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John Deere Cotton Harvesting
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DSAA39362 Litho in U.S.A. (08-03)
NEW 7760 Pickers 9996 Pickers 9970 Pickers 7460 Strippers
John Deere Cotton Harvesters
Choose The 10 models, unleash up to 500 horsepower. John Deere:from leader in cotton ha rvesting innovation.
The on-board module-building ability of the new 7760 Cotton Picker allows you to form and wrap a round module, then carry it to an endrow or staging area.all while continuing to pick and form the next module. The 9996 Cotton Picker gives you six rows of high-efficiency picking power, plus a 1,400 cubic-foot basket and 350-horsepower John Deere engine. PRO-16 Row Units do the hard work, while the available PRO-12 VRS Units allow you to harvest row spacings from 15 to 40 inches, in skip-row or solid patterns.

Table of contents

From the non-stop harvesting ability of the revolutionary new 7760 Cotton Picker to the economical four-row 9970 Cotton Picker, John Deere offers solutions to the harvesting challenges faced by cotton producers around the world. Start with the newest addition to our line: the 7760 Cotton Picker. For years, growers have asked for a simpler harvestwithout all the specialized equipment, dedicated manpower, and associated costs. Our answer? The 7760 Cotton Picker. Finally, no boll buggies. No module builders. No extra tractors. Just nonstop harvesting. In addition to the 7760, John Deere builds two of the most efficient, fieldproven basket-type cotton pickers available. The 9996 gives you six rows of harvesting power, with a 1,400 cubic-foot basket and 350 horses in the engine compartment. For growers who need a mid-sized machine, the 9970 offers many of the same features as the 9996, in a four-row, 1,100 cubic-foot package. Finally, stripper-cotton growers can get the high-quality harvest they need with the 7460 Cotton Stripper, offering up to eight rows of cottonstripping power.
New 7760 Cotton Harvester
9996 Chassis/Engine/Transmission10-Cotton Handling/PRO-LIFT 12-Cab and Controls 9970 Cotton Picker 9970 Cab and Controls 14-15 16-17 18-19
9970 Handling/Engine/Final Drive20-Cotton Stripper
When equipped with the 748 Header, the 7460 Stripper offers cotton growers up to eight rows of harvesting power. From the row units to the cab and controls, the 9970 Cotton Picker offers many of the same features found in the big 9996.in a smaller, four or five-row configuration, perfect for small to mid-sized farms.
Pro-12 and Pro-16 Row Units 28-29 Guidance and Documentation Service and Support Specifications 30-31 32-33 34-35
Visit www.JohnDeere.com/Ag for more details on the complete line of John Deere cotton harvesters.
John Deere 7760 Cotton Harvester
Non-Stop Cotton Harvesting: Coming soon, only from John Deere.
From the worldwide leader in cotton harvesting equipment comes the next revolution in cotton production: the John Deere 7760 Cotton Picker with on-board module-building technology. The new 7760 gives you everything John Deere cotton pickers are known for: a clean, high-efficiency pick from the PRO-16 and PRO-12 VRS Row Units. Smooth, reliable power from the John Deere turbocharged diesel engine. An operator-friendly cab with easy access to major controls. But what the 7760 offers that no other cotton harvester can match is this: the ability to pick virtually non-stop. No stopping to unload. No crossing the field to get to a module builder. No waiting for boll buggies. No time wasted getting back on the row. The 7760 gives you a perfectly formed and wrapped module that you can drop in place or carry to an end-row, all while continuing to harvest. The non-stop cotton harvest.coming soon, only from John Deere. Read on for more information.

The John Deere Advantage

Whether its falling from the sky or being wicked up from the ground, water is a chief enemy of rectangular cotton modules covered with tarps. The John Deere 7760 gives you a module that not only sheds water due to its round shape, but is also covered around its entire circumference with a tough, protective wrap, giving you an exceptionally high degree of weather-ability and helping preserve the fiber quality you worked hard to achieve.
The economics of non-stop harvestin g
What can the non-stop harvesting ability of the 7760 Picker do for you? If your harvest usually takes four weeks, the 7760 could help you finish up to five days earlier.
Take a look in your equipment shed. Think about what those module builders cost. And the boll buggies. Think about the number of tractors you need to run it all. And how much fuel they use. Add labor and insurance, and you have a good idea of what your harvest costs are, just in miscellaneous equipment. Now consider the 7760. No module builders. No buggies. No tarping. A significant reduction in labor and fuel. Right there are thousands of dollars you dont have to spend. But theres this, too. A basket picker can spend 20% or more of its time unloading, waiting for boll buggies, or driving back and forth to a module builder. With its non-stop harvesting ability, the 7760 Picker gives you that time back. What is that time worth? Your John Deere dealer can help you decide.
Stage or load your round modules with the Frontier CM 1100 Round Module Handler. This loader mounts on the rear of your tractor, and makes handling the 7760s round modules easy.
In addition to its inherent water-shedding ability, the round shape of the completed modules enables the non-stop harvesting ability of the 7760 Picker. How? Once youve picked enough cotton, the module-forming system on the 7760 Cotton Picker takes over. While you continue to harvest, the 7760 automatically forms and wraps a module, then deposits the completed module onto the retractable rear handling gate. You can then carry the wrapped module to an end-row or other staging area and drop it without ever stopping the picker. The wrap magazine on the 7760 Picker holds up to four rolls, giving you enough wrap for up to 100 round modules. With only slight modifications to the conveyor chain, existing module trucks can easily pick up, haul, and unload up to four wrapped round modules.the equivalent of one full-size standard module.

Value Statement goes here Our standard lighting package is very good, too. It includes two 55/65-watt low-beam
Non-Stop Comfort for the Non-Stop Harvest.
Convenient control with the CommandCenter
Non-stop harvesting requires all-day comfort. So we gave the 7760 Cotton Picker the comfort, convenience, and control features to reduce fatigue and enhance operator environment during the longest harvest days. The pressurized cab itself features our set-and-forget ClimaTrak Automatic temperature control, as well as the plush ComfortCommand airsuspended seat. The standard training seat lifts to reveal a storage area for miscellaneous items. The cab is prewired for two-way radio, and features the Delco AM/FM satellite-ready sound system with CD. The new CommandCenter display serves as the primary operator interface, and first source for machine information. Hot-key navigation takes you through screens displaying information on settings, alarms, and diagnostic information. Just in front of the display, the multifunction control handle and CommandTouch console offer control over machine speed, row units, module builder, Row-Trak guidance and more. Finally, the CommandTouch cornerpost monitors display engine RPM, harvest information, and Value Statement goes here module-builder status. Our standard lighting package is very good, too. It includes two 55/65-watt low-beam

Information at a glance

The CommandTouch cornerpost display gives the operator an assortment of readings, including engine RPM, harvest monitor, and module-builder status.
Out of the way. Easy to see.
The GSMonitor with the HarvestDoc Cotton system handles yield monitoring and mapping functions. The monitor provides information such as total acres harvested, average yield, harvest hours, load weight, distance covered and more. Plus, the monitor and the StarFire iTC receiver can be moved to your tractor, sprayer or combine.
The standard remote allows the operator to put the machine into and out of transport and harvest modes quickly and easily.

Tethered row unit lube system is standard on every John Deere cotton picker.
The all-new CommandCenter display and CommandTouch console give the operator unprecedented control over vital machine functions, as well as easy access to information. The display offers information on alarms, diagnostics, and more. The console features controls for fan and row unit engagement, lubrication system, Row-Trak guidance, row unit height and response rate, moistener system, and more.

Cotton Picker

The 9996: Built to run strong, acre after acre
If you want a basket-type cotton picker, but still need the fastest harvest you can get, take a look at the 9996 Cotton Picker.the most productive, most efficient basket picker weve ever built. Start in the engine compartment. With 350 horsepower and a 9.5 percent Power Boost for unloading, the8.1-liter PowerTech engine delivers plenty of muscle for the demands of a 6-row machine in heavy-yielding cotton and tough conditions. Plus, the engine is transverse mounted, freeing up valuable space for the moistener system, lube and fuel tanks. An available factory-installed powered rear axle gives you better grip in muddy or hilly conditions, while the 200-gallon fuel tank and 345-gallon water tank keep you in the field longer. Out front, the PRO-16 Row Units offer a high-efficiency pick, even at speeds of up to 4.0 MPH, or second-gear speeds of up to 4.9 MPH. With the Row-Trak guidance system, you and your operators are picking at top speed with ease and comfort in dense, heavy-yielding cotton, all while Row-Track handles on-row steering.
An 8.1-L PowerTech engine delivers 350 acre-taming horsepower that boosts harvesting performance in high-yielding cotton and difficult fieldconditions. Plus, a 9.5 percent Power Boost (up to 383 hp) providesextra power when compacting cotton. Whats more, the frame design and transverse-mounted engine ensure efficient use of this raw power. The 9996 Pickers lower overall weight and well-balanced design allows it to perform at a higher level than heavier competitive models that require extra power. Talk about strength! With 7x7-inch row-unit lift arms and a massive all-welded chassis, the 9996 Picker offers ample backbone for six row units, big basket loads, and rough harvest conditions. Notice the transverse-mounted engine. John Deere engineers located the water, lube, and fuel tanks at the rear of the machine, greatly reducing front-axle weight. The excellent weight-tohorsepower ratio, weight distribution, and dual tires (standard on 6-row machines) result in outstanding flotation, unmatched maneuverability, and unrivaled ride quality. Six standard forward-facing lights help provide 360-degree lighting for nighttime harvesting. A light inside the basket illuminates the entire area. The optional lighting package adds two field lamps and two sidefinder lights. Large self-cleaning rotary screen saves time, labor. No need to manually clean the screen at each dump. The hydro module contains the hydrostatic, hydraulic, and water pumps, as well as batteries and onboard lube remote-fill outlets. All are easily accessed from ground level. Independent hydro systems assure full power to the picking units and ground drives. Eight-inch dual spacers offer true 38-inch centers. No more running the front tires over beds. Massive, single-reduction final drives have the muscle to handle 42-inch duals.

Proven crank and roller system makes row-spacing changeover fast and easy.
PRO-12 row units feature 12-bar front and rear drums, each with 18-spindle-high bars. Swing-out moistener columns make servicing a snap.
For maximum versatility, choose the PRO-12 VRS row units. This system allows you to spindle-pick rows spaced from 15 to 40 inches perfect for growers with a blend of narrow- and conventional-row cotton.
Outstanding comfort and control
A large, tinted windshield provides an unobstructed view of the rows and the picking units. Youll also appreciate the mirrors that give you a clear view to the rear.

19

Productive comfort and simple, efficient controls. Now its easier than ever to stay on top of harvesting thanks to the 9970 Pickers SoundGard-styled cab. It starts with comfort. Youre surrounded by it in a 9970. For instance, youll love the simple, straightforward controls. The hydrostatic drive gives you smooth speed changes. And the hydrostatic handle offers push-button control of frequently used row-unit and basket functions. Most other controls are conveniently located next to the righthand armrest. You have fingertip control of water solution pressure, onboard lubrication, basket telescoping, basket dumping, andfanoperation. Simple monitors assure fullharvest control. All monitors and gauges are located on the right-hand cornerpost in view, but not in the way. Simple to understand, these monitors constantly survey various functions and instantly alert you, with both visible and audible signals, if a problemoccurs.
The overhead console provides easy access to the standard heating and airconditioning controls. An AM/FM radio with CD and weatherband is also standard equipment.
A dual digital readout provides engine and fan speed, moistenersystem pressure, and oil temperature. Anyproblem with thepicking units, suchas plugging, isidentified quickly with Harvest System monitors. Additional monitors alert you toproblems with hydraulic/hydrostatic oil temperature, air filterrestriction, engineoil pressure, and engine coolant temperature. Theres even an indicator that tells youwhen all the conditions have been met for operating the remote tether.

A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel fits the way you like to drive. And a PersonalPosture seat provides all-day support and comfort, so you work more alertly.
The hydrostatic lever gives you smooth control of ground speed. Electrohydraulic controls provide push-button operation of raising and lowering row units, starting and stopping unloading conveyor, and engaging height-sensing system.
Big capacity, fast unloading
Three augers distribute and pack cotton into the 9970 Pickers large basket. The auger in the lid helps meter cotton for easier control of unloading. Notice how the basket extends well over the module for faster unloading, less spillage. An optional dump extension is available for even more control.

Robust PowerTech engine

9970 Cotton Picker
High-capacity conveying, largepayload basket, plus fast dump cycles. Getting your crop from the picking units to the basket rests on the shoulders of the proven JohnDeere Jet-Air-Trol conveying system. A high-capacity fan delivers strong, constant airflow for moving a large volume of cotton, with less chance of plugging. (A proven doffer-zone monitor alerts operators instantly of any problems with cotton flow, helping prevent downtime.) With a standard 1,173-cubicfoot-capacity basket and JohnDeere three-auger compactor system, the basket provides a large payload for longer on-row time. It also provides extra-fast dumping cycles and good unloading control. You can lower the basket for transport, or raise it up to one of twoworking positions, in just a fewminutes.
With the Row-Trak Guidance System, youll see an increase in efficiency. Not only will there be more cotton in the basket, but the system also helps keep operator stress and fatigue at a minimum.
Dependable John Deere 6.8-L PowerTech engine, loadconquering final drives. A 415cubic-inch powerplant delivers 250 turbocharged horsepower, plenty for the bigpower demands of five picking units, high-yielding crop, heavy basket loads, and soft soil. Plus, this emissions-certified engine offers fuel economy that stretches every drop from the big 120-gallon fueltank, so you can pick all day without refueling. For smooth speed control, the9970 Picker features a 3-speed transmission with hydrostatic drive. It offers a 3.8mph first-gear picking speed, 4.5mph second-gear scrapping speed, anda 15.5-mph transport speed.
An extremely efficient, high-performance turbocharger offers great air-handling capacity, boosting torque rise and maintaining low fuel consumption at allspeeds and at any load.
Its easy to switch between a 12-foot 4-inch transport height to one of two field positions: 14-foot 10-inch (1,065-cubic-foot capacity) or 15-foot 10-inch (1,173-cubic-foot capacity). Lowering the basket is just as easy. There are no conveyor chutes to disassemble. You control raising and lowering from the cab electrohydraulically.

Convenient rocker switches calibrate and turn on the Row-Trak system. A switch on the hydro handle engages it.
The wishbone rod assembly runs along each side of the row. A center pivot allows side-to-side movement as it follows the row, activating an electronic sensor that sends a signal to the controller.
Pack more cotton in the basket. And unload it faster.
Strong but gentle. The cushioning system on the 7460 slows the movement of the basket as it nears the end of the cylinder stroke to help prevent jarring from the faster unload cycle.
If youre not on the row, youre losing valuable harvesting time. So we designed the cotton handling system on the 7460 Stripper to help you minimize the number of dumps required, unload faster, and get back to the field as quickly as possible. Start with the basket augers. The large flighting, big, hungry augers and second drive motor allow you to pack more cotton into the basket. Dump cycle times are fast, too even with the added cotton that the 7460 is able to pack into the basket. And to help minimize basket jarring from the faster unload cycle, the cushioning system helps slow the basket as the hydraulic cylinders reach the end of their stroke. It all works together to help speed the unload cycle by up to 25 percent over our previous stripper models. Youll spend more time on the row, and less time with the module builder or boll buggy.
We all like green but not green bolls in your cotton. Thats why the 7460 features a separator inside the air duct to help separate out the green bolls and rocks. You run at higher field speed, with less plugging, and significantly fewer green bolls. You get more cleaning capacity from the wide finger grates and high 630 RPM top saw speed. Also, sensors for top saw speed, trash auger speed, and feeder shaft speed help you detect plugs and avoid trouble. The 12-brush doffer design improves doffing performance. The 7460 also features a doffer slip clutch for increased belt and pulley life, and a spring-loaded idler to help maintain the correct cleaner belt tension. And at the lower saw cleaner, a reclamation brush grabs cotton before it falls out of the cleaner, so you get more in the basket and less on the ground.

Electronic height sensing (standard on the 9996 and the 7760) lets you adjust both height and sensitivity on-the-go from the comfort of your cab. You can pick more low-hanging bolls because row-unit height automatically adjusts to the terrain. In fact, the units can be adjusted to run virtually flat to pick bolls other machines would leave behind.
Sight glasses on each row unit make it easy to ensure proper oil level.
Adjusting the unit spacing on a John Deere picker is a fast, easy, one-person job. Simply pull a pin and crank the unit into place. And with the narrow profile of the PRO-SERIES inline row units, you have plenty of elbow room for accessing the doffers and moistener padsfor cleanout.
30 Documentation and Guidance
GreenStar 2: One powerful package.

Harvest Doc Cotton

Harvest Doc Cotton is John Deeres first yield mapping system for this globally important crop. As with other high-yielding crops, the ability to collect harvest information is nearly as important as the crop itself. With Harvest Doc Cotton, you can document cotton yields with your GreenStar system and your John Deere 9986 and 9996 Cotton Pickers. Using Harvest Doc as the foundation, Harvest Doc Cotton enables you to generate detailed cotton yield maps that can help you make the best informed management decisions possible. Harvest Doc Cotton uses the GreenStar components in the machine. Once the data is collected you can use Apex software to generate detailed reports and maps of the captured yield data. Talk with your John Deere dealer for more details.
Get accurate yield maps with Harvest Doc Cotton. The ability to collect map-based yield information can help you make the most of expensive chemical inputs. Until now, however, the lack of an accurate yield monitoring system prevented precision technology from being widely used in cotton. But with the introduction of Harvest Doc Cotton, you now have an accurate, easy-to-use system to document cotton yields. Harvest Doc Cotton allows you to record yield information as the picker moves through the field. At the end of the day, you can download data into Apex to generate a variety of reports and maps. Use the data to help make better management decisions and increase your efficiency.

Row-Trak Guidance

You can imagine how difficult it canbe to stay on-row in this bushy, heavy-yielding irrigated cotton. Its just one of many conditions where Row-Trak guidance can make a tremendous difference in your productivity. Simply line up withthe rows, then activate the guidance system with a switch on the hydro handle. Its that easy.

Easy-access fuses. Automotive-type fuses are located behind the training seat; easy to reach, easy to change.

34 Specifications

7760, 9996, 9970 Cotton Pickers and 7460 Stripper
On-Board Module Builder.. Module Shape..Round/Cylindrical Module Dimensions.Up to 90-in. diameter X 96-in. wide Module Weight..4500-5000 lbs. Unload on-the-go..yes Wrap system carrying capacity..100 portions Row Units... Number of Rows...6 Spacings..15-in. and 30-40-in. Picking Units...--Style... In-line Units Available.. PRO-16 or PRO-12 VRS Drums...2 Bars Front and Rear 6-12 (PRO-16), 12-12 (PRO-12 VRS) 1 Spindles per Bar.20 (PRO-16), 18 (PRO-12 VRS) Doffer Pads...Urethane Moistener Pads...Urethane Unit Drive Protection... Slip clutch Unit Movement..Crank and Roller Lubrication..--Bars...On-board Upper Gears.. Standard Row Guidance...Standard Tank Capacities (US Gallons).. Fuel Tank...300 Moistener System...--. Quick Fill.. Standard Lube...--Hydraulic System... Pump Type..Pressure compensated Pressure...3000 psi Flow...54 gpm Dimensions... Lengths...--Overall Length.440-in. (operating); 470-in. (transport) Wheel Base..170-in. Heights...--Transport Position...170-in. Transport Position with Extension.N/A Intermediate Position...N/A Full Height Position..210-in. Full Height Position with Extension..N/A Weights...--4-Row...N/A 5-Row...N/A 6-Row...67677 lbs.
Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
Engine..John Deere PowerTech Plus Horsepower...500 Power Boost...Yes Displacement...13.5L Cylinders...6 Turbocharged/Aftercooled..Yes Alternator...200 Amp Cooling System...--Rotary Screen...Yes Ground Level Access to Coolers..Yes. Fuel System...--Type...Direct injection Governor... Electronic On Board Diagnostics...Yes Transmission.ProDrive automatic-shift (AST) Gears...4-speed Unit Configuration..PRO-16, PRO-12 VRS 1st gear (speeds in mph) (2WD)..N/A 2nd gear (2WD)..N/A 3rd gear (2WD)..N/A 1st gear (4WD)..0-4.2 mph 2nd gear (4WD)..0-5 mph 3rd gear (4WD)...0-9 mph 4th gear (4WD)...0-17 mph Hydrostatic System..--Type...Dual Brakes...--Type...Multi-disk, wet Tires...--Standard Drive Tire.520/85R42 R1 (20.8R42 R1) Optional Drive Tires.520/85R42 R2 (20.8R42 R2) Dual Wheels..Yes Dual Tire Size (Standard).520/85R42 R1 (20.8R42 R1) Dual Tire Size (Optional).520/85R42 R2 (20.8R42 R2) Standard Steering Tire.520/85R34 R1 (20.8R34 R1) Optional Steering Tire.520/85R34 R2 (20.8R34 R2) Rear Wheel Drive... Yes Tire Size..520/85R34 R1 (20.8R34 R1) Capacity....--Intermediate Height...--Full Height...--Full Height with Extension..--Dump Height...--Type...--Height...--Conveyor...--Type...--Compaction...--Type...---

Engine...6 cylinder 8.1 L (497 cu. in.) turbocharged, air-to-air aftercooled diesel 350 hp (261 kW) capacities... cotton basket w/ standard basket lid extension1400 cu. ft. (39.6m3) fuel tank..200 gal (757 L) water solution tank..345 gal (1306 L) lubrication system..80 gal (303 L) cooling system..44 qt (42 L) engine crankcase..31 qt (29 L) hydraulic/hydrostatic reservoir.18 gal (66 L) hydraulic system...closed-center pressure-compensated standby pressure of 2700 psi (18617 kPa) onboard unit-lubrication system.. tether control.single button for spindle, bar, cam, and gear lubrication pump...hydrauically driven gear pump cotton conveying.Jet-Air-Trol system with Jet_post nozzle and common air duct for single suction doors tires... drive wheels.20.8-42 14PR (R1 or R2) Drive wheels, duals..20.8 X 42 in. 14PR R1 or R2 cleat standard guide tires..14.9-24, 12PR (R2) cleated guide tires, optional..480/65 R24 R1W power rear axle... (82-90 in. tread)..14.9-24, 12PR (R2) 2-wheel drive.... 1st gear.. 0-4 mph (0-6.4 km/h) 2nd gear...0-4.9 mph (0-7.9 km/h) 3rd gear... 0-17 mph (0-27.4 km/h) 4-wheel drive (high range)... 1st gear... 0-3.5 mph (5.6 km/h) 2nd gear..0-4.3 mph (6.9 km/h) 3rd gear... 0-14.8 mph (23.8 km/h) 4-wheel drive (low range).. 1st gear...0-3 mph (0-4.8 km/h) 2nd gear..0-3.7 mph (0-6 km/h) 3rd gear... 0-12.8 mph (20.6 km/h)
Picking units... PRO-16.. 20 spindles high with 16-bar front and 12-bar rear drums (560 spindles per unit) Electronic Row-Unit Height Control PRO-12.18 spindles high with two 12-bar drums (432 spindles per unit) Electronic Row-Unit Height Control PRO-12 VRS.18 spindles high with two 12-bar drums (432 spindles per unit) Electronic Row-Unit Height Control transportation width... 4-row, 30-in...150 in. (3810 mm) 4-row, 40-in...173 in. (4394 mm) 6-row, 30-in...218 in. (5537 mm) 6-row, 40-in..236 in. (6000 mm) transport height.. basket down (with lid extension).170 in (4267 mm) Weight.... 4-row, 30-in.. 36000 lb (16329 kg) 4-row, 36, 38, or 40-in..35750 lb (16216 kg) 6-row, 30-in, PRO-12 units.41625 lb (18881 kg) 6-row, 30-in, 32-in, PRO-16 units. 43000 lb (19504 kg) 6-row, 36-in, 38-in, 40-in, PRO 16 units43000 lb (19504 kg) 6/12 row, 30-in, PRO-12 VRS units..43630 lb (19790 kg)
Engine..250 hp (187 kW), 6-cylinder, 6.8 L (414 cu. in.) turbocharged, charge air cooled, diesel Slow idle speed..800 to 900 rpm Rated (under field conditions)..2200 rpm Fast idle speed (no load)..2350 rpm Fuel System:... Type...Direct injection Injection pump type..In-line Air System:... Air cleaner.Dry-type with safety element and aspirated precleaner Cooling System:.... Type..Single pressure with gear-driven water pump Temperature control.Dual, heavy-duty 180 degree thermostats Electrical System:... Type...12-volt negative ground Brakes:... Type..Hydraulically actuated shoe-type drum Hydraulic System:... Type..Closed-center, constant pressure Standby pressure.2490 to 2590 psi (17170 to 17860 kPa) Operators Station:.. Type..Sound-Gard styled cab (no ROPS), heater, air conditioner, AM/FM radio with CD and weatherband, windshield wiper, rear view mirror, deluxe seat suspension and Personal Posture seat with seat belt On-Board Unit Lubrication System:.. Cab or tether control.Single button for spindle, bar, cam and gear lubrication Pump..Hydraulic driven gear pump. Transfer pump.Transfer pump is available to fill reservoir - fill time for the 67 U.S. gal. reservoir is approx. 10 minutes. The hydraulic couplers to drive the transfer pump are standard equipment. Cotton Conveying System..Jet-Air-Trol system with Jet-Post nozzle Ground Speeds (full throttle):.. 2-Wheel Drive:.... Picking speeds... 1st gear..0 to 3.8 mph (0 to 6.1 km/h) 2nd gear..0 to 4.5 mph (0 to 7.2 km/h) Transport speeds... 3rd gear.. 0 to 15.6 mph (0 to 25.1 km/h) Reverse.0 to 10.7 mph (0 to 17.2 km/h) 4-Wheel Drive:... Picking speeds... 1st gear.. 0 to 2.9 mph (0 to 4.7 km/h) 2nd gear..0 to 3.5 mph (0 to 5.6 km/h)

Transport speeds... 3rd gear..0 to 9.0 mph (0 to 14.5 km/h) Reverse..0 to 5.0 mph (0 to 8.0 km/h) Capacities:.... Cotton basket:... Intermediate height..1065 cu. ft. (28.8 m3) Full height..1173 cu. ft. (32.8m3) Fuel tank..120 U.S. gal. (454 L) Water solution tank. 275 U.S. gal. (1040.8 L) Lubrication system..67 U.S. gal. (227 L) Cooling system..44 U.S. qt. (42 L) Engine crankcase (includes filter). 33.3 U.S. qt. (31.5 L) Hydraulic/hydrostatic reservoir.11.3 U.S.gal. (42.7 L) Transmission.. 8 U.S. qt. (7.6 L) Final drive..8.2 U.S. qt. (7.8L) Tires:.... Front drive wheels.520/85D38 (R1) Standard, (R2 optional) Standard guide wheel14.9-24 8PR (R4) Standard, (14.924 12PR R2 optional) (9.00-24 8PR I1 optional) Powered rear axle.14.9-PR (R2) PRO-12 Picking Units:.. Row configurations.Available in 4 or 5-row configurations (see Picking Unit Ordering Guide for row spacings) Two 12-bar drums per unit, high-strength aluminum bars. Standard equipment 18 spindles per bar (432 spindles per unit).. Standard equipment Stalklifter extensions and tunnel grates. Optional guide rods and scrapping plates Automatic row-unit height control. Standard equipment Transport Width:.. 4-Row, 30-, 32-, 34-, 36-in.. 150-in. (3810 mm) 4-Row, 36-, 38-, 40-in..173-in. (4394 mm) 4-Row, 60-in. skip..173-in. (4394 mm) 4-Row, 64-in. skip.. 186-in. (4750 mm) 5-Row, 30- or 32-in..173-in. (4394 mm) 5-Row, 34- or 36-in.187-in. (4750 mm) Transport Height:... Basket down..148-in. (3759 mm) Intermediate position.. 178-in. (4521 mm) Full-up position..190-in. (4824 mm) Weight: (In-Line Units)... 4-Row, 30-in..29050 lb. (13177 kg) 4-Row, 40-in..29050 lb. (13177 kg) 5-Row, 30-in..32000 lb. (14057 kg)
Engine... Manufacturer.. John Deere Model..6068T Turbocharged No. of Cylinders...6 Displacement... 6.8L (414 cu in.) Rated Power (@ 2200 rpm, no fan).129 kW (173 hp) Engine Speeds... Fast Idle (No Load). 23602400 rpm Rated (Under Field Load)..2275 rpm Slow Idle...rpm Fuel System... Type...Direct Injection Fuel Filters..Primary Water Separator and Final Engine Air System.. Air Cleaner.Dry-Type with Safety Element and Dump Valve Capacities.... Cotton Basket.22.88 m3 (808 cu. ft) Fuel Tank.. 454L (120 U.S. gal) Cooling System.. 33.1L (35 U.S. qt) Engine Crankcase (Includes Filter).20L (21 U.S. qt) Hydraulic/Hydrostatic Reservoir.68L (18 U.S. gal) Hydraulic/Hydrostatic System..79.5L (21 U.S. gal) Transmission 13.6L..(14.4 U.S. qt) Final Drive (each).. 1.9L (2 U.S. qt) Cleaner Gear Case..1 L (1 U.S. qt) Weight (4-Row)...17,000 lb. Number of Units..4, 5, 6 or 8 Number of Rolls. 8, 10, 12 or 16(2 per unit) Roll Type.. Alternate brush and rubber flap Brush Diameter..152 mm (6 In.) Roll Length.. 1016 mm (40 In.) Unit Auger Diameter. 146 mm (5.75 In.) Cross Auger Diameter..305 mm (12 In.) Stripping Unit Controls.Electronic, adjustable response rate, individual row height control and individual raise/lower Cleaner Speeds (Engine at rated 2275 rpm). Top Saw...630 rpm Doffer... 1310 rpm Bottom Saw... 550 rpm Forward Ground Speeds (Full Throttle).. 1st Gear.. 05.95 km/h (03.7 mph) 2nd Gear.014.09 km/h (08.8 mph) 3rd Gear..029.6 km/h (018.4 mph) Reverse Ground Speeds (Full Throttle).. 1st Gear.. 02.9 km/h (01.8 mph) 2nd Gear.. 07.8 km/h (04.4 mph) 3rd Gear..014.8 km/h (09.2 mph)

Tires... Front Drive Wheels.. 23.126 14PR Rear Guide Wheels.9.00 x 24 8PR Ribbed (Standard) Rear Guide Wheels..14.9 x 24 8PR Cleated (Optional) Brakes.... Type..Hydraulically-Actuated Shoe-Type Hydraulic System... Type..Closed-Center, Constant Pressure Stand-By Pressure 24902590 psi (17,17017,860 kPa Oil Filter..Spin-On, Full Flow Suction Oil Cooler...Air-Cooled Machine Weight..7945 kg (17,000 lb)

Stripper Harvesting

J.D. Wanjura

USDA-ARS Lubbock, Texas

S.W. Searcy
Texas A&M University College Station, Texas

W.B. Faulkner

M.H. Willcutt
Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi

R.K. Boman

Texas Agrilife Extension Lubbock, Texas

M.J. Buschermohle

University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee

M.S. Kelley

A.D. Brashears
USDA ARS (Retired) Lubbock, Texas

E.M. Barnes

Cotton Incorporated Cary, North Carolina

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to the engineering staff at John Deere and Case IH for their review comments and input on this document. Funding for the production of this document has been by Cotton Incorporated, Americas Cotton Producers and Importers. Disclaimer: The statements, recommendations, and suggestions contained herein are based on experiments and information believed to be reliable only with regard to the products and/ or processes involved at the time. No guarantee is made of their accuracy, however, and the information is given without warranty as to its accuracy or reproducibility either expressed or implied, and does not authorize use of the information for purposes of advertisement or product endorsement or certification. Likewise, no statement contained herein shall be construed as a permission or recommendation for the use of any information, product, or process that may infringe any existing patents. The use of trade names does not constitute endorsement of any product mentioned, nor is permission granted to use the name Cotton Incorporated or any of its trademarks in conjunction with the products involved.

August 2010

Table of Contents
Introduction. 1 Background of Stripper Harvesting. 1 Sledding. 1 Crop Harvest-Aid Application. 3 Factors that Influence Harvest-Aid Performance. 3 Desiccants. 5 Defoliants. 5 Boll Openers. 7 Preharvest Preparation. 3
Stripper Harvester Preparation. 8 Row Unit Maintenance and Adjustment. 8 Stripper Roll Configuration. 8 Stripper Roll Timing. 9 Stripper Roll Spacing. 9 Air System Configuration and Adjustment. 10 Field Cleaner Maintenance and Adjustment. 11 Factors that Influence Field Cleaner Performance. 12
In-Season Procedures. 14 Daily Preharvest Maintenance Checks. 14 In-Field Operation. 15 Warm-Up. 15 Harvesting. 15 Unloading the Basket. 16 Shut-Down Procedure. 16
Fiber Quality. 17 Safety Is Your Responsibility!. 18 General Safety Practices. 18 References. 19

Introduction

Background of Stripper Harvesting
Stripper-type harvesters were developed as a cost-effective alternative to hand pulling for harvesting cotton with short plant heights, relatively low yield, and closed or stormproof bolls. Limited growing-season rainfall and irrigation capacity, along with harsh weather conditions on the Southern High Plains, tend to produce crops with these problems. Thats why cotton producers in this region have widely adopted the stripper harvester.
Single-row, horse-drawn cotton stripping sled (about 1920).

Sledding

The stripping action harvests seed cotton from the plant by removing the entire boll along with leaves, branches, and other undesirable material. Early implements used a wooden sled drawn by a horse or mule to pull cotton off the stalk. The sled was designed to harvest cotton by pulling the plants through a tapered opening wide enough for the stalks to pass through but narrow enough to catch and remove open and unopened bolls. Most sleds harvested one row per pass, but multirow sleds were available. After sledding, farmers often piled cotton on the turn-row to allow unopened green bolls to open before ginning.
Cotton harvesting machine configured with a finger stripper header (about 1963).
During the mid-1900s, American agriculture developed a great variety of farm machinery. Two prevalent harvester designs used the stripping action: the finger stripper harvester and the brush-roll stripper harvester. Finger stripper headers harvested cotton from crops planted in broadcast or very narrowly spaced row patterns. The brushroll stripper harvester harvested cotton planted on evenly spaced rows. Cotton harvesting machine configured with a finger stripper header It was widely used (about 1963). after cotton production practices began favoring rows spaced 30-40 inches apart. With harvesting efficiencies frequently over 99%, brush-roll-stripper harvesters allowed farmers to generate the most revenue from the cotton produced. The brush-roll cotton stripper harvester continues to be the main harvester used in southern Kansas, western Oklahoma, and the High and Southern Rolling Plains of Texas.1 Depending on crop conditions, stripping is sometimes used to harvest cotton in the Texas Blackland and Coastal Bend regions. Over the years, the agriculture industry has developed specific production and preharvest practices to help producers get the most out of stripper-harvested crops. Although stripper harvesters are generally much less complex than spindle pickers, you still need to properly condition the crop for harvest, maintain/configure row units, adjust onboard field cleaners, and operate the machine to preserve fiber quality and optimize harvesting efficiency and productivity.

1John Deere is currently the only manufacturer producing cotton-stripper harvesters in the U.S., and many comments in this document refer to their machines. Disclaimer: Mention of trade names or commercial products in this document is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Preharvest Preparation

Crop Harvest-Aid Application
Factors that Influence Harvest-Aid Performance
In order for cotton to be ready for stripper harvesting, the crop must be dry enough so that bolls can be easily snapped off of the plant. This drying effect occurs after plants have died due to exposure to freezing conditions or it can be expedited prior to cold weather through the use of desiccant type harvest aid chemicals. Harvest aid chemicals help to drop leaves, open bolls, and desiccate plants, facilitating earlier stripper harvesting, higher yields and improved lint quality (Boman et al. (2009).
John Deere model 7460 brush-roll cotton stripper harvester (about 2010).
Proper harvest-aid product selection, tank-mix partners, and rates vary with environmental and crop conditions. What works best in one year is not necessarily the best for the next season. Effectiveness of harvest-aid chemicals is always a concern. Several factors affect the performance or lack of performance of harvest-aid chemicals. These factors improve the performance of harvest-aid chemicals: arm, calm, sunny weather W S oil moisture relatively low but sufficient to maintain cotton plant in active growth condition without moisture stress oil nitrogen levels relatively low S eaves active and uniformly expanded on plants L ittle or no secondary growth evident on plants L lants with a high percentage of open bolls that have shed some mature leaves P
On the other hand, here are some factors that negatively affect harvest-aid chemical performance: pplications made under cool (below 60 Fahrenheit), cloudy conditions A ong periods of wet weather after treatment L lants in vegetative growth state with low fruit set P lants severely moisture stressed with tough, leathery leaves at time of treatment P igh soil moisture and nitrogen levels, which contribute to rank, dense foliage and delayed H maturity lants exhibiting secondary growth (regrowth) after a cut-out period P mproper calibration of application rates and poor spray coverage I In general, the yield and condition of the cotton crop should determine the choice of harvest-aid product. If the leaves are beginning to shed and are reddish to purple, they will more easily drop off without too much sticking (when leaves do not drop and are frozen on the plant). The natural process that causes leaves to drop can be stopped by stress such as a freeze or desiccant application. Also, some cotton varieties do not defoliate properly. Increased leaf content in the harvested cotton can reduce lint quality. Drought-stressed leaves generally have a much thicker waxy coating, which can reduce harvest-aid performance.

Regrowth

Secondary growth (regrowth) sometimes occurs after the plants have cut out or stopped blooming due to drought stress or physiological maturity. If the weather is warm and rainy after an extended period of drought stress and cut out, the growth cycle can start again. You might see regrowth in the terminal and on many of the other nodes on the plant. Plants with unopened bolls or young, developing bolls are less likely to produce secondary growth. Regrowth is difficult to control because young foliage does not shed as older leaves do.

Spray Volume

Proper spray volume and coverage are also critical to the success of a harvest-aid program. Be sure to calibrate the sprayer to deliver the correct volume at the proper nozzle pressure to ensure adequate distribution and foliage penetration. Read and follow the label directions for use of the product. The harvest-aid label contains information based on many years of testing and results. Avoid applying on windy days to reduce the hazard of spray drift to nontarget vegetation. Some harvest-aid chemicals are very toxic and should be properly handled and stored, especially around small children and pets. Harvest-aid products are basically classed in three categories: desiccants, defoliants, and boll openers.

Desiccants

Desiccants (paraquat formulations such as Gramoxone Inteon, Firestorm, Parazone and various tank-mixes with other products) dry down the plant by causing the cells to rupture. The old rule of thumb is that desiccants are normally applied when approximately 80% of the productive bolls are open, or at two to three nodes above cracked boll. However, if enough bolls are mature (based on the knife test), then desiccants may be applied to fields with a lower percentage of open bolls. Do not use paraquat-based desiccants when seedling-stage small grains or other crops are near targeted cotton fields. Paraquat drift can severely damage developing small grains grown for cover or harvest. Gramaxone Inteon, Firestorm, and Parazone are similar products that have paraquat as the active ingredient. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has granted a 24c special local needs (SLN) label for several paraquat-based products. See labels for specifics. The SLN approves higher use rates for desiccation of stripper-harvested cotton for many Texas counties.

Weather Factors

Paraquat applications made in the late afternoon before a bright, sunny day seem to boost the effectiveness of desiccation and tend to increase regrowth control. We suggest the use of nonionic surfactant (NIS) with paraquat. Use the NIS at a minimum rate of 0.125% or 0.25% volume/volume (v/v), depending on the percent concentration of surface-active agent (see individual product labels). You may need to increase the NIS rate to 1% v/v and spray late in the day to effectively desiccate some fields.

PPO Inhibitor Products

In some years, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor defoliant/desiccant products applied at higher rates work well to desiccate juvenile growth and regrowth, which is often difficult to do with paraquat. PPO inhibitor products include Aim, Blizzard, ET, and Resource. Unlike the problem with paraquat, drift from desiccant rates of PPO inhibitors should not injure small grains.

Defoliants

Defoliants cause plants to begin developing an abscission layer, or zone of cells that eventually break down and cause leaves to separate from the stem and drop. Abscission is a natural process, but it is enhanced by the defoliant. Some defoliants are classified as hormonal, some are herbicidal, and some are mixtures of both.

Hormonal Defoliants

Hormonal defoliants work two ways: (1) they enhance production of ethylene, a hormone that stimulates leaf abscission; or (2) they inhibit a plants ability to transport auxin, a plant growth hormone. Lower temperatures are more likely to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal defoliants than herbicidal defoliants. Hormonal defoliants include Dropp (thidiazuron) and related products. Because of fall temperatures, Dropp is not generally used in the Texas High Plains and Rolling Plains regions.

Herbicidal Defoliants

Herbicidal defoliants include Def (tribufos) and related products, the PPO inhibitors (Aim, Blizzard, ET, and Resource), and low rates of paraquat or other desiccants (which injure but do not kill the leaves). Some products may have mixtures of both hormonal and herbicidal defoliants. These products include Ginstar (thidiazuron plus diuron) and related products.

Maximizing Leaf Drop

To maximize leaf drop, defoliants require fairly healthy and active leaves that still function properly and are not severely drought stressed (tough and leathery). Warm air temperatures generally enhance a defoliants effectiveness. According to the commonly used rule of thumb, defoliants can be safely applied when 50-60% of the bolls are open and the remaining bolls are mature enough to obtain a good yield. Defoliation generally causes mature bolls to open, but green, unopened bolls can still remain a challenge. Frequently, a killing freeze or a follow-up application of paraquat or other desiccant product is needed to allow stripper harvest of the crop. Defoliant rates of PPO inhibitors disrupt a plants cell membrane, which triggers increased ethylene production in leaves and causes abscission. Texas High Plains research trials indicate that the PPO-inhibitor products can be effective defoliants, as well as effective desiccants in some instances when used at higher rates. These products tend to work equally well, but some may work better under certain crop conditions. PPO inhibitors can be tank-mixed with other products such as paraquat, Def, Ginstar, Prep, Finish 6 Pro, and FirstPick. We suggest the use of crop oil concentrate (COC) or other adjuvant for the Aim EC, Blizzard, ET, and Resource spray mixtures. See specific product labels for details. Failure to include proper adjuvants with these products will likely result in significantly reduced activity.

Boll Openers

Ethephon-based boll-opener products increase the rate of boll opening and defoliation to allow for more rapid harvesting of the crop. Primary ethephon materials include Prep and other related products such as Bolld, Boll Buster, Setup, and SuperBoll. A few years ago, some enhanced boll-opener/defoliant products were marketed: Finish 6 Pro, which contains ethephon and cyclanilide; and FirstPick, which contains ethephon and urea sulfate. These chemicals affect the natural boll-opening process, but they do not cause bolls or fiber to mature faster. Plants convert ethephon to ethylene, an aging-related hormone that speeds up abscission layer formation. Ethephon-based products usually reach a level of maximum effect within 14 days. Tank mixes of ethephon and defoliants (for example, Def or Ginstar) are effective at opening bolls and dropping leaves in higher yielding cotton. Higher rates of ethephon products are often very effective for defoliation, but lower rates are generally effective for boll opening. The maximum labeled rate for ethephon products is 2 pounds of active ingredient per acre. Defoliant chemicals can be tank-mixed with ethephon products to enhance defoliation.

Boll Maturity

Ethephon must be applied to an active plant to be effective, and temperatures generally drive its effectiveness. Ethephon product labels generally state that plants need sufficient mature unopened bolls present to produce desired crop. Mature bolls are defined as too hard to be dented when squeezed between the thumb and fingers, too hard to be sliced with a sharp knife, and when the seedcoat becomes light brown in color. If you apply boll-opening products when bolls are not mature enough, you will likely see reduced lint yield and micronaire. Results from several High Plains studies indicate that lint yield and micronaire reductions occurred when applications were made at 25% open bolls but not at 50% open bolls. Lint yields were reduced at least 10%, and micronaire was decreased by about 5%. When you first use tank mixes of boll opener and defoliant products, you often need a follow-up application of paraquat (or other product with desiccant activity) to sufficiently condition the cotton for stripper harvest in the High Plains region. Although this step adds more expense to the overall harvest-aid program, it is sometimes necessary to complete the season-long earliness investment you have made.

Stripper Harvester Preparation
Row Unit Maintenance and Adjustment
Proper row unit maintenance and adjustment are critical to maximizing harvest efficiency and preserving fiber quality. Several crop conditions play a large role in determining correct machine settings, such as the level of defoliation, stalk diameter, plant height and width, and stalk and branch moisture content (brittleness). Stripping aggressiveness describes the duration and intensity of the harvesting action applied to the plants by the row units.

Aggressive Harvesting

Aggressiveness directly influences the amount of seed cotton and foreign material harvested. The more aggressive the harvesting action, the higher the probability is to harvest more foreign material and generate bark. You need to adjust stripper row units to the correct level of stripping aggressiveness with goal of harvesting the least foreign material and causing the least seed cotton field losses. Four main factors influence stripping aggressiveness: onfiguration and sequence of brushes C and bats on stripping rolls Stripper roll spacing Combing pan spacing Machine travel speed
Close-up image of a new bat (top) and brush (bottom) used on stripper rolls.
Stripper Roll Configuration
Manufacturers configure stripper rolls with three brushes (2 inches wide by 40 inches long, crimped nylon bristle brush) and three bats (2 inches wide by 40 inches long,
Image of brush-bat (uncrimped nylon bristle brush, top) and conventional brush (bottom).
reinforced rubber strips). Brush-bats are un-crimped nylon bristle strip brushes and reduce stripping aggressiveness compared to conventional brushes. Brush bats are available commercially as replacement components. Bats with two-ply thickness are most commonly used on stripping rolls, but one-ply bats are available on new machines and as replacement components. One-ply bats help reduce stripping aggressiveness due to their reduced stiffness. Using fewer bats per stripper roll reduces the amount of foreign material harvested. Research showed that using a stripper roll configuration with one bat and five brushes reduced the total foreign matter content of stripped cotton (Brashears, 1992). Additionally, as stalks and branches become brittle late in the season after freezing weather, reducing the width of bats by 0.75 to 1 inch can reduce stick content by as much as 40% with minimal effect on harvest efficiency (Brashears, 1992; Supak et al., 1992).
Effect of Stripper Roll Configuration on Foreign Matter Content
Percent Foreign Material in Seed Cotton

3 Bruches & 3 Bats

3 Brush-Bats & 3 Bats
3 Narrow Bats & 3 Brushes

6 Brushes

Stripper Roll Timing
Timing of stripper rolls using the conventional three-brush/three-bat or one-bat/five-brush configurations should be brush-to-bat to help reduce stripping aggressiveness. Late-season stripper roll configurations using three narrow bats with three brushes should be timed brush-to-brush.

Modified stripper roll configuration with one bat and five brushes per stripper roll timed brush to bat (Brashears, 1992).

Stripper Roll Spacing

Stripper roll spacing measured as the distance between adjacent bats or brushes turned to their inward-most position should be as wide as possible without increasing
Conventional configuration of three bats (red) and three brushes on stripper rolls (rolls timed brush-to-bat).
field losses. Wider spacing between stripper rolls reduces the amount of foreign material collected and the potential for bark (Wanjura and Brashears, 1983; Brashears, 1986). Adjust initial spacing between stripper rolls based on typical stalk diameter (generally 0.250.75 inch), and readjust the spacing as crop conditions change. The spacing of combing pans located below stripper rolls should also be checked to make sure seed cotton is not able to fall out of the row unit and plants are allowed to pass through freely. It is generally recommended to increase the spacing of combs at the front of the unit by approximately 1/4 inch compared to comb spacing at the rear of the unit. Monitor the condition of bats and brushes frequently and replace worn components to maintain acceptable harvest efficiency. Excessively worn bats or brushes may break off stripper rolls and become a contaminant in baled lint if allowed to pass through the gin.
Recommended initial stripper roll spacing.
Seed Cotton Stick Content (%)
Effect of Stripper Roll Spacing on Seed Content Stick Content

3 2.1.0.0 1/2

Stripper Roll Spacing (inches)
Air System Configuration and Adjustment
The pneumatic conveyance system used on stripper harvesters serves three critical functions: onveying harvested seed cotton from the C header to the storage basket eparating green bolls and heavy foreign S material from harvested seed cotton istributing seed cotton uniformly across D the width of the conveying duct before the onboard field cleaner
New bat (top) and worn bat (bottom).
A harvester uses the force of gravity to separate green bolls and heavy trash at the lower and upper ends of the conveying duct. After seed cotton exits the header cross auger, high-velocity air from the main fan pulls it through the conveying duct. The position of a door on the rear side of the duct regulates the force of the air. When the door is open, the air stream is less forceful, which provides better separation of green bolls and heavy trash. When the door is closed, all of the seed cotton, green bolls, and foreign material is pulled into the conveying duct and carried to the upper section. A separation system at the top of the conveying duct provides a second opportunity for removing green bolls and other foreign material. A plate at the top of the air duct can be adjusted to allow more green bolls and other foreign material to settle out of the air stream and onto a chute that Air Duct [N62234] discharges the removed material to the side of the machine. The seed cotton remaining in the air stream is directed into the onboard field cleaner or into the basket. Uniform distribution of the seed cotton across the upper section of the conveying duct requires proper adjustment of the front and side tabs on the high-velocity air nozzle and factory-installed vanes that direct airflow across the inside of the duct.

Field Cleaner Maintenance and Adjustment
Cotton strippers produced since the late 1980s have included onboard field cleaners to help remove foreign material from stripped seed cotton. Field cleaners used on modern stripper harvesters are similar to two-saw stick machines used in cotton gin seed cotton
Deere & Company. All rights reserved.
Copyright Deere & Company, all rights reserved.
Schematic of main cotton conveying duct used on John Deere 7460 stripper harvesters (Courtesy of John Deere): A Lower Front Separation Duct Panel; B Lower Separation Duct Door; C Door; D Separator Angles; and E Vanes.
cleaning systems. Field cleaners can remove approximately 50-60% of the initial foreign matter content in stripped seed cotton. Seed cotton containing approximately 30-35% foreign material is fed to the machine through the pneumatic conveying duct where wads of seed cotton are dispersed by the feeder cylinder and fed onto the primary cleaning cylinder. Channel-type saws affixed to the surface of the cleaning cylinder grab the seed cotton and pull it over grid bars located around the outside of the saw cylinder. Large foreign material (such as sticks and burrs) and some seed cotton are removed through centrifugal force as the cotton is pulled across the grid bars. The material rejected by the primary cleaning cylinder is fed onto the reclaiming cylinder and pulled over a second set of grid bars where mostly large foreign material and small amounts of seed cotton are removed through centrifugal force. Seed cotton on the primary and reclaiming saw is removed by the doffing brush at the back of the machine and discharged into an air stream leading to the harvester basket.
Factors that Influence Field Cleaner Performance
Several factors affect the seed cotton rejection and cleaning performance of field cleaners: loading rate, seed cotton moisture content, initial foreign matter content, saw-to-grid bar clearance, saw condition, doffer brush condition, and belt tension. You can influence all of these factors to some degree while operating a stripper.

Feed Rates

Research on field cleaners and similar stick machines used in ginning has shown that excessive processing rates decrease cleaning efficiency and increase loss of good seed cotton (Baker et al., 1982; Kirk et al., 1970). Previous research indicates that the optimum feed rate of these machines is in the range of 2-2.5 bales per hour per foot of width (Baker et al., 1994; Wanjura et al., 2009). When operating a cotton stripper, be careful not to overload field cleaners by excessive harvest speeds, especially with six-row-wide and eight-row-wide headers.

Moisture Content

Monitor seed cotton moisture content at harvest, especially when using field cleaners to avoid damaging fiber quality. Under high-moisture-content conditions, field cleaners can cause seed cotton to have a rope-like appearance that reduces the gins ability to efficiently clean the cotton. It also tends to cause excessive fiber breakage at the gin stand.
Preharvest Crop Management
Proper preharvest crop management will reduce the amount of excess plant material the harvester must handle. Specifically, timing of irrigation termination and harvest-aid application will help defoliate and desiccate the crop. Also, proper preharvest maintenance on field cleaners will help
improve the removal of foreign material from harvested seed cotton. During preharvest field cleaner maintenance, check and adjust saw-to-grid bar clearances, replace worn saws on primary and reclaiming saws, replace worn doffer brushes, and check for proper drive belt tensions.
Saw-to-Grid Bar Clearances
Generally, wider saw-to-grid bar clearances reduce the amount of foreign material removed, as well as the amount of seed cotton rejected by the machine. On the other hand, tighter clearances increase foreign matter removal and seed cotton rejection. Clearance settings for the two upper grid bars and the lay-down bar on the primary saw are 5/8 inch. All other saw-to-grid bar clearances are set at 1/2 inch. Check saw-to-grid bar clearances daily and adjust as needed.
Cleaner Operation [N65673]
Field cleaner machine used onboard John Deere 7460 stripper harvesters (Courtesy of John Deere): A Cleaner Bypass Lever; B Feeder; C Feeder Control Bar; D Upper Saw Drum; E Upper Grid Bars; F Lower Saw Drum; G Saw Brush; H econdary Reclamation Brush; S I Lower Grid Bars; J Trash Auger; K Fan; L Doffer (12-Brush); M Brushes (Doffer); N Front Duct; O Rear Duct; and P Basket.

In-Season Procedures

Daily Preharvest Maintenance Checks
Daily maintenance of stripper harvesters is critical to ensuring worker safety, maintaining productivity, and prolonging machine life. The following are basic daily critical checkpoints to address before operation: lean seed cotton from deck area, engine compartment, alternator screens, radiator coils, fan C shroud, etc. lean cotton buildup from finger grates, basket screens, and sensors in basket. C heck to make sure the direction vane at the top of the conveying duct is set as desired to C direct cotton either into the field cleaner or into the basket, depending on desired operation. heck field cleaner for damaged saws, residue buildup on saws, loose or damaged grid bars, C loose belts, buildup of large debris, etc. ill fuel tank and inspect tires for proper pressure and damage. F heck engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant levels. C heck row units for plugged grate panels, plant stalks, excessively worn or damaged bats and C brushes, worn bearings and gears, etc. ubricate basket hydraulic L cylinder pivots, basket rock shaft pivots, and basket vane pivot points. ubricate steering axle L pivot points and ball joints. ollow all recommended F maintenance procedures according to manufacturersuggested intervals in the machine operators manual.

In-Field Operation

Warm-Up
After you complete daily pre-operation maintenance and checks, the machine is almost ready for field use. Before entering the field for harvest, properly warm up the machine and power up the field cleaner, fan, and row-unit drive systems in sequence. With the engine at low idle speed, engage the field cleaner, followed by the main fan, and then the row-unit drive. Initiating operation in this sequence allows for material remaining in the system to pass through without causing a choke downstream.

Harvesting

Before entering the crop rows, lower the row units and header into proper position for harvest. Adjust the stripper header level with the ground; row units should float approximately 1-2 inches above the surface. As the machine enters the field, closely monitor your speed to prevent overloading the header cross auger and field cleaner. Match travel speed to machine capacity, considering the number of rows harvested per pass, yield, and level of defoliation.

Field Conditions

Pay close attention to field conditions, and avoid obstacles by raising row units and maneuvering around to prevent row-unit chokes and machine damage. Stripper row units are subject to periodic plugging due to rank crop conditions, weed and disease pressure, or the presence of field debris (such as stumps and rocks). Some modern stripper headers are equipped with reversing circuits that allow stripping rolls and augers to rotate in reverse to help clear minor chokes. Make sure that the row units have come to a complete stop before engaging the reversing circuit to prevent damage to the header or row units.

Clearing a Choke

Some situations will require several cycles of engaging the row units in the forward and then the reverse direction to clear a choke. If you cannot clear a choke quickly by reversing the row-unit drive, you must manually remove the obstruction before harvest can continue. Before leaving the cab to clear the obstruction, you must disengage the row units, fan, and field cleaner, and then shut off the engine to prevent serious injury or death. Follow all recommended safety precautions listed in the machine operators manual. Remove debris from the field after you clear it out of the row units. If any seed cotton has touched the ground, do not put it with other harvested cotton. It may be contaminated.

Unloading the Basket

Carefully unload the harvester basket into a boll buggy or module builder to prevent worker injury or machine damage. Make sure that the unloading area is clear of overhead obstructions (such as power lines) before unloading. Make sure that the stripper harvester is oriented appropriately relative to the boll buggy or module builder to allow the harvester to unload without spilling seed cotton onto the ground. It may not be possible to unload a stripper harvester with a wide header configuration (i.e., 6 or 8 rows wide) directly into a module builder.

Field Procedures

Field efficiency is maximized when the harvester unloads without leaving the rows being harvested. It is often easier to maneuver a boll buggy into position than to move a harvester off the rows and into position. Be careful when maneuvering boll buggies in the field (especially near harvesters with wide headers) to allow for adequate forward, side, and rear clearance to avoid damaging the harvester or support equipment.

Wind Factors

Harvesters are top-heavy and should be maneuvered slowly when full and unloaded on flat ground. Windy conditions are common in stripper-harvested areas and can cause harvesting equipment to roll over when unloading. Always pay close attention to wind direction when unloading in windy conditions and orient machines for unloading so that the basket rotates into the wind.

Shut-Down Procedure

The following steps should be taken to properly shut down stripper harvesters at the end of each day: ring the machine to a complete stop, B and place the hydrostatic lever in the park position. pply the parking brake. A isengage stripping units. D ower stripping units and header L onto the ground.

Cotton stripper unloading into a boll buggy shown with basket rotating into the wind.
isengage the fan. D isengage the field cleaner. D dle the engine for several minutes to cool I the turbo-charger before turning ignition switch off.

Fiber Quality

Harvesting Efficiency
High harvesting efficiency (leaving as little seed cotton in the field as possible) is critical to maintaining profitability, especially for farmers growing nonirrigated crops. Harvesting efficiency for brush-roll strippers is high, usually in the range of 98-99%. However, some aspects of fiber quality (such as micronaire and length uniformity) can be reduced for stripped cotton due to the presence of immature fiber from bolls located at the top of the plant. The presence of immature fiber can also influence fiber length, strength, and color grade.
Crop Management Practices
Environmental conditions often limit the maturity of cotton crops on the Southern High Plains. However, late-season crop management practices with regard to irrigation termination and harvestaid applications can help reduce the severity of these maturity issues. Application of boll-opening harvest-aid chemicals to immature crops can result in reduced yield and fiber quality.

Leaf Grade Reduction

Leaf grade for stripped cotton is generally higher than picked cotton due to higher initial foreign matter content. The industry has adopted ginning practices over the years to efficiently remove foreign material and bring leaf grades down. Ginners should be careful to prevent excessive fiber breakage due to poor moisture control, high processing rates, and excessively aggressive lint cleaning.
Safety Is Your Responsibility!
This information is intended to help you get to know the basic guidelines and recommendations for maintaining, configuring, and operating stripper-type cotton harvesters. You should also read and understand the operators manual for the machine you plan to operate. Pay close attention to all safety precautions and procedures to prevent injury or death to yourself and those around you!

General Safety Practices

When you work around harvesting machinery, safety is vital to protect yourself and the workers around you. Follow these rules to help ensure a safe harvesting operation: lways read and understand the operators manual for the equipment you are about to A operate. Pay special attention to safety concerns and follow all safety procedures to prevent injury or death. perate harvesting machinery at appropriate speeds, taking into account ground conditions O and slope. arvesting equipment is often top-heavy. Do not dump harvesters on sloping ground, in high H winds, near electrical lines, or while moving. Make sure the rear axle stabilizer system works before dumping. lways keep a fully charged fire extinguisher on harvesting equipment. If you detect a basket A fire in time, dump the load on the ground and move the harvester away quickly. Never try to extinguish a fire from inside the basket. t least once a day, clean seed cotton, lint, and trash from the engine compartment and other A heat sources on your harvester. Keep these areas clean, and you will greatly reduce the chance of machine fires. lways install mechanical cylinder stops or blocks before you perform maintenance on row A units, under raised baskets, or under other hydraulically controlled systems. Stops and blocks will prevent the systems from lowering unexpectedly. ear close-fitting clothing and pay close attention when you work around harvesting W equipment. Before you get near any moving part, make sure the parking brake is set and the engine is shut off.