There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out that you need to replace your Case IH cotton picker parts before you’re ready. Either there’s a problem with one specific part or the picker isn’t working as effectively as it should.
Once you diagnose the problem, you need to know where you can find Case IH cotton picker parts that you can rely on. The faster that you can get the parts, the faster you can get the repair completed and get the machinery back into the field.
Common Case IH Cotton Picker Parts
There are a lot of Case IH cotton pickers on the market. The features vary dramatically based on the kind of farm that you need to operate. You can choose pickers that vary in horsepower, picking speed, chamber capacity, and more.
No matter the model, there are some common parts that are likely to be replaced throughout the life of the picker.
The parts that move the most and come into contact with the most part of the earth are the ones that are going to be replaced more often. Much of this has to do with normal wear and tear.
Spindles and spindle bushings are some of the most commonly replaced parts. They’re what comes into contact with the doffers and the moistener pads. Speaking of moistener pads, they will often fray over time – which is a sure sign that they need to be replaced.
Cam rollers are responsible for following the cam track. It’s what helps the equipment to operate without excess vibration. Especially when there is uneven ground, there will be more vibration – and your cotton picker will be working overtime to keep everything smooth and operable. When this happens, you’ll find that cam rollers need to be replaced with greater frequency. It’s only inevitable that the cam track will need to be replaced at various times, too.
There’s also the picking unit cabinet. Depending on what’s going on, there may be a lot of weeds, moisture, and more. There could be a corrosive or abrasive environment that leads to rust or the sheet metal of the cabinet bending. When there’s too much wear, it will cause problems with the air suction. You may find that you get a lot of clogs. In some instances, it may also lead to more fires – which can be extremely dangerous.
As you diagnose your cotton picker, you can shop parts based on the brand and the individual area that needs to be addressed. Certipik, for example, makes it easier for you to shop for aftermarket parts by air system, water system, picking unit system, cabinet, belts, and more. It all starts with the diagnosis of what’s going on with your picker.
How to Find the Right Part
How do you know what part you need? It’s more than just knowing the model of the Case IH picker. It’s also about knowing the breakdown of the assembly that you’re working on.
Downloading a PDF of the part assembly can make a difference. It allows you to see a blown-up photo of the assembly. You can see how everything is put together. More importantly, you can see the individual parts and what the part numbers are. This way, you can diagnose the part (or parts) that you need in order to make a repair.
Whether the part is worn, broken, or even missing, you’ll know what you’re looking for so that you can find a reliable aftermarket part. That way, you can get what you need to make the repair.
How to Keep Your Parts Working Longer
While there’s not much that you can do once a part breaks, there’s a lot that can be done to keep them in good working condition.
There’s a lot that goes on across the cotton farm. Each and every piece of equipment endures quite a bit. As such, it’s important to focus on proper cleaning and servicing.
You’ll want to work with everyone who operates the cotton pickers so that they know what the cleaning procedures are at the beginning and end of their shift.
Some practices are common sense. This includes removing the lint accumulation and making sure that the basket or bale chamber is clean before putting the picker up for the shift.
There are a few maintenance tips that can make a difference, too:
- Grease the moving parts
- Add necessary fluids
- Conduct a full inspection
Every operator should have a full understanding of the moving parts. If they believe that there’s an issue, they need to flag it for inspection. Otherwise, continuing to use a picker that already has issues can lead to bigger (and more expensive) repairs.
Unfortunately, cotton picker fires are relatively common. This doesn’t have to be a catastrophic event. It’s all about what the operator does to diffuse the situation. If a picker fire starts, it can take less than 15 minutes for the equipment to be unrecognizable. Fire training is critical – and following the necessary cleaning and servicing each shift can greatly reduce the likelihood of a fire ever taking place.
Find a Wide Range of Parts
Where you source your case IH cotton picker parts have an influence on the overall function of your equipment. Not all parts are manufactured the same way – and you want to make sure that the parts are specific to the equipment that you have.
Certipik has a longstanding reputation for providing replacement components since 1988. This includes not only premium fabrication but also a wide selection of parts. It ensures that you’re not making substitutions for parts and “making do” simply because you can’t find the exact part that you need.
