[AT] Thoughts on small combines, other harvest machinery and where it takes us (continued)

[Grant Brians]

Another response to this thread. I do have an AC All-crop and a parts unit.
All of the ones I have ever seen here locally had power units mounted on
them (the model B/C engine with crank start). Mine do too. The ones I've
seen here were all 60 and 66's as that seemed to work with the power
available from the motor. In reference to more than 2 wheels on the
combines, it seems that would likely not be helpful for us here. The reason
is that all of our vegetable seed production is on beds and as most in this
area we have quite flat fields with any ruts being something we would likely
smooth before sending a combine through.
     I am looking forward to finding the time and money to refurbish and
start using the one again for seed as it is really a cool unit. The
challenge after getting it running again (covered in wild blackberries at
the moment LOL) will be learning how to use it really well as I only had
limited usage experience back in the 70's and the older guys who really knew
how to make these sing are mostly dead now. Ah, the challenges of farming!
          Grant Brians

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com]On Behalf Of Herbert Metz
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2010 1:49 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] Thoughts on small combines,other harvest machinery and
where it takes us (continued)


Grant
Quite a few smaller farms in the Midwest used the AC's Len mentioned.  In
that area they were equipped with grain bins; in some regions they were
equipped with baggers.  I believe a few have both options.   But I am not
sure whether those with both options were from factory or some innovative
farmer?
Also, a mechanic in Geneseo, (central) KS, developed a very successful "2'
extension" for the cutting platform; many of these were sold in that area.
We were half hour south of Geneseo.
Most came with PTO drive; however their own threshing drive motor
was/became an option.  I have seen several with motors in my fifteen plus
years of antique tractor enthusiasm.
The dual wheels would be a desired option.  I doubt if they had
incorporated a spring suspension so duals may be relatively easy to add?
In your reasonably flat, sandy area, duals would probably be a nice option
(but not mandatory).
They offered from a 40" to a 90" (?) grain harvesting platform. I am of
opinion a few with corn harvesting ability were mfged?
Some had rotating "pickup" tines installed for threshing alfalfa windrows,
etc.  Not sure whether this was factory or after-market?They soon developed
a very good reputation for performance, durability, and flexibility
As Charlie mentioned, go to "allischalmers.com" and then click on
"discussion page".  They sell for $100 - $500.  Many guys pull them home
behind their pickups.   Keep the two (or four) wheels greased;  I do not
remember if this was a concern or a problem.
Herb


> [Original Message]
> From: Len Rugen <rugenl at yahoo.com>
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Date: 11/5/2010 9:00:53 PM
> Subject: Re: [AT] Thoughts on small combines,other harvest machinery and
where it takes us (continued)
>
> There is a local seed producer that, at least 5-10 years ago, still used
> AC-60's and 66's for seed harvest.  I have one, broke something and
> bought a parts machine off them cheap.  They say nothing else produces
> as clean seed while not "wringing" the moisture out of the chaff and
> putting it in the seed.  There was an after market attachment called a
> "ScourClean" that mounted on top of the grain bin that was an additional
> screen for the seed.  We used ours mostly for soybeans when I was a kid,
> other than splits, the grain was about as clean as seed.
>
> Mine "worked when parked", the main problem is the canvas feed, if the
> canvas goes bad, I don't know if a replacement could be obtained.  I
> used mine about 10 years ago for some oats, worked OK, but not worth
> fixing the flats for what I harvested.  Mine has tandem wheels, so 4
> tires to keep fed.
>
>
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