Low-Cost Drop Pan Helps Fine-Tune Combine

Low-Cost Drop Pan Helps Fine-Tune Combine COMBINES Accessories David Hofer’s Bin Buster drop pan helps put more grain in the bin and costs a fraction of other drop pans on the market      “After the combine has passed check the chaff on the pan for grain ” says Hofer Baildon Colony “Clean the sample measure it check the chart to see how many bushels per acre you are losing and adjust the combine if needed ”     Hofer provides charts with the pan which he says can be used with all crops They are calibrated by either grams or hand-counted grains     The pans are constructed of used grain tarp and fiberglass rods The rods fit in sleeves at the edges of the pan and are held in place by 90-degree pvc connectors     “Once it is assembled it can be tossed in the back seat of a truck until the end of the season and then returned to its storage pouch ” says Hofer     The Bin Buster is designed to be tossed under the rear combine wheel which makes it less likely to tip on stubble It’s positioned to get a good sample of chaff and straw coming out of the combine as it passes over     Hofer designed it from flexible materials after complaints from combine drivers “The pans they used were getting bent up when driven on accidentally ” says Hofer “With mine they are supposed to drive on it ”     Baildon Colony runs 6 Deere combines with one person periodically checking grain loss with the pan Once he has the loss calculated he radios the operator with the information which can be used to adjust the machine     “The operators feel the pan helps them get to know their combine better so they can fine-tune it ” says Hofer “It lets them know they aren’t losing too much crop ”     For single combine operators Hofer suggests making a hinged platform for the pan He advises hanging it under the body of the combine but just ahead of a rear wheel When the operator wants to take a sample pull or release the platform’s catch allowing the pan to slide down in front of the wheel After the sample has been checked replace the pan adjust the combine if needed and go     The Bin Buster is priced at $120 plus shipping “As long as I have used tarp the price should stay pretty much the same ” says Hofer     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup David J Hofer Baildon Colony Box 968 Moose Jaw Sask Canada S6H 4P6 baildonshoeshop@gmail com

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.