field edges.
• Avoid holes, ditches, and drop-offs. Scout unfamiliar fields before baling.
• Avoid sharp turns while baling. The tractor's rear wheels can contact the baler tongue during tight turns, causing instability and potential loss of control.
• When ejecting a bale on a slope, position the baler so the bale ejects perpendicular to the slope — not parallel to it. A round bale rolling downhill can travel a significant distance and is extremely dangerous to anyone in its path.

Plugging and Clearing

Plugging is one of the most common situations that leads operators to make unsafe decisions. When the baler plugs, the instinct is to get it cleared quickly and get back to work. This is exactly when the shutdown sequence above is most critical.

• Never attempt to clear a plug with the PTO engaged or the engine running.
• Shut down completely before reaching into the pickup, feeder, or bale chamber.
• Use a clearing tool or stick rather than your hands when possible.
• After clearing, inspect the area before restarting to ensure nothing is caught or wrapped.

Fire Prevention

Baler fires are more common than most operators realize. Belt friction, crop buildup around bearings and the driveline, and overheating components are the primary causes.

• Clear crop debris from around bearings, the driveline, and the engine area regularly during the day.
• Monitor bearing temperatures — a bearing that's hot to the touch after a short run is a warning sign.
• Keep the fire extinguisher accessible on the tractor at all times during baling.
• If a fire starts, prioritize your safety first. Disconnect the baler from the tractor if it can be done safely, and move the tractor away from the fire.

Bale Handling and Transport Safety

Moving Bales in the Field

A large round bale can weigh anywhere from 800 to over 2,000 pounds depending on size, crop type, and moisture content. Treat every bale as a serious hazard when it's in motion.

• Never allow anyone to stand downhill or downslope from a bale being ejected or moved.
• Keep bystanders — especially children — well clear of the baling operation at all times.
• When stacking bales with a spear or grapple, ensure the area beneath and around the stack is clear before placing or removing bales.

Transporting Bales on Public Roads

Bale wagons and trailers that carry multiple bales offer real advantages — time savings, reduced tractor hydraulic strain, and better stability than single-bale spear transport. When using them:

• Match the tractor to the loaded weight of the wagon or trailer. Verify the tractor has adequate braking power to stop the full load on a downhill grade.
• Hitch the wagon properly to the tractor drawbar using both a safety pin and a safety chain.
• Secure bales on the wagon with straps rated to at least 1.5 times the load weight.
• Equip the wagon or trailer with a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem, reflectors, and functioning warning lights before traveling on public roads.
• If the load is wider than the tractor or truck and reduces rearward visibility, use an escort vehicle behind the load.
• Pull completely off the road at a safe location to allow traffic to pass. Do not wave traffic around — doing so transfers liability to you if an incident occurs.
• If using a pickup truck to tow bales, verify the truck's tow rating and braking capacity for the loaded weight before heading to the road.

A Final Word

Round balers are remarkable machines that make modern hay production possible at scale. Used correctly and maintained properly, they are safe and reliable. The accidents that happen with them are almost never the result of a mechanical failure — they are the result of a decision made in a hurry.

Slow down. Follow the shutdown sequence. Keep the guards in place. And make sure everyone working around your baling operation knows and follows the same rules.

Need baler parts, PTO shields, or safety equipment for your operation? Quality Farm Supply stocks a wide range of baler components and farm safety supplies. Contact our team — we're here to help you stay safe and keep your equipment running all season.

When an air conditioning system starts failing on a tractor or skid steer, the instinct is often to replace the part that's obviously broken and call it done. The compressor seizes — replace the compressor. The system won't hold a charge — find the leak, fix it, recharge. It's a logical approach, and it works in the short term.

But here's the reality: A/C systems don't fail in isolation. The components that make up a refrigerant circuit — compressor, receiver drier, expansion valve, and all the seals and O-rings that hold it together — age together, wear together, and contaminate each other when something goes wrong. Replacing one failed component while leaving the rest of the aging system in place is a setup for another failure, often within the same season.

That's exactly why complete A/C overhaul kits exist — and why they make so much sense for equipment that's been running for years.

What's in a Complete A/C Kit — and Why Each Component Matters

A quality A/C overhaul kit includes the core components that need to be replaced together for a reliable, lasting repair:

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the A/C system. It pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the entire circuit. When a compressor fails — whether from a seized bearing, worn seals, or internal damage — it almost always sends metal debris and contamination throughout the system. That debris doesn't stay in the compressor. It travels downstream into the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.

Replacing the compressor without flushing the system and replacing the downstream components is one of the most common reasons a repaired A/C system fails again within weeks. A new compressor pumping through a contaminated system won't last.

Receiver Drier

The receiver drier is one of the most overlooked components in an A/C system — and one of the most important to replace during any major service. Its job is to remove moisture from the refrigerant circuit. Moisture in an A/C system reacts with refrigerant to form acids that corrode internal components and degrade seals.

The desiccant inside the receiver drier has a finite capacity. Once it's saturated — which happens over time simply from normal operation and any time the system is opened to atmosphere — it can no longer protect the system.

The rule in A/C service is simple: any time the system is opened, the receiver drier must be replaced. It cannot be reused. Including it in a complete kit ensures this critical step is never skipped.

Expansion Valve

The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, metering it precisely to maintain the correct pressure differential that allows the system to cool effectively. A worn or clogged expansion valve causes poor cooling performance, compressor overload, or both.

Expansion valves are vulnerable to contamination from debris and moisture — the same contaminants that damage the compressor. Replacing the expansion valve as part of a complete overhaul ensures the new compressor isn't working against a restricted or malfunctioning metering device.

O-Rings and Seals

Every connection in an A/C system relies on O-rings and seals to maintain a leak-free circuit. These rubber components harden, crack, and lose elasticity over time — especially in the heat cycles that agricultural equipment experiences. Any time the system is disassembled and reassembled, every disturbed O-ring should be replaced.

A complete kit includes the full set of O-rings needed for the installation, eliminating the guesswork of sourcing individual seals and ensuring nothing is reused that shouldn't be.

The Case for Doing It All at Once

Beyond the technical reasons, there's a straightforward economic argument for the complete kit approach:

Labor is the expensive part. Evacuating and recharging a refrigerant system, removing and reinstalling components, and properly flushing the circuit takes time — whether you're doing it yourself or paying a shop. Doing that work once with all new components costs far less than doing it twice because a second component failed after the first repair.

Refrigerant isn't free. Every time the system is opened and recharged, you're paying for refrigerant. A complete overhaul done right the first time means one recharge, not two or three.

Downtime compounds. A skid steer or tractor sitting in the shop waiting on a second A/C repair in the same season isn't working. In the middle of hay season, construction season, or any other peak period, that downtime has a real cost that dwarfs the price of a complete kit.

When Does a Complete A/C Kit Make Sense?

• Compressor failure with debris contamination: Any time a compressor fails internally and sends metal debris into the system, the entire circuit needs to be addressed.
• System that hasn't been serviced in years: If the A/C system has been running for multiple seasons without service, the receiver drier is almost certainly saturated and the seals are aging.
• System opened for any major repair: The moment the refrigerant circuit is opened to atmosphere, the receiver drier must be replaced. If you're already in there, replacing the other wear components at the same time is the logical choice.
• Purchased used equipment: When you don't know the service history of an A/C system, a complete overhaul kit gives you a known starting point.
• Poor cooling performance with no obvious single cause: When the system is underperforming but there's no clear single failure point, aging components across the circuit are often the culprit.

Our kits include an aftermarket compressor, receiver drier, expansion valve, and the full O-ring set — everything needed for a complete system overhaul in one box. AP Air is a well-established supplier of agricultural and construction equipment A/C components, built to OEM specifications for fit and performance.

Kits represent significant savings over sourcing each component individually — and the convenience of having everything arrive together means the job can be completed without waiting on multiple orders.

Tips for a Successful A/C System Overhaul

• Flush the system before installing new components. If the old compressor failed internally, flush the condenser and evaporator thoroughly to remove debris before installing the new compressor.
• Use a vacuum pump to evacuate the system before charging. Pulling a deep vacuum removes moisture and non-condensables from the circuit.
• Lubricate O-rings before installation. Use refrigerant oil compatible with your system's refrigerant type. Dry O-rings are more likely to leak or tear during assembly.
• Charge to the correct specification. Overcharging is as damaging as undercharging. Use the manufacturer's specified refrigerant charge weight.
• Check for leaks before buttoning everything up. Use a leak detector or UV dye to verify all connections are sealed before returning the machine to service.

The Bottom Line

An A/C system overhaul done right the first time — with all the wear components replaced together — is almost always less expensive, less time-consuming, and more reliable than a piecemeal approach. Complete kits like the AP Air QFS-890-2004AP make it straightforward to get everything you need in one order, at a price that makes the decision easy.

Quality Farm Supply stocks A/C kits and components for a wide range of tractor and skid steer makes and models. Contact our team if you need help finding the right kit for your equipment.

A hay baler is one of the most mechanically complex implements on the farm — and one of the most expensive to repair when something goes wrong mid-season. Unlike a rake or tedder, a baler failure doesn't just cost you time. It can mean an entire cutting left in the field while you wait on parts, or hay that gets rained on while the machine sits idle.

The good news: the vast majority of in-season baler failures are predictable and preventable. A thorough pre-season inspection and service routine — done before the first cutting — is the single best investment you can make in your haying operation. This checklist covers square balers, small round balers, and large round balers, with notes on where the inspection points differ.

1. Knotter and Twine System (Square Balers)

The knotter is the heart of a square baler and the source of more frustration than any other component. It is also the most maintenance-sensitive system on the machine.

Knotter Inspection Points

• Bill hook: Inspect the bill hook (twine hook) for wear, nicks, and proper spring tension. A worn bill hook is the #1 cause of missed knots. Replace if the tip shows any wear or rounding.
• Twine disc and knife: Check the twine disc for wear on the notch that holds the twine during knot formation. Inspect the twine knife for sharpness — a dull knife leaves long tails or fails to cut entirely. Replace the knife if it won't shave the hair off your arm.
• Stripper finger: Inspect for wear and correct positioning. The stripper finger removes the completed knot from the bill hook — if it's worn or misaligned, knots won't strip cleanly.
• Needle timing: Verify needle timing is within manufacturer spec. Incorrect timing is a common cause of knotter problems that gets misdiagnosed as a knotter defect.
• Twine tension: Check twine tension discs and springs. Incorrect tension causes loose bales or knotter failures.
• Lubrication: The knotter requires precise, consistent lubrication. Clean all knotter components thoroughly, then lubricate every pivot, cam, and bearing surface per the operator's manual. Many knotter problems are simply the result of inadequate lubrication.

Net Wrap and Twine System (Round Balers)

• Inspect net wrap or twine feed rollers for wear and debris buildup.
• Check the net wrap knife for sharpness and correct positioning.
• Inspect the net wrap tension system and verify consistent feed across the full bale width.
• Clean all twine or net wrap guides of crop debris and old twine remnants.

2. Pickup and Feeder System

The pickup is the first point of contact with the crop and takes a constant beating from ground contact, debris, and high-speed operation.

• Pickup tines: Inspect every tine for bends, cracks, or missing pieces. Worn or missing tines leave hay on the ground and create uneven feeding. Replace in sets to maintain balance and consistent pickup.
• Pickup tine holders and cam track: Check tine holders for wear and proper spring tension. Inspect the cam track for wear grooves — a worn cam track causes tines to drag on the ground or fail to retract properly.
• Pickup drive chain or belt: Inspect for wear, stretch, and proper tension. A loose or worn pickup drive causes inconsistent tine speed and poor pickup performance.
• Pickup height and gauge wheels: Set pickup height correctly for your crop conditions. Inspect gauge wheels for wear and verify they roll freely. Seized gauge wheels cause the pickup to dig into the ground.
• Auger or feeder fingers (square balers): Inspect auger flighting and feeder fingers for wear or damage. Check for crop buildup around the auger that could restrict feeding.
• Rotor or stuffer (square balers): Inspect stuffer forks and timing. Verify the stuffer is timed correctly to the plunger — mistiming causes plugging and excessive wear.

3. Plunger and Crank (Square Balers)

The plunger compresses the hay into the bale chamber and is subject to enormous forces with every stroke.

• Plunger knives: Inspect plunger knives for sharpness and correct clearance against the stationary counter-knives. Dull or misadjusted knives cause plugging and poor bale density. Sharpen or replace as needed and set clearance to manufacturer spec (typically 0.010–0.020").
• Plunger head and wear strips: Inspect the plunger head for cracks or damage. Check wear strips or slides for wear — worn slides allow the plunger to rock, causing uneven bale density and accelerated wear on the bale chamber.
• Crank and pitman arm: Inspect the crank arm and pitman (connecting rod) for cracks, especially at weld points and bearing journals. Check the pitman bearing for play or roughness.
• Flywheel and shear bolt: Inspect the flywheel for cracks or damage. Verify the shear bolt is the correct grade and size — never substitute a stronger bolt, as the shear bolt is the only protection for the driveline and gearbox in a plugging event.

4. Bale Chamber and Density System

Square Balers

• Inspect bale chamber sides and top for wear or damage that could cause bales to hang up.
• Check density springs and adjustment mechanism. Verify consistent tension across both sides of the chamber.
• Inspect the bale length metering star wheel and trip mechanism for wear and correct adjustment.

Round Balers

• Belts (variable chamber balers): Inspect all belts for cracking, fraying, delamination, and correct tension. Check belt lacing for wear — a failed lace mid-season means a belt replacement in the field. Replace any belt showing significant cracking or wear at the laces.
• Rollers (fixed chamber balers): Inspect all rollers for wear, flat spots, and bearing condition. Spin each roller by hand and feel for roughness or play. Check roller surface condition — worn or smooth rollers slip on the bale and reduce density.
• Tailgate and latch: Inspect the tailgate hinges, cylinders, and latch mechanism. A tailgate that doesn't seal tightly causes loose, poorly shaped bales. Verify the latch engages and releases reliably.
• Bale density and pressure system: Check hydraulic pressure settings and verify the density control system is functioning correctly. Inspect hydraulic hoses on the tailgate for chafing from repeated opening and closing.

5. Gearbox and Driveline

• Gearbox oil: Check oil level in all gearboxes — main gearbox, pickup gearbox, and any auxiliary gearboxes. Drain and replace oil if it hasn't been changed in the past season. Look for metal particles when draining — a sign of internal wear. Use only the oil type and viscosity specified by the manufacturer.
• Gearbox seals: Inspect all gearbox seals for leaking. A weeping seal caught now is a $20 fix; ignored, it becomes a gearbox replacement.
• PTO driveshaft: Inspect U-joints for wear and play. Grease all U-joint zerks and the telescoping section. Check the slip clutch — exercise it by engaging and disengaging the PTO several times before the first use. Verify the PTO shield is intact and rotates freely.
• Drive chains: Inspect all drive chains for wear, stretch, and proper tension. Measure chain stretch against a new chain — replace any chain that has stretched beyond the manufacturer's wear limit. Lubricate all chains per the operator's manual.
• Drive belts: Inspect all drive belts for cracking, fraying, glazing, and correct tension. Replace any belt showing cracking or significant wear.

6. Lubrication — Full Machine

Lubrication is not a single checklist item — it's the foundation of every other item on this list. Before the first use of the season:

• Grease every zerk fitting on the machine — work through the operator's manual lubrication diagram systematically and don't skip any.
• Pay special attention to the knotter (square balers), pickup cam track, all chain drives, and rotor/roller bearings.
• Use the correct grease type for each application — mixing incompatible greases can cause breakdown.
• After greasing, wipe away excess grease from areas where it could attract crop debris and cause buildup.

7. Hydraulic System

• Check hydraulic fluid level and condition. Fluid that is dark, milky, or has a burnt smell should be replaced.
• Inspect all hydraulic hoses for cracking, chafing, and leaks — pay particular attention to hoses on moving components like the tailgate and pickup lift.
• Check all hydraulic fittings for tightness.
• Verify all hydraulic functions operate smoothly — pickup raise/lower, tailgate open/close, density control.

8. Electrical System

• Inspect all wiring harnesses for chafing, rodent damage, or broken connectors — balers stored over winter are a favorite target for mice.
• Test all monitors, sensors, and warning systems — bale counter, twine/net wrap monitor, moisture sensor if equipped.
• Check and clean all electrical connectors. Apply dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
• Verify all lights are functional if the baler will be moved on public roads.

9. Structural and Safety Inspection

• Inspect the main frame and tongue for cracks, especially at weld joints and hitch points.
• Check all safety shields and guards — replace any that are missing, cracked, or damaged before operating.
• Verify all transport locks function correctly.
• Check tire condition and inflation pressure on balers with running gear.
• Inspect the hitch pin and clevis for wear — replace if the pin hole is elongated or the pin is loose.

10. Pre-Season Test Run

Before heading to the field, do a controlled test run:

1. Engage the PTO at low RPM and listen for any unusual noises — grinding, knocking, or squealing.
2. Run the pickup through its full range of motion.
3. On square balers, run a small amount of hay through and verify knotter function before committing to a full windrow.
4. On round balers, form a test bale and verify net wrap or twine application, tailgate operation, and bale ejection.
5. Check for any leaks — hydraulic, gearbox, or grease — after the test run.

Parts to Stock Before the Season

Having the right parts on the shelf before the season starts is as important as the inspection itself. At minimum, stock:

• Pickup tines (full set)
• Knotter bill hooks and twine knives (square balers)
• Shear bolts — correct grade and size for your baler (square balers)
• Belt lacing and repair kit (round balers with belts)
• Drive chain (one full replacement length for your most critical chain)
• Gearbox oil and seal kit
• U-joint crosses for the PTO driveshaft
• Twine or net wrap — verify you have enough for the season before you need it

Downtime during haying season compounds fast. A part that takes 3 days to ship costs you far more than its price tag when hay is ready to bale.

Final Thought

A baler that goes into the season properly serviced will almost always finish the season. A baler that goes in with deferred maintenance will tell you exactly what you skipped — usually at the worst possible moment.

Work through this checklist before your first cutting, keep up with daily lubrication during the season, and address small issues before they become big ones. Your baler — and your hay — will thank you.

Need baler parts before the season? Quality Farm Supply stocks pickup tines, knotter components, belts, chains, bearings, gearbox parts, and driveline components for a wide range of baler makes and models. Contact our team to get the right parts on hand before you need them.

A hay tedder is a forage conditioning implement designed to accelerate the drying of cut hay. After a mower lays hay down in a swath, the tedder picks it up, flips it, and redistributes it loosely across the field — exposing more surface area to sun and airflow. The result is faster, more even drying, which translates directly into higher-quality hay with better color, leaf retention, and nutritional value.

In practical terms, a tedder can cut drying time by 30–50% compared to leaving hay undisturbed. In regions with unpredictable weather windows, that time savings is the difference between putting up quality hay and putting up a moldy mess.

Tedders are available in several configurations:

• Single rotor tedders — compact, ideal for smaller acreage and tight fields.
• Multi-rotor tedders — wider working widths for high-volume operations; rotors are typically arranged in a line or offset pattern.
• Trailed tedders — pulled behind the tractor on their own running gear, suited for very wide working widths.
• Mounted/3-point tedders — attached directly to the tractor's 3-point hitch, more maneuverable in smaller fields.

How a Hay Tedder Works

The core mechanism of a tedder is simple but effective. Each rotor consists of a central hub with multiple tine arms radiating outward. Each tine arm carries two or more curved tines. As the PTO drives the rotors at high speed (typically 540 RPM), the tines sweep through the hay swath, lifting and throwing the material in a wide, airy pattern behind the machine.

On multi-rotor tedders, adjacent rotors counter-rotate, working together to move hay across the full working width without leaving gaps or bunching. The working height is controlled by gauge wheels or skid shoes, which keep the tines at the correct distance from the ground — close enough to pick up all the hay, but not so low that they dig into the soil and contaminate the windrow.

The key to effective tedding is timing and conditions. Tedding works best when the hay has wilted slightly after cutting (typically 2–4 hours after mowing) and when conditions are sunny and breezy. Tedding wet hay too aggressively or too late in the drying process can cause leaf shatter and dry matter loss — especially in legumes like alfalfa and clover.

Wear Parts on a Hay Tedder

Tedders are mechanically straightforward, but they operate at high speed in abrasive conditions. The following components are the most frequently worn or damaged and should be inspected regularly and stocked as spares.

1. Tines

Tines are the highest-wear item on any tedder — bar none. They are the only part of the machine in direct, continuous contact with the crop and, frequently, the ground.

What they do: Curved spring-steel tines attach to the tine arms and do the actual work of lifting and throwing the hay. Their curved profile and spring temper allow them to flex on impact and return to shape.

How they wear: Tines wear at the tip from abrasion against soil and crop material. They also fatigue and crack at the bend point from repeated flexing, especially if the tedder is run too low or in rocky conditions. A tine that has lost tip length becomes less effective at picking up hay cleanly.

Signs of wear: Shortened or blunted tips, visible cracks at the bend, tines that no longer return to their original shape after flexing, or tines that have broken off entirely.

Replacement interval: Inspect every season; replace when tips are visibly worn or any cracking is present. Always replace in complete sets per rotor arm to maintain balance.

Stocking recommendation: Keep at least one full set of tines per rotor on hand. Tines are inexpensive individually — running out mid-season is not.

2. Tine Holders / Tine Clips

Tines attach to the tine arms via holders or clips — typically a bolt-and-clamp or snap-in retainer system depending on the manufacturer.

How they wear: Holders loosen over time from vibration, and the clamping surfaces wear, reducing their ability to hold the tine securely. A loose tine holder allows the tine to shift position, reducing effectiveness and accelerating tine wear.

Signs of wear: Tines that rotate or shift position during operation, visible wear on the clamping faces, holders that won't torque to spec.

Replacement interval: Inspect at every tine replacement. Replace any holder that shows wear or won't hold torque.

3. Tine Arms

Tine arms are the radial arms that extend from the rotor hub and carry the tines. They are typically made from formed steel or cast iron depending on the design.

How they wear: Tine arms bend or crack from rock strikes or from operating with a seized or missing tine that throws the rotor out of balance. On some designs, the tine arm pivot point wears, allowing excessive play.

Signs of wear: Visible bends or cracks, arms that are not parallel to adjacent arms, excessive play at the pivot point.

Replacement interval: Replace immediately upon discovery of any bend or crack. A broken tine arm at operating speed can cause significant secondary damage.

4. Rotor Bearings

Each rotor spins on one or more bearings housed in the rotor hub. These bearings carry the full radial and axial load of the spinning rotor and its tines.

How they wear: Bearings wear from inadequate lubrication, contamination (dust, crop debris, moisture), and normal fatigue over time. High-speed operation makes contamination especially damaging — even small amounts of grit in a bearing running at 540 RPM cause rapid wear.

Signs of wear: Rumbling, grinding, or squealing from the rotor hub. Excessive heat at the hub after operation. Visible wobble or play in the rotor. In advanced cases, the rotor may seize entirely.

Replacement interval: Inspect at the start of each season by spinning each rotor by hand and feeling for roughness or play. Replace at the first sign of roughness — a failed rotor bearing mid-season can destroy the hub and rotor shaft.

Lubrication: Grease all rotor bearing zerks daily during the season. Use the grease type and quantity specified by the manufacturer.

5. Gearbox

The gearbox transfers PTO power from the driveline to the rotor(s). On multi-rotor tedders, a central gearbox distributes drive to individual rotor gearboxes via driveshafts.

How it wears: Gearbox failures on tedders are almost always caused by oil starvation (low level, leaking seals, or operating on steep slopes), contamination from failed seals, or shock loads from rock strikes transmitted through the driveline.

Signs of wear: Gearbox overheating, whining or grinding noise, oil leaks at seals or the drain plug, metal particles visible when draining oil.

Maintenance: Check gearbox oil level at the start of each season and every 50 hours during use. Drain and replace oil annually. Inspect all seals for leaking.

Stocking recommendation: Keep the correct gearbox oil on hand and know your seal part numbers. Catching a leaking seal early is a $20 fix; ignoring it is a $500+ gearbox replacement.

6. PTO Driveshaft and Slip Clutch

The PTO driveshaft connects the tractor to the tedder gearbox. Most tedder driveshafts include a slip clutch to protect the driveline from shock loads.

How they wear: U-joints wear from inadequate lubrication and excessive operating angles. The telescoping section wears and can seize if not lubricated. The slip clutch wears from normal slipping events and can seize during off-season storage.

Signs of wear: Vibration or shudder in the driveline, clicking at low speed (worn U-joints), driveshaft that won't telescope smoothly, slip clutch that slips under normal load or won't slip at all.

Maintenance: Grease U-joints and the telescoping section at the start of each season. Exercise the slip clutch before first use by engaging and disengaging the PTO several times. Inspect the PTO shield for cracks or missing sections — replace immediately if damaged.

7. Gauge Wheels and Skid Shoes

Gauge wheels or skid shoes control the working height of the tedder — keeping the tines at the correct distance from the ground.

How they wear: Gauge wheel tires wear from ground contact, especially in abrasive or rocky soils. Skid shoes wear on their contact face and can wear through entirely if the tedder is operated too low or in stony conditions. Worn gauge wheels or skid shoes result in inconsistent tine height, leading to soil contamination in the hay or incomplete pickup.

Signs of wear: Visible wear on the skid shoe contact face, gauge wheel tires that are cracked, flat-spotted, or worn through, inconsistent tine height across the working width.

Replacement interval: Inspect at the start of each season. Skid shoes are sacrificial wear items — replace before they wear through to the frame.

8. Rotor Drive Chains or Belts (Where Applicable)

Some tedder designs use chains or belts to transfer drive between rotors or from the gearbox to the rotor. These are less common on modern designs but still present on many older machines.

How they wear: Chains stretch and wear at the pin and roller interfaces. Belts crack, fray, and lose tension over time. A worn chain or belt slips under load, reducing rotor speed and tedding effectiveness.

Signs of wear: Visible chain stretch (measure against a new chain), cracked or frayed belts, slipping or inconsistent rotor speed during operation.

Replacement interval: Measure chain stretch at the start of each season. Replace belts showing any cracking or fraying.

Pre-Season Tedder Inspection Checklist

Before the first cutting of the season, work through this inspection:

• Inspect every tine — replace any that are worn, cracked, or missing.
• Check all tine holders and clips for wear and proper torque.
• Spin each rotor by hand — feel for roughness or play in the bearings.
• Grease all zerks — rotor bearings, U-joints, pivot points, and gauge wheel hubs.
• Check gearbox oil level on all gearboxes. Look for leaks at seals and drain plugs.
• Inspect the PTO driveshaft — U-joints, telescoping section, slip clutch, and shields.
• Check gauge wheels and skid shoes for wear.
• Inspect the frame for cracked welds, especially at rotor mounts and hitch points.
• Check all hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks or chafing (on folding models).
• Verify all transport locks and fold latches operate correctly.

Parts to Keep on Hand

Tedder downtime during haying season is costly. These are the parts worth stocking before the season starts:

• A full set of tines per rotor (minimum)
• Tine holders/clips
• Rotor bearings (at least one set)
• U-joint crosses for the PTO driveshaft
• Correct gearbox oil and seal kit
• Skid shoes or gauge wheel tires

Knowing your make and model before you need parts is half the battle. Having them on the shelf when something breaks is the other half.

Quality Farm Supply stocks tedder tines, bearings, gearbox components, driveline parts, and skid shoes for a wide range of tedder makes and models. Contact our team to find the right parts for your machine before the season starts.