The Spindle-Type Cotton Harvester

Introduction

Production of high-quality cotton lint begins with variety selection, continues with attention to all production practices, and ends with a well-planned and well-executed harvest. As harvest time nears, critical crop management decisions include scheduling defoliation, defoliating effectively, and timing harvest to get the best lint quality and yield.

The Need for an Expert Operator

Spindle pickers are capable of harvesting 95-98% of the cotton produced, but some producers experience field harvest loss approaching 20%.

Maximizing Harvester Capacity & Productivity

Cotton budgets suggest harvesting expenses are about 16% of crop production costs in the spindle-picked regions of the U.S.

Seed Cotton Handling Systems

Three methods of handling picked cotton are available: basket-based (conventional) system, half-module system and round module system.

Basic Safety Precautions

Cotton pickers are very large, costly, complex machines that create blind spots for an operator. Take these steps before starting or operating any cotton picker.

Preseason Procedures

Spindle-type cotton pickers must be properly prepared prior to harvest to make sure they are capable of minimizing harvest losses.

In-Season Procedures

In-season spindle-type cotton harvester maintenance and fire prevention information is critical to minimize crop loss and picker damage.

Appendix: Harvest Loss Calculations

Estimating stalk and ground losses of seed cotton after the picker has passed can help determine what additional adjustments should be made.