|
SCNE | The main thing I would do differently is be more selective about the machine I would use. I would still use a Gleaner since they have a good frame even after removing all the threshing parts, but I would find one that had been better cared for with a good cab interior, wiring, and a good strong hydro. I was surprised by how much work cleaning and repairing interior cab parts took, not to mention sorting out and repairing wiring. If you don't find one with a strong hydro or a recent rebuild, just plan on replacing it with a rebuild. In my first 500 acres of spraying I could tell that the hydro was weak and it was only a matter of time and well. . . it was. I shelled it out, but a call to Abilene Machine and I was up and going in 2 days with a rebuild and what a difference it made. Total cost on the machine only, including the rebuilt hydro but no GPS equipment, was about $27K. The new tires and rims cost me slightly more than I gave for the combine to start, and the used boom doubled my project cost from there. Maybe it is not fair not to include the GPS equipment, but I move it from tractor to sprayer to combine so I spread that cost out. I looked at used sprayers before deciding on the project and decided there isn't much machine left when a commercial gets done with them, especially if it's priced under $50K. Plus the hydro and drive motor are piggyback on an old Gleaner and fairly common and simple to replace. I replaced the whole thing for about what a wheel motor alone would cost on a storebought model. It was a whole winter's work, but I am pleased with the result. I also wouldn't try to save much during the teardown. I started out trying to be careful and save as much as possible, thinking I could sell parts. There isn't much demand for used parts from a machine that old and it slows down the teardown process greatly. Torch and plasma cutter should be the main disassembly tools. | |
|
My Winter Project Pics - Homemade Self-Propelled Sprayer
