Maintaining Your Geringhoff Corn Head

Chris Rewerts, Master Tech at Birkey's Farm Store in Henry, offers some basic maintenance tips for your Geringhoff corn head. Watch the video, or read the tips below. 

Wear Points on a Geringhoff Corn Head

Gathering chains

Geringhoff makes it easy to remove gathering chains and the front idler sprocket using a special tool (part no. 501190) that comes with every header. Chris demonstrates how to use this tool in the video.

Gathering chains are like any other chains. When the adjuster can no longer hold it tight, it's time for a chain replacement. Geringhoff recommends that you re-position gathering chains once a year from right to left and vice versa to ensure uniform wear.

Lower Sprocket

Geringhoff uses a full poly sprocket. When the teeth are wore down from a stretched chain, it's time to replace them.

Upper Sprocket

The upper sprocket looks worn out when it's new--that's part of the slip clutch mechanism. When it looks smooth, and the chain won't drive, it's time to replace it.

Stripper Plates

Stripper plates get lots of wear toward the front of the head. A ready rod is welded on for wear; when it starts to disappear, it's time to replace.

Knives

These have a hardened leading edge. If this wears off, you need to replace. They are a point-to-point knife and should be close to touching. If they are further apart, it will affect your corn head's performance. The knives should be adjusted to .5 mm in the back and 2 mm in the front.

Call or stop by your local Birkey’s for more information, or to schedule repairs on your combine or other farm equipment.