Hoff's blog

Unveiling the Independence

2012-02-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

In the weeks leading up to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville KY, the message from Geringhoff was clear: "The future isn't what it used to be". True to that statement; Wednesday, February 15th 2012 became Independence Day.

That is where, in front of a packed crowd of media and show attendees, Geringhoff unveiled their Future Concept Corn Head; the Independence.

Over 8 years and $4 million in development, Geringhoff's engineers have worked alongside the best in the industry and rethought the process. The independent technology allows the harvest of any row spacing and will accommodate all crop conditions.

Instead of writing about this revolutionary product, I have gathered some videos from the event and placed it here for you to enjoy.

Geringhoff wins the Farm Industry News Finovation award for Outstanding Corn Head

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Artist rendition of a corn head accepting an award

The Geringhoff folding corn head has won the Farm Industry News Finovation award for outstanding corn head. The Finovation awards, are based on reader interest and celebrate the most innovative products in the field.

You can visit the page and see the other 21 winners by going here:

http://farmindustrynews.com

In addition to that honor, all 22 products are up for the overall product of the year. And this year, it's up to you to select the top three* favorite products out of all 22. The winner will be announced at the National Farm Machinery Show, Feb. 15-18, 2012.

You can vote for Geringhoff over at Farm Industry News by clicking here.

http://farmindustrynews.com/poll/12092011

If you only vote for one thing this year. Vote for President in November... but if you vote for two things, vote for Geringhoff for Product of the Year!

Elite Series Round Up

2012-01-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

With the busy winter show circuit right around the corner, it’s going to be the general public’s first real chance to get an up close and personal look at the new Elite Series cornheads.

So before you step on the lot at one of Geringhoff’s 14 booth spaces this winter, take a chance to recap all the new exclusive features the Elite Series has to offer:

You can explore our in depth product pages by clicking here.

You can download, print, or request brochures visiting here.

Here is an all new video that features the Integrated Crop Flow system:

You can also browse the dozens of other videos at our Youtube Channel.

U.S. corn yield and harvest tracker

2011-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a neat tool that I discovered over on the Agweb website that I thought was worth bringing to your attention. It's an application that compiles user generated information to track and record harvest progress and yields.

The map is fully interactive and like I mentioned, you can submit your own harvest information and it will update the map the next morning.

I was playing around and as of this afternoon, the highest recorded yield I could find on the map belongs to an area just outside Macon, Nebraska with 244 bu./acre.

Can you beat that? Click the link below to submit your info.

http://www.agweb.com/harvest_map.aspx

Agritechnica!

2011-11-28T13:30:00.001-08:00

Wow. That's really the only way to explain the last couple weeks. 10 days, 8600 miles and countless steps taken through out the massive 27 building experience that is Agritechnica. Held in Hannover Germany, this biannual blowout of all things agriculture should really be considered one of the great wonders of the world.

What's that? You weren't able to make the trip? Well you are in luck, I just happened to take a few pictures of some of the coolest things I encountered at the 6 day show. So without further ado, enjoy the sights and sounds (well, mostly sights) of Agritechnica 2011.

Like the tag line at the top of the Blog says, this is your go to stop for all things harvest and in between. So, here is some additional standouts from the show:

Snake Tractor. Pure awesome.

I Wasn't quite sure what they were talking about. But it sounded important.

New Holland's display was mind blowing.

It doesn't have a snake painted on it, but this Hydrogen powered tractor was cool nonetheless.

Everyone brings their A game when it comes to booth design.

Site news - Guten tag!

2011-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

We are only days away from the world's largest exhibition of agricultural machinery - Agritechnica. And to celebrate the occasion, I have flown over 4300 miles to Hannover, Germany to bring you insider access to not only Geringhoff's display, but the entire show floor. So check back in the coming week for updates to not only the show, but other exclusive Geringhoff news and information.

Prost!

Unique Machines - 4 row Folding Custom Split Corn Head

2011-11-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Back in 2010 Geringhoff released the massive 24 row 20 inch folding corn head coming in at an impressive 41 working feet. This… well… this is not that head. Coming in at 10 feet and folding to a much more manageable 7.5 feet, this Custom 4 row 30 folding Geringhoff split corn head is definitely one of the more unique machines I’ve seen.

It is attached to a Wintersteiger special split combine, which is used to harvest grain in test plots. The combine is split all the way down assuring a virtually mix-free harvesting of the left and right plot. This ensures that you receive the correct samples out of the combine. The head was custom designed to perform in these test plots and like the combine, the head is split down the middle, transferring the different grain samples separately to the combine.

In a world where equipment keeps getting bigger, it’s still neat to be impressed by something a little smaller.

Adventures in Service - Eastern US

2011-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Geringhoff service log, entry 10-26-11. I received a message from a Geringhoff sales representative for the North Eastern United States. His name, Erik Quanbeck. His mission? To evaluate and support the new Elite Series of corn heads placed in his territory. Here is Erik’s account of his travels:

This past week we were able to travel the East Coast with Jorg Romberg (Geringhoff Factory Support), Larry Stone (Director of field operations, Geringhoff USA) and myself. It was a follow up visit to check out the new 2012 Geringhoff Elite Heads which had been placed in service by our dealer Hoober, Inc.

The first stop was at the Ken Lester Farm near Middletown, Delaware. Ken has been presented the unwanted challenges of harvesting downed corn due to the path of destruction left by hurricane Irene. He was however able to harvest using his NS830 with the optional end row augers just installed this Fall. Looking to improve productivity, he had ordered a new Northstar 1230 for his Case IH 7010 combine. He was excited to be one of two corn growers on the East Coast chosen to receive the new Geringhoff Elite head which included the new ICF (Integrated Crop Flow) system. Because it had been kept out of the field due to rain, he had not had the opportunity to try the new Elite NS1230 with ICF.

Making the best of a rainy day, Jorg, Larry and I went to work to make sure everything was adjusted correctly and ready to go to the field. The dealer had done a great job during setup and made this a fairly easy task. We checked points such as feederhouse angle, ICF sweeper and end row auger speed, auger height, gathering chain position and even set him up for a free trial of the Headsight product, Foresight which allows header height sensing when operating the head basically on the ground. We said our goodbyes and traveled to the next farm.

We arrived at Thompson Farms in Shrewsbury, PA later that afternoon, only to find more rain! John Thompson is the proud owner of the first Geringhoff Elite Folding Rota Disc delivered to the East Coast and has had the opportunity to run it for about one week. He purchased the new RD1230F Elite to replace his 2005 RD1230F which has harvested 6+ seasons of corn.

Dave at Thompson Farms is the combine operator and he is the first to mention that he was very satisfied with their old head and didn’t see any reason to trade for a new one. He has recently had a change of opinion! He says that having the new features such as the end row augers, ICF sweeper and hydraulic deck plates that adjust from both sides make his job even easier! His exact words were “I don’t know why anyone would buy anything other than a Geringhoff Folding Rota Disc”.

Thompson Farms utilizes the Rota Disc in their corn growing program on approximately 2400 acres. By harvesting with the Rota Disc, they begin the stalk decomposition process immediately at harvest which allows a lower cost No-Till planting program which has produced exceptional yields for over 6 years! They are also challenged with conservation plans which protect highly erodible soils on the hills of their southern PA farms. They credit the Rota Disc with controlling erosion on those farms and building organic matter especially where growing continuous corn.

Finally, Friday presented us with beautiful weather and an opportunity to shoot some action video of the 2012 Geringhoff Elite in the field. As I was filming, Jorg Romberg and Larry Stone began their journey to Indiana to visit another satisfied Geringhoff Elite Owner.

Here is the video from that day. One thing you will notice is the unique look to the ICF Sweeper. This is a prototype sweeper fitted for a folding corn head. It covers the middle 4 rows and lowers into the head to allow for an uninterrupted fold. This allows you to have the 40-50% reduction in combine hours the ICF Sweeper offers, without sacrificing the ability to fold the head for transport.

It's not just a video, it's a "sizzle reel"

2011-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

After the jump, you will see the newest sizzle reel for the Geringhoff Elite Series of corn heads. This particular version includes footage from the 16 row 22 inch Rota Disc Elite that was featured yesterday on this blog.

What's that? This video isn't enough to satisfy your hunger? Well my friend you are in luck. The Geringhoff Youtube channel has many more videos just waiting to be viewed. It can be found by clicking this link:

Geringhoff USA Youtube Channel.

Rota Disc Elite in Fergus Falls, MN

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

According to the USDA, 47% of the nation’s corn harvest has been completed as of October 16th. That is about 19% behind last year’s numbers, but still ahead of the 5 year average.

In the middle of all that harvesting, there is a small fleet of Elite Series heads all across the United States. One of those heads is currently outside Fergus Falls, MN. I had a chance to catch up to Richard Ronnevick of Ronnevick Farms, who was running the head, and ask him a few questions about his 16 row 22 inch Rota Disc Elite.

What do you like about this Rota Disc head?

"We decided to go to a 16 row head because the combine has that much capacity. We’ve been real happy with the head, it’s been feeding real good and its saving corn better than the other heads, not sure if it is the different (redesigned) poly but I like the auger and it’s doing a beautiful job."

Have you owned a Geringhoff before? If so, why do you continue to go with Geringhoff?

“This is our 3rd Geringhoff head. The third Rota Disc. Very happy with them, the maintenance has been very good and very low on them. They take less horse power than the lawn mower type heads. We’ve Just been very happy with them.”

You said you had to use the ICF Sweeper the other day, why, and how did it work?

“It allowed the combine to run at full capacity when it was real dry and the corn was real brittle and breaking and breaking off we were able to put the reel down and run it real slow and it just kept everything feeding with no problem at all.”

Special thanks to Richard and everyone else at Ronnevick Farms who allowed us to come and take some pictures. Geringhoff is nothing without its amazing customers. Enjoy some pictures from the day:

Introducing the SunLite * Updated with video

2011-10-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

September was a big month for Geringhoff releases. The Elite Series head finally made its first appearance at the field demos at the Farm Progress show. There was and continues to be a big buzz over the newest line of corn heads. But, lost in some of that excitement was the launch of another product at the Husker Harvest show in Grand Island Nebraska two weeks later. That is where Geringhoff unveiled their newest product to the masses; The SunLite Sunflower head.

Available for order now, the SunLite comes in two different sizes, a 25 foot model and a 30 foot model. For more information on the head and it’s features go to the product page at Geringhoff’s website.

I had a chance to run with the head in the field outside of Isabel South Dakota. Since it was a new product I was very excited to see the new machine in action. And it did not disappoint. It did a great job of gathering and bringing in the sunflowers. I saw virtually no head loss throughout the day.

A big thanks to Premier Equipment in Isabel for setting that up. Here are some pictures * and video from the field:

Geringhoff World Travels - Austria

2011-10-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Aside from being one of the fastest growing brands in North America, Geringhoff has long had a large presence in the International world of agriculture. In the first of a recurring feature here on Hoff's Blog we take you to Austria for a look at some Austrian corn harvest. Prost!

The corn was up to 16 plus feet tall in places. So tall that it was hard to see the combine behind them.

The yield in this particular field was sitting around 240-280 bu/acre and tested between 27-30% moisture.

We are always looking for amazing stories and pictures of Geringhoff heads at work. If you have any thing you would like shared on the blog, send me an email with some pictures and a short description.

info@geringhoff.com

You may recognize me from such shows as, The Discovery Channel...

2011-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

This video is a few years old, but it is still pretty neat none the less. One episode of How Stuff Works on the Discovery Channel tackled farming. In one section of the show they explain how a combine and corn head work. Check the 1:21 mark of the video for a star powered cameo.

Discovery Channel

Field Demonstration Head to Head Comparison

2011-09-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

With the 2011 Husker Harvest Days in the books, I think that it would be a good time to take a look back at the well attended field demonstrations and do some comparisons.

I am going to put a spotlight on a few of the chopping heads on display at the demonstrations and with some photographic evidence on how they performed. In this particular case, I will focus on the look of the field and the cut of the stalk in the ground.

These pictures were all taken from the same spot on the field relative to where the head harvested and on the same day. This particular day had 21% moisture with the yield hovering around the 180 bushel mark.

The goal of this exercise is to determine which chopping corn head opened the stalk to allow for decomposition the best. No commentary, bias or spin. You be the judge. Pictures in order of demonstration lineup after the jump:

Up first was the John Deere 616c chopping corn head.

Then the New Holland chopping corn head:

The Geringhoff Rota Disc was next in line:

What do you guys think? Who do you think did the best job of chopping the stalks? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Husker Harvest Days Field Demonstration - Day 2

2011-09-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Brrrr. It’s a chilly one today at the Husker Harvest Days. But that hasn’t stopped a good sized crowd from again showing up early to the second day of the Field Demonstrations.

Again there were a lot machines lined up to perform in front of the crowd. I still find it impressive to see all the combines in a row.

The corn was testing at around 21% moisture today. And the Geringhoff continued to impress and turn heads. The stationary knives were taken off the demo head, which really explodes the stalk. Photo highlights of the days work after the jump:

And here is a quick video of the Rota Disc in action today:

Husker Harvest Days Field Demonstration – Day 1

2011-09-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Husker Harvest Days Field Demonstration – Day 1

What started out as a chilly morning turned into a gorgeous day at the Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Nebraska. In addition to a busy display, Geringhoff was participating in the Field Demonstrations. Running a current generation 12 row 30 inch folding Rota Disc corn head on a Case 7120 Axial Flow combine.

A large crowd was gathered well before 11:00 am this morning to catch a glimpse at the impressive machinery on display. As the demo’s started the crowd gathered as close to the safety rope as they could in order to get a good look. The one thing the rope couldn’t protect you from was the guys firing high velocity t-shirts into the crowd with what I can only assume was a rocket launcher.

The show reported the corn testing at 19% moisture with the corn yielding between 135 to 200 bushels.

Overall a good day on the lot and in the field. Here’s hoping the success and good weather carries over to the next few days.

Pictures from today's demonstration after the jump:

Husker Harvest Days and Big Iron Preview

2011-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Next week Geringhoff will be at two of the summer's premiere farm shows. First, come find us at the aemsco building at the Big Iron Farm Show where we , along with 800 other agricultural exhibitors will be showing our newest products for the over 80,000 attendees. So come check us out starting September 13th.

http://www.bigironfarmshow.com/index.php

And over 490 miles south, we will also be exhibiting at the Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island NE. The world's largest and and totally irrigated working farm show. We can be found at booth # 819, as well as in the field demonstrations every day. We will be demonstrating a current generation Rota Disc corn head. I will be providing daily updates from the field so if you can't make the show personally, make sure you check in daily.

http://huskerharvestdays.com/main.aspx

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and if your at either show stop by and say hello to our friendly sales representatives.

Rota Disc Elite turns it up to 11

2011-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here is some pretty rocking footage of the Rota Disc in action at it's introductory field demo at the Farm Progress Show last week.

Turn it up to 11 and enjoy! \m/

Hoff's Preseason Maintenance Checklist

2011-09-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Depending on your location, harvest is either just aroundthe corner or in full gear. That got me to wondering what kinds of steps are recommendedfor keeping your Geringhoff head in tip top shape. Like a luxury car, someproper maintenance is required to keep your machine running smoothly andproperly. So I asked a Geringhoff service expert to compile a preseasonmaintenance list for me. And as yourloyal blogger/ servant I feel it is my obligation to share that with you.

Full maintenance list after the jump:

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

CHECK FOR OIL LEAKS UNDER THE HEAD [GEAR BOX]
CHECK FOR OIL LEAKS ON MITER AND CROWN GEAR BOXES
CLEAN HEAD [air& water]
CHECK ROW UNIT OIL LEVEL [drain plug 22 ft-lbs, dip stick 37 ft-lbs
CHECK OIL LEVEL IN MITER AND CROWN GEAR BOX [drain, fill, and check plugs 35ft-lbs]
CLEAN BREATHERS
CHECK SHAFTS AND FLEX PLATES BETWEEN ROW UNITS
CHECK GATHERING CHAINS FOR WEAR
CHECK IDLER SPROCKETS ON GATHERING CHAINS
CHECK CHAIN GUIDE RAILS
CHECK SLIDER GUIDE
CHECK PTO BEARINGS AND SHAFT BETWEEN CROWN AND MITER
CHECK PTO BEARINGS AND SHAFT ON DRIVE LINE
CHECK AUGER SPOCKETS AND CHAINS
CHECK EAR SAVERS
CHECK WIRING [monitor and head sight]
GREASE AND OIL CHAINS
GREASE DRIVE LINE PTO
CHECK DECK
CHECK AUGER PAN WEAR

ROTA DISC CORN HEADS

CHECK LARGE AND SMALL ROLLERS FOR WEAR
CHECK THE STATIONARY AND ROTARY KNIVES FOR WEAR [1 miller meter between the two]
CHECK ROTA DICS FOR WEAR [minimum 10]
CHECK BEARINGS ON FRONT END OF LARGE, SMALL AND ROTA DISC SHAFT
CHECK TO MAKE SURE AII VINE KNIVES AND SCAPERS ARE IN PLACE
CHECK FOR WEAR ON BEARING HOLDERS

NORTH STAR CORN HEADS

CHECK FOR WEAR ON KNIVE ROLLS
CHECK FOR WEAR ON VINE KNIVES
CHECK BEARINGS ON THE FRONT OF THE KNIVE ROLLS
CHECK FOR WEAR ON BEARING HOLDERS

ALL FOLDING CORN HEADS

CHECK TO SEE IF HEAD FOLDS EVENLY
CHECK ALIGNMENT OF DRIVE SHAFT
CHECK COUPLERS FOR WEAR AND TIGHTNES OF BOLTS [drive line and row unit]
CHECK AUGER DRIVE COUPLERS

Geringhoff service representatives are always on hand to answer any and all questions you have. Don't believe me? Give them a call at 1-888-721-1340. They offer extended harvest hours too.

Farm Progress Show 2011 Wrap-Up

2011-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

It was a hot humid afternoon at the third and final day of the 2011 Farm Progress Show today, but that didn’t stop the large crowd from coming out to the show to visit the over 450 exhibitors.

Thanks to anyone who stopped by the Geringhoff booth over the last few days to say hello. Geringhoff is nothing without our amazing customers.

There was another good crowd gathered at the field demonstrations to see the industries most impressive pieces of machinery, and catch a last glimpse at the Elite Series sneak preview.

Geringhoff followed up their strong showing in twin row corn the days before with another great run. Back in traditional 30 inch rows the Geringhoff showed why it remains one of the most trusted names in stalk destruction. Now, this being a “Geringhoff” related blog I can see how you may think I am being a little biased, so I will let the pictures after the jump do the talking for me:

Another example of Geringhoff’s strength was on display at the field demo today. On the last pass of the day, our Rota Disc Elite had a close encounter with a steel rod in the field. The rod set off the slip clutch in the gear box stopping the rollers immediately. After a minute or so, the gear box was reengaged and we finished off the day with no other issues.

Overall we had a great show thanks again in part to everyone who made the trip to see us in the booth and in the field. And we will see you at the 2012 Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA.

Farm Progress Show twin row wrap up

2011-08-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

The dust has settled from day 2 of the 2011 Farm Progress Show’s field demos, and the twin row portion of the demonstrations are in the books.

The Geringhoff Elite Series corn head continued its impressive introductory run with another great day, speeding through the twin row planted corn with ease.

The demo head is equipped with Geringhoff’s new Integrated Crop Flow System, designed for quick installation, approximately seven hours is all it takes to install the ICF Sweeper and get in the field.

I was able to see the high speed harvesting first hand, sitting in the combine furnished by On Track Farming we got the go ahead to start running after the combine in front of us was approximately 500 feet ahead. We wanted to catch him. Running at 6 miles per hour in high yield twin row corn, the 16 row 30 inch Geringhoff head had no problem in catching up with the 12 row head in front of us.

Tomorrow we switch to single 30 inch rows. If you can’t make it to the field demos make sure to check back for our Farm Progress Show wrap up.

Also, you can check out some quick videos from Tuesday’s action on Youtube:

Rota Disc Elite at FPS 2011

Going where no corn head has gone before

2011-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings again from Decatur Illinois, home of the 2011 Farm Progress Show. Before the field demos got under way today around 11:00 am, the combines and heads were in the field harvesting and making sure that all their settings were right. Other than some corn being a little wet, conditions were generally good and everyone was cruising along fine. That was until this:

There was some down corn in the demo field that was causing some problems. That is where Geringhoff stepped in. Where all the other combines and heads turned in for the morning, the Geringhoff said BRING IT ON.

The Rota Disc Elite with ICF Sweeper went in “head” first and made short work of the corn, leaving nothing but a finely chopped field behind it. After a meal like that you would think that the Geringhoff would be full and content, but with the real deal field demos around the corner, that surely isn’t the case.

Stay Tuned...

2011-08-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

We are locked, loaded and ready for the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Come by and see us on the corner of East Progress Ave and Ninth Progress Street. Lot 905.

And while your there, make sure to stop by the Field demonstrations daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to catch a sneak peak at the future of harvesting.

www.hoff2012.com

Also, check back through out the week for updates throughout the show.

See you there!

Here we go...

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

You are about to become a part of history. Since 1888 Geringhoff has done a lot of things. In 1957 we were the first to mount a single row on the front of a military vehicle to harvest corn. In 1964 we revolutionized harvest by being the first to place lawn mower style blades under the row unit. In 1997 we introduced the leading stalk destruction technology known as the Rota Disc. Just last year we introduced a 24 row 20 inch folding corn head.

But all of that pales in comparison to today, for today is Geringhoff's first ever blog entry! Hoff's Blog is designed to keep you in touch with anything and everything that is happening in Geringhoff's world and harvest in general. So check back often and we will do our best to keep you informed with insider access to the industry like no one else!