New Idea 323 husking bed plugs

[hoader]

I"m using a 1 row New Idea corn picker. This year, the husks are not breaking off the ear easily and just get cought at the end of the husking bed. It builds up to a dozen or so ears hanging there stopping them from leaving the husking bed and going in the elevator. 2 of the rubber rollers for the husking bed are warn about 2" up from the lower end. The rest of the roller looks as good as new. Is there a quick fix to keep the corn moving on its way to the elevator?
Thanks Hoader

 

[Anonymous-0]

Wish I could be more definite, but I'm going back over two decades here.
Corn variety, maturity, weather, year, etc. make so much difference with those darn things. We replaced the rubber rolls because of that wear. Seems like back then you could even buy the little cut up tire pieces but we didn't figure we could ever get them squeezed on, plus I don't think the price difference was all that much.

 

[John51]

No quick fix that I know of. The rubber rolls have to be replaced/redone to solve the problem.

 

[rrlund]

Bob and John are correct,BUT,how about if you took some fairly heavy sheet metal and fastened it up over those worn grooves with some good heavy pop rivets? You'd have to bend it to the right shape to keep things from hanging up worse,but the curve would strengthen it. For all intent and purposes,you'd just be shortening the husking bed. Just an idea.

 

[hoader]

That sounds like a great idea. I'm going to give it a try. The owner is persistent and patient having to unplug it twice each pass. He is almost done picking this year so I won't find out how well it works till next year. Thanks for your advice.

 

[hoader]

Are you saying that some of the warn rubber pieces can be removed from the roller and replaced with fresh pieces? Please tell me more!
Thanks Hoader

 

[Anonymous-0]

Again, it's been a long time, but yes I believe that's true. At least back in the early 80's those little cut rubber discs were available. I have no idea what's available now. I never saw anyone replace them- seems like you'ld have to rig up some kind of press- jig to get them tight enough.
I never thought after all the time I spent working on and around those machines I would get stupid, but I did. I ended up with my left hand wrapped through and around three rolls. The good news was my hand plugged it and the only damage was the slip clutch.
So while unplugging the corn picker I hope your tractor is shut off.