Rubber Tracks For Deere Combines

Rubber Tracks For Deere Combines COMBINES Accessories 18-6-27 Deere is offering a new package of high flotation systems that includes rubber tracks designed for its 9500, 9600, and CTS combines, as well as 50-in. wide flotation "logger" tires, high flotation steering tires, and new wide-spaced duals. "Our customers are concerned about soil compaction and field mobility and we're responding to that," says spokesman Dave Rock. The new track design features an air bladder suspension system and pivoting bogey wheels. The 32 in. wide tracks mount in place of the drive wheels. The final drive is relocated outboard and the track assembly is attached to it. The bogey wheels are designed to move up and over obstructions, easing shock loads to the combine's frame and operator. The 4-pivot point design of the tracks allows them to conform to the ground surface for better traction and a smoother ride. The tracks have 1 1/2-in. deep lugs al-lowing the tracks to grip sidehills and maintain directional stability with full grain tank loads. Ground speeds are comparable to tires (15 to 16 mph). Large rubber cogs on the underside of the belt help maintain positive drive traction and less belt slippage as tension is applied. An on-board accumulator on each track, along with a hydraulic cylinder, assure proper belt tension is automatically maintained. The track undercarriage was designed with help from Waltana, an Australian company that specializes in rubber track systems. Deere will have them manufactured in the U.S. The company recommends that the tracks be mounted on combines equipped with power rear wheel assist for easier steering and faster turning. The tracks can be used with single-reduction or planetary final drives and have a list price of $32,500, not including installation. "If you order a new combine, you get credit for the value of standard equipment tires and wheels," says Rock. Available quantities will be limited in 1995. The high flotation logger tires measure 68 in. high and 50 in. wide. They were originally developed for the logging industry to reduce machinery sinkage into the forest soil. "They offer over 50% more footprint than the typical 30.5 by 32 drive tires," says Rock. "The big footprint provides maxi-mum flotation in soft ground without deep rutting of the soil. With only 15 psi of inflation pressure they also help reduce soil compaction. Our new 28.L by 26 steering wheels are designed for use with power rear wheel assist. They work great with the high flotation tires or the rubber tracks for moving loaded grain tanks and large headers over soft, wet, or muddy ground." Optional new 20.8 by 38 and 20.8 by 42 radial wide-spaced duals offer greater ground flotation capabilities than the 18.4 wide duals. The 13% wider duals also offer excellent traction for harvesting with wider heads (8 to 12-row corn heads, 25-ft. to 30-ft. platforms) and transporting full grain tanks across fields. "They offer perfect tracking on 30-in. rows and eliminate stubble damage in 30-in. rows for longer tire life. They also increase combnie stability on slopes," notes Rock. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Deere & Co., John Deere Road, Moline, Ill. 61265).

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