Hi all first post, its nice to see someone still messing with old equipment. I am in the market for a one row picker and need advice. I dont know much about these things and any help will be appreciated. First off heres my story. We own bottom ground and for some 40 yrs the neighbor has put in corn and we recieved a percentage of it for our cattle and hogs etc. He is 90 yrs old and retiring so im taking over. I only plan on putting in 10 acres or less. My buddy has a new idea #10 thats in very good shape that will be on an estate auction soon. Theres not much of a market around here for these so a expect it to sell reasonable. Now another friend told me I would be much happier with a newer model like the 323. Can anybody tell me the difference in the 2 and if No more than im doing it is worth the difference? Im trying to get by as cheap as possible since I have to buy an elevator, wagon and a few other things. I expect the #10 to only bring $500 or so because of the market, the only real bidders will be the guys trying to buy it cheap and resell it for profit. Now in my area a nice 323 brings $3,000 on down to $1500 depending on condition. Whats the differences and whats that #10 worth in good shape. It hasnt been used in years but always shedded. I expect it will need some TLC because of sitting around.
The "10" would be a nice little picker. There are a few salvage dealers PA state, so parts are available. I have no. 7 and makes a nice little picker..
One major thing is the newer has the snapping rolls at a higher angle so it pays for itself in shelled corn savings alone . plus the newer style doesnt break off stalks so badly in a year where there is problems so you keep picking instead of stopping constantly and are tempted toleave the picker running and clean them out by hand which is usually running them thru the picker and maybe getting pulled into it losing a hand,arm or life.he newer style also allows you do drive a gear or speed faster and enables you to get more crop in before bad weather and /or having to squeeze in the other jobs,feeding ,milking ,planting winter wheat ,hauling manure or working in town. plus the newer has newer style bearing which allows you to go longer without having to spend an half hour to 45 minutes greasing everyday. I think the newer style might have a longer elevator for using on the taller gravity bed wagons which didnt exist when the older style was designed and the elevator chain moves faster which throws ear further back so you can get more in a wagon without stopping to move it around.
