UK trials of the Canadian-built MacDon draper combine header have proved to be a big success with higher outputs and reduced losses, according to Shelbourne Reynolds.
Working in a wide variety of crop types, often in far from perfect conditions, the header’s ability to provide a smooth, lump-free flow of crop to the threshing area means it continually out performed conventional headers.
“We’ve operated the headers in oilseed rape, wheat, barley, peas and beans, often in some difficult conditions,” said Shelbourne Reynold’s sales and marketing director, Neil Smith. “Overall, we are more than pleased with the results – as have been the growers whose combines they were operated with.”
One of the first to try a 35ft version of the MacDon draper header was Eddie Banks, who farms 3,000 acres at Harlton, Cambridgeshire. Fitted to his Case AFX 8010 combine, the header was able to cut and feed the crop smoothly into the combine at a higher speed than with his conventional header.
“It just shows that combine threshing systems are not being fully used,” he said. “The smooth, flow of crop through the combine allowed the threshing system to be fully utilised.”
In action, the header’s conveyors take the crop as soon as it is cut to the centre of the table where a third conveyor running at right angles takes it to the feed auger and then into the elevator.
All drives to the header are hydraulic – it has a shaft driven hydraulic pump which power the knife, conveyors, feed auger and sails.
For Velcourt manager Dan Mathews, based at Tilney All Saints, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, a trial with a 35ft MacDon draper header attached to his New Holland CR9090 combine proved to be an enlightening experience.
Tasked with running 6,000 acres, with more than 5,000 acres of combinable crops such as winter wheat, oilseed rape and winter beans, Mr Mathews highlighted the gentle action of the header which minimises damage and losses.
“This is particularly noticeable in oilseed rape and beans,” he said.
The header’s suspension system, which can be set to allow close to ground cutting with little fear of hitting the ground or bulldozing, is a feature both MacDon users emphasised – but for different reasons.
At the Cambridge farm, Mr Banks was keen to maximise on his straw baling operation, which he sells for electricity production, while Mr Mathews said his min-till cultivation regime benefitted from starting with a low stubble height.
“It just makes so much sense to use a header that allows full use to be made of the combine,” Mr Smith added, pointing out what many combine operators will already know: combine output is usually limited by the ability to get the crop on board.
Designed to be fitted to all makes of combine, MacDon D60 draper header are available in widths of 30ft, 35ft and 40ft.
For more information visit: www.shelbourne.com.
