Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

I almost made my first round with my R52 Gleaner, but didn't quite make it.
It started out well, ran a moisture test from the front headland at under 14%. Then I started adjusting the concave to get a better sample. Stopping every 100 ft to check to see how much grain I was throwing over. Opened up the fan damper, tightened up the concave again, adjusted the sieve. Still a bit of chaff and heads in the bin, but Beacher Wheat is hard to harvest. Now starting to put some material through this machine, running about 3.8MPH, rebuilt header feeding well. Starting to fiddle with the monitors to learn how they work.
Then all of a sudden the auger in the header is at a standstill. The drive chain has come off the sproket.

There is always cause and effect, I was a bit rash in thinking the chain was the cause, no such luck. It was the effect.
In rebuilding the header, i missed replacing a single washer over a simple eyelette that adjusts the auger position. As a result the eyelet opened up, the auger moved back and was jamming into the stripper bar. No big damage, but not something that gets fixed by putting the chain back on.
I flipped through the manual a few times before I realized what was the source of my angst. Drive to the front of the field and unload, I have some repair work to do.

Started to unload, then had to shut off the unloader to position myself a bit further from the wagon. This R52 is a lot bigger than my old MF540 and its going to take a few rounds to get used to the length of this unload auger. But it wouldn't start again. Damn electronics! Now I am tracing the wiring diagrams, why won't this auger engage?
Drive to the yard. Now I have more to fix.

First I need this auger emptied, and I don't want to drain it through the clean out, there must be 100 bushels in the bin. All the wires look good, but the clutch will not engage. Problem is, with the grain loaded auger the metal dog that goes in front of the sensor for detedting the auger position, has moved just far enough the sensor is not made. Sollution, place a piece of metal over the sensor and everything works. Of course it took and hour and a half to figure this out.

Now I can move my attention to the plugged header. I love my Gleaner. Within 20 min all the damaged parts are off, and repaired. 20 more minutes back on and modified to prevent such a future failure (needed washer now installed). The reverser works! Hard to justify calling it a plug when it is so easy to undo. BUT the little metal cover at the center to access the fingers has gone missing. That would have plugged up my old combine, i didn't ever hear it go through this one. Back out to the field to run this straw through and see if the other repairs are good. The auger slips as I pull in to the field, lilekly need to re-adjust the slip clutch.  That ends my night.  It was getting dark, my combine needs work, and I am getting a bit tired, nothing good will come of doing any more.

Thanks to a 1/2" rain today, well timed for the tassling corn, I can take my time to make the needed replacement and repairs tonight.

 

So the wheat harvest is at a stop, the field barely touched.   But that's ok the rain is very needed.  So far today, more rain than all of June.  But surprisingly, the crops have been hanging on and are lookig good despite the drought.  I credit fall plowing.

Head high by the 4th of July!  Just need rain to take advantage of a good start.

Views: 640

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by OntAG Admin on July 5, 2012 at 10:48am

Thanks Gus,

Let us know how the wheat runs...glad you got some rain.

Take care.

Comment by Mitch Lang on July 4, 2012 at 2:53am

Your corn looks nice Gus... Must be that fertilizer you used... :)

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Ag in Gotham City

Some Batman connections to agriculture for Batman Day

Four Saskatchewan Growers Acclaimed to SaskOilseeds Board

SaskOilseeds has verified four eligible nominations for four available positions on its Board of Directors following the close of the 2026 call for nominations. With the number of eligible nominees equal to the number of available positions, all four nominees have been acclaimed and will renew or begin their terms following the SaskOilseeds Annual General Meeting in January 2027. The strong interest shown by Saskatchewan oilseed growers reflects the commitment of producer leaders to advancing research, advocacy, and market development on behalf of the province’s canola and flax sectors. SaskOilseeds extends its appreciation to all growers who participated in the nomination process and to those who put their names forward for consideration. Congratulations to the following individuals who have been acclaimed and will join or continue on the SaskOilseeds Board of Directors: Additional biographical information about each acclaimed director will be shared soon. SaskOilseeds is governed

Trade with the U.S.

Importance of the U.S. market The U.S. remains one of canola’s most important and long-standing markets, valued at $5.7 billion in 2025. Developments in the Canada–U.S. trade relationship are therefore a key concern for Saskatchewan canola farmers. While tariff uncertainty continues to affect markets, canola seed, oil and meal remain eligible for tariff-free trade with the U.S. under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). SaskOilseeds continues to work with national industry partners to advocate for the agreement, preserve tariff-free market access and support mutually beneficial trade. Free and open trade benefits both countries The North American canola industry is highly integrated, creating value across the supply chain on both sides of the border. The U.S. is Canada’s leading canola market and the largest export destination for Canadian canola oil and meal. In the U.S., Canadian canola industry contributes $11.2 billion USD in economic activity and supports 22,000

Keeping Canada Competitive: Why Gate Matters

Canada’s cereals sector leads Canadian agricultural exports, exporting wheat, barley, oats, and durum to more than 80 countries around the world. These exports contribute approximately $12.8 billion annually to the Canadian economy. This success did not happen by chance. It reflects decades of investment, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain. From plant breeders and life science companies to farmers, grain handlers, and exporters, thousands of Canadians work every day to develop, produce, and deliver high-quality grain that meets the evolving needs of global customers. Canada is a global leader today but maintaining that position will require continued commitment and investment. Sustaining Growth in a Competitive Global Market The cereals sector has been a significant driver of economic growth, achieving an average annual growth rate of 3.6% over the past decade. If that trend continues, export value could increase from $12.8 billion in 2025 to an estimated $18.3 bi

Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21). “USask is proud to have more than 180,000 alumni living in 130 countries around the world. Our Alumni Achievement Award recipients exemplify the remarkable contributions that USask alumni are making every day, and their innovation, determination, and dedication inspires us all.” Alumni Achievement Awards are presented each year to outstanding USask alumni who have made an impact on their communities and around the world. The award recipients are nominated by their peers and are chosen based on their achievements, commitment to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and contributions to the wellbeing of society. “This year’s Alumni Achievem

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service