JD55EB with 335 Corn Head

[FPulf]

Been working on getting the 55 combine in the field, but fixing one thing always leads to another issue, of course. I finally got some bearings replaced, and the electromagnetic clutch for the header cleaned up and working properly.

The issue I am having is that the 335 header will not engage. I tried the clutch without the chain on, and the sprocket behind the clutch spins. Either the corn head is seized somewhere, or the clutch assembly is weakened to the point it can’t engage that old beast of a header.

When I spin the clutch flywheel by hand, I can get the chains moving on the corn head, but only a little bit at a time. Should I be able to spin the flywheel by hand enough to notice some real action in the corn head, or is there just too much weight to do it by hand? Don’t want to get another hernia.

Wanted to throw this out there on this forum. I have some lockout studs, but I don’t want to use them if it may cause damage because the head inoperable. If it’s a clutch issue, the lockout studs will serve their purpose until I can get in there and figure out the electrical issue. Any input will be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[super99]

Put a wrench on the cornhead drive and turn it over several times. Are the chains dry and rusty? Have you soaked them with oil or diesel fuel or your favorite lube?

 

[FPulf]

Yeah—important parts have been soaking in oil. Slight hammer taps, as well. I’ve been turning it with the clutch flywheel, but can only get it to the point of stoppage. Have been rocking it back and forth, hoping to work in the oils as best as I can. Main driveshaft is round. Would have to weld on a nut to the end of it or something.

 

[Princeton Bill]

Use a pipe wrench. Not familiar with that head. Have you checked the gear boxes on the top of the snapping rollers to make sure they are full of grease? Does John Deere have the manuals for the corn head online? Might want to get the manuals off of e-bay.

 

[FPulf]

I’m going to start taking chains off and doing a one-by-one check, today. Manual is coming in the mail. Just found out it’s a 335 a few days ago. All the identifying markers are rusted away. Probably a lot of angle grinding in my future.

 

[spacechem]

Been working on getting the 55 combine in the field, but fixing one thing always leads to another issue, of course. I finally got some bearings replaced, and the electromagnetic clutch for the header cleaned up and working properly.

The issue I am having is that the 335 header will not engage. I tried the clutch without the chain on, and the sprocket behind the clutch spins. Either the corn head is seized somewhere, or the clutch assembly is weakened to the point it can’t engage that old beast of a header.

When I spin the clutch flywheel by hand, I can get the chains moving on the corn head, but only a little bit at a time. Should I be able to spin the flywheel by hand enough to notice some real action in the corn head, or is there just too much weight to do it by hand? Don’t want to get another hernia.

Wanted to throw this out there on this forum. I have some lockout studs, but I don’t want to use them if it may cause damage because the head inoperable. If it’s a clutch issue, the lockout studs will serve their purpose until I can get in there and figure out the electrical issue. Any input will be appreciated! Thank you!

Well, unfortunately, the work you put into making the electromagnetic clutch work may have been wasted- you lockout the clutch when using a corn head. While you're waiting for your printed manual, you can view it or download a PDF here.

Remove all the chains and reinstall them one-by-one. Tedious, I know, but best and safest way to get things limbered up and/or isolate a stuck mechanism.