I have decided to do a few "How To's" on mounting IH corn pickers. I am doing these to hopefully help someone who has a picker but does not know how to mount/unmount a corn picker.

I will start with the 2ME, work my way to the 2MH and then finally the mighty 234!

Mounting or Unmounting works the very best on hard level concrete. It not only helps keep thing straight while moving a tractor in or out but also keeps pieces from settling into dirt or rock and getting rust while in the off season. While mounting the picker, drive very, very slowly into the picker. Always try to have a buddy or two to help so you have more than one set of eyes so you dont bend or break something. A loader or lift will help for the elevator.

Mounting the IH 2ME Corn Picker

Tools:

Basic hand tools are needed. ½ - 1 ¼ hand wrenches and sockets. The lift screws have a ½ in square drive on top and you will need something to fit that. (I have a ratchet that fits over it). Many wood blocks will be needed mostly of the 2x4 size but others too possibly. I also use a set of tall, heavy saw horses approximately 36in tall. Bottle jacks may be necessary. A rolling creeper or large sheet of cardboard to lie on while underneath picker will help. You may also need a pry bar for those unruly pieces.

Tractor setup:

Setup is fairly straightforward. Always have tractor freshly serviced and tuned up. Rear wheels need widened to 88in tread width. Remove drawbar, fenders, belt pulley (if bolted to gear box). Install super snoot and side screens if you have them. Bolt picker brackets to axles and make sure they are set at the right height as they are adjustable up and down. Bolt cylinder rocket shaft to sides of belly and tie the rear of cylinder to the PTO at the moment. Light bar may need to be taken loose.

Picker Setup:

Have picker serviced if possible before mounting. Rear of picker (under elevator fill augers) needs to be high enough to go over top of tractor axles. Approximately 38in clearance needed for Farmall M. Put a block down on each side of pipe stand, so it makes a small ramp for front tires to jump over while driving in.

Mounting:

1. Drive tractor up to the picker as straight as possible with the picker. Drive in watching front tires and hoods and pull over the pipe stand. Now the rear of husking beds will be close and will need to watch them as you pull in. (CLUTCH PEDAL WILL BE VERY CLOSE, GO SLOW!!!) Brake pedals will also be close. Watch light bar all at the same time. Stop when axle brackets are lined up vertically with pin holes in sub frame/stand.

2. Set the picker down slow on to sawhorses. Do not let the sides get more than 3 inches in height difference while raising or lowering. Once the picker is down raise the screws until the lower stand can raise enough to pin to the axle brackets. Once pins are in raise picker and remove sawhorses. Now set picker down until you are able to enter the lineup pins in rear of sub frame. Tighten bolts along lineup pins.

3. Install lower Sub frame angle brace and side to side brace. Hook up lift chains evenly and pin rear of cylinder to sub frame. Install X bracing that goes behind the seat. Try to get each side as straight up and down as you can while tightening bracing.

4. Bolt elevator sub frame to picker. Install sub frame bracing. Attach PTO shaft along with shielding. Hook up #60 drive chain and tighten.

5. Lower elevator onto sub frame and put in saddle taper locks. Attach lift rods to tractor axle brackets. Install drive chain and elevator throw-out linkage.

6. Install all chain guards and safety shields.

Recheck: Before any running of the picker after mounting, DOUBLE CHECK that everything is tight and in the correct spot.

That should pretty well cover everything needed to mount a 2ME.

If I forget something I will try to add it. Removal is just the opposite.

I hope this will help someone greatly and could be printed off if needed and took with them as they go to mount or unmount a corn picker.

Special thanks to my dad as he has been helping me with my picker addiction. Also Kevin, my girlfriends dad, as he helps when possible and probably started my addiction.

Dan Robinson

Mechanicsville, IA