JD 38 silage chopper inconsistant cut

[Poorfarmer25]

Hello! I am experimenting with silage this year, and got a hold of a old silage chopper, however some of what it puts out is about 4 inches long and some is about a 1/2 inch long.

So far I have sharpened the blades, replaced most of the chains, changed the sprocket that controls the feed rate, and slid the bar back that sets up against the blade itself.

All of the blades are present inside the cutting area, and everything else seems to run ok, it is being driven by a 4020 that has just been rebuild with a 1000rpm shaft.

The first bunch that I chopped was very wet and spoiled, so I am hoping to put some more up in a week or so but I would like to find out what my problem is.

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Im guessing your cutting grass. How consistent is the feed rate or load? Is the grass about the same height? Do you think it was clogged? Are all the blades set the same? It sounds like light vs thick grass load. I cut about the same length but when its wet clog up the fan chute.

 

[Poorfarmer25]

Im guessing your cutting grass. How consistent is the feed rate or load? Is the grass about the same height? Do you think it was clogged? Are all the blades set the same? It sounds like light vs thick grass load. I cut about the same length but when its wet clog up the fan chute.


Yes I have only cut heavy grass so far, load rate is not very consistent, according to tractor load, I have not had any plug ups yet even though it was very wet.

What do you mean by blades set the same? I don't think mine has adjustment for ?individual blades but I am not sure.

I am pulling at the pto mark and in 1st gear on my tractor, so I Cant go any slower, Should I be running full rpms? I know that silage choppers need lots of speed but I dont like running a tractor wide open.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:
I'd ask if you have a sharp stationary knife ??
If it is worn, then you can't get a good cut.

Running at PTO throttle rpm should do the job.

 

[Poorfarmer25]

Thanks for the replies everybody

I finally got off my rear and took some pictures. Two things I have noticed after reading the replies 1. there are bolts below each blade to adjust it somehow, and 2. My stationary cutter is banged up.






Im guessing one or both of these is my problems, can you please explain the best way to sharpen/reverse/replace the stationary bar? and tell me what I should adjust the cutters against to get them right.



I thought I would also mention this chopper was used for chopping/blowing dried square bales before I got it.

 

[beenthere]

There is a knife grinder to mount on the chopper, that runs a stone back and forth if I recall correctly.
I'd be stopping by the Deere dealer and talking to them, as well as finding a manual that tells about adjusting the cutters and the stationary cutter bar. Both are adjustable, and suspect it is similar to sharpening and adjusting an reel-type lawn mower.

Here is what is shown in jdparts. #17 is the stone and #2 is the crank that adjusts the stone setting. #13 moves the stone back and forth over the cutter head.

 

[Poorfarmer25]

I have flipped over the stationary bar to its one good side and have tightened it to the the cutter blades as much as possible but am still having troubles. If anyone has any other ideas

 

[Poorfarmer25]

Im still having issues if anyone else has any ideas, here is what I have done so far

1.Rotated the stationary cutter onto a better side.
2.Sharpened knives.
3.Adjusted stationary knife as close to cutters as possible.
4.Replaced side tension springs with something much heavier
5.Straightened some of the teeth on the roller bar that controls feed.

Yet I am still having problems some of it turns out great, half an inch or so but about a 1/3 of what I chop comes through uncut.:confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2::confused2: Any more advice would be much appreciated!

 

[art]

Poor Farmer, I have found it hard to get a consistant cut out of a chopper without having a 12 knife cutter head when windrows are inconsistant as well as not being able to maintain a consistant ground speed.

I would wonder why you might want to chop short? Vertical silo with unloader?
Todays farmers like it cut long so the cows can chew more and with the speed and flexibility of chopping they can cut the amount of baling they have to do.

Back to the chopper, do make sure that the shear bar is close to the knives so when turning you can hear a swishing of the knife to the shear bar. Your feed roll springs could also be weak and allowing the cutter head to pull some hay through. It's been a while but I also think on the blower you will find another shear bar that could be set closer to the paddles and the number of those I believe was optional.

 

[beenthere]

And you are sharpening with the tool shown in the drawing above?

If so, then I'd visit the mechanics at the Deere dealer and discuss the problem.