Ok how many of you here that actively farm or have farmed in the past have bought a new corn picker, or remember when a new one was delivered to the farm operation you were involved with? What do you recall about that purchase or how you liked it at the time? Was it a major step up from the machine (or method) you had been using?
I thought this might be an interesting topic for us to ponder, won't be long, it will be corn planting time soon!
I can remember my Dad getting rid of his JD 226, which was mounted on his 1937 JD 'A', and getting a used JD 227, which he mounted on his 1950 'A'. I remember he had the new style snapping rolls installed shortly after the 237 pickers came out.
Just as I remember him getting stopped by the Iowa Highway Patrol, for a burnt out taillight, one evening on the way back from the dealer with a wagon elevator extension for the 227.
Unfortunately I grew up after the new picker era. But I do remember many stories my Grandfather told me. He bought a new A-C to mount on his WC. It was during WWII and they were hard to come by. The local dealer got two in. The dealer decided to throw names in a hat and draw out two winners. Coincidentally the dealers brother in law and my Grandfather's name were drawn. I think there was a little talk with the dealer before the drawing so my Grandfather didnt have to worry about his luck! I know he was happy not to have to use the shredder anymore!
Back in the day, 1971 or 1972 Dad bought a brand new 330 New Idea Super Picker. Boy, we really thought that was something, picking 3 rows at a time. It was bright shiney and new and we were the talk of the neighborhood. Wasn't long and we figured out we needed to get bigger hopper wagons. Still pulled it with the 450 because Dad licked the gearing and the T.A for picking
I was in college at the time and our Ag. Mechanics class went on a tour of the New Idea plant in Coldwater, OH. It was quite an operation back then. They had their own foundry and forging plant.
Dad asked me to see if I could get an operators manual while I was there, since he did not get one with the new picker. I really thought I was "big stuff" when I told our tour guide that my family had just purchased an new picker and we needed an owners manual. The man was very obliging and gave me a manual.
Sure enjoyed running that ole 3 row. A lot of good memories working with my Dad & Uncle. The neat thing about picking corn was that it was a family affair. One guy ran the picker, one guy hauled to the crib (2 if it was any distance) and one guy unloaded wagons. You knew you put in a good days work when you were done. Now we shell 8 rows at a time and set in a quiet cab and listen to the stereo. A lot quicker but I still miss pick'n & Dad.
Back in 1972, Dad and Grandpa bought a new New Idea 323 one row picker. Have pictures on it being delivered. Small 35 cow dairy farm so this fit very well. Before that they had hired picking done. Don't know what it is about picking corn and filling cribs, but they are some of my best childhood memories. Always was a good feeling to see Dad bringing in the last load for the night and mom and us kids finishing milking and the other chores.
Dad bought a 190 Allis picker in late 1962, had it mounted on a WD-45 for about 2 years, then put it on a D-19.Remember the front end was great, but the husking bed was poor.Got a used 311 NI pulltype in about 65 or 66, then got a new 324 NI with a 12 roll bed in 1972, that was the first picker I got to run, pulled it with a 930 Case standard, it was pure hog for corn.
when I told our tour guide that my family had just purchased an new picker and we needed an owners manual. The man was very obliging and gave me a manual. 
