When you’re out in the field, every bit of crop matters. We all know that keeping crop loss to a minimum is crucial, especially right at the front of your header. That’s where the battle really starts. As your crops get cut and pulled into the header, traditional tines often leave a bit too much on the table—or in this case, on the ground.
So, let’s take a closer look at how traditional tines stack up against paddle tines, and why making the right choice can seriously boost your harvest efficiency.
The Traditional Tine: A Good Old Workhorse with Some Flaws
Traditional combine reel tines have been a reliable tool for years. They’re those slim, plastic spikes that pull your crop into the header so your combine can do its thing. But let’s be honest—while they work, they’ve got a few quirks that might be costing you more than you think:
- Limited Coverage: Traditional tines are spaced out, leaving a lot of room for seeds to slip through. This gap might seem small, but it can lead to significant grain loss, especially with smaller crops.
- High-Speed Hustle: To get the crop into the header, traditional tines usually need to spin faster than you’re driving. This high-speed action can shake things up a bit too much, loosening grains and pods before they even get a chance to be properly threshed.
- Cutter Bar Loss: With limited coverage and that high-speed hustle, you can end up with what’s called cutter bar loss. That’s when grains fall off the heads or out of the pods as they’re cut, flying everywhere if the conditions aren’t just right. Over a whole harvest, those little losses can add up fast.
Paddle Tines: A Smarter Way to Harvest
Now, enter the reel paddle tine, specifically the Duck Foot Paddle Tines. These were designed to fix the issues that traditional tines struggle with. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- Better Coverage: Paddle tines have a wider footprint, which means they cover more of the header’s opening. More coverage equals fewer grains slipping through the cracks, which directly cuts down on header loss.
- Gentler on Your Crop: One of the best things about paddle tines is that you can slow down the reel speed without sacrificing performance. Slower speed means less shatter loss from the aggressive action of traditional tines. The result? More of your crop stays intact as it’s brought into the header.
- Quick and Easy Upgrade: Duck Foot Paddle Tines are designed to clip right over your existing tines. That means you can upgrade your header without a lot of downtime, and their durable design means they’ll last for thousands of acres.
- Cost-Effective Harvesting: For a relatively small investment, paddle tines can lead to big savings. They help reduce crop loss and improve the overall efficiency of your harvest, making them a smart choice for any farmer who wants to get the most out of their equipment.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Traditional tines have had their time in the spotlight, but with the advances in paddle tine technology, it might be time to consider a switch. With better coverage, gentler crop handling, and easy installation, paddle tines could be the key to capturing more of your crop and keeping your operation running smoothly.If you’re serious about boosting your harvest efficiency and cutting down on loss, it’s worth looking into what Duck Foot Paddle Tines have to offer. The benefits they bring to the table could make all the difference in maximizing your yield this season. If you’ve got questions, or are looking for a quote, contact one of our sales reps at 1-855-612-7006.