Cover To Keep Combine Clean And Cool COMBINES Accessories 28-5-32 After losing two combines to fires, Ron Stoen decided to find a way to keep combines cleaner in the field. "Ninety percent of combine fires start from dust and chaff buildup on the engine," says Stoen, who farms and also owns Stoen Farm Supply. "When you do get rain on the combine, all the dust turns to mud." So far, he's only put together a model of his new cover but he's confident it will work. Stoen's idea is to put a large cover on the top of the combine that will house a large blower and air tubes, directed downward onto the combine. The blower will be powered by the straw chopper countershaft that runs at 3,800 rpm's. Stoen plans to use a pulley configuration to increase rpm's to match that of the blower he plans to use. "I am looking at blowers that operate at up to 5,000 rpm's," explains Stoen. "They will create air movement comparable to 120 to 140 mph winds." The blower will feed into a 3-tube manifold. Stoen will direct one air tube at the engine to blow away dust, chaff and straw. A second tube will be directed at the combine cab windshield, and a third will be directed at the feeder housing to clear dust away from the front of the combine. "I have talked with my insurance agent, and he said anything that reduces the risk of fire will receive a deduction," says Stoen. He's currently lining up manufacturing and estimates the cover and blower system will cost no more than $2,500 retail. While the system is intended for dust control, it may also reduce sun glare and heat. The cover will extend over part of the windshield and serve as a sun visor, something no longer found on most cabs. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ron Stoen, Stoen Farm Supply, P.O. Box 155, 28687 St. Hwy 55, Lowry, Minn. 56349 (ph 320 283-5283).

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