We’ve heard it before: “Why can’t I just try a couple of Duck Foot Paddle Tines and see how it goes?” It’s a fair question, but the truth is, using just a few Duck Foot attachments will actually do more harm than good. Let us explain why going all-in is the only way to get the efficiency and results you want.
Wad Feeding: The Problem You Want to Avoid
The biggest issue with using only a couple of Duck Foot Paddle Tines is what we call “wad feeding.” Imagine running your combine through a field, but instead of getting a consistent flow of crop, you’re getting clumps. That’s exactly what happens when you don’t have enough tines to create a uniform feeding pattern. This leads to patches of crop being missed, and worse, it results in material clumping together and feeding unevenly into your combine.
Here’s the kicker: This isn’t just speculation—it’s been tested in multiple configurations. Every time, the result is the same. A few tines just don’t cut it. You’ll end up with inefficiency, lost crop, and a lot of frustration. The real impact? More header loss and less grain in your tank.
The Inefficiency of Using Only a Few Paddle Tines
Imagine buying a brand-new header for your combine and deciding to only install half of the tines. Doesn’t make much sense, does it? That’s exactly what happens when you try to use just a few Duck Foot Paddle Tines. The header is designed to work with all the tines working together, and without full coverage, you’re not going to see the full benefit.
Duck Foot Paddle Tines are meant to be installed as a complete set for a reason. They work as a system to keep your crop feeding evenly into the combine, minimizing rotor loss and maximizing efficiency. By trying to get away with just a few, you’re creating weak spots where crop isn’t being picked up properly, and that translates directly to lost yield.
Tested and Proven for Full Coverage
Duck Foot® Parts has tested this extensively, and the results are always the same: Partial installation of Duck Foot Paddle Tines results in poor performance. Regardless of the configuration—you always end up with gaps in coverage, wad feeding, and, ultimately, header loss.
That’s why we sell our tines as full sets. We know that partial use doesn’t deliver the performance you need. When it comes to harvesting, you need every advantage you can get, and Duck Foot Paddle Tines are designed to give you exactly that when used across the entire header.
A Complete Solution for Maximum Yield
At the end of the day, your goal is to get as much crop into the combine as possible. Using only a few tines is a shortcut that simply won’t deliver the results you want. Instead, you’ll end up with inefficiencies, wasted crop, and missed opportunities. Duck Foot Paddle Tines are designed to work in unison, giving you the smooth, consistent feeding that’s essential for maximizing your yield.
So, while it might seem tempting to start small, the reality is that a full set of tines is the only way to see the true potential of Duck Foot Paddle Tines. By going all-in, you’re not just making an investment in quality equipment—you’re ensuring that every acre counts.At Thunderstruck Ag, we offer Duck Foot Paddle Tines in full sets for a reason: they deliver the results you need. Don’t leave your harvest to chance—equip your header with the best. Ready to maximize your efficiency? Check out our Duck Foot Paddle Tines today and see the difference a complete system makes.