Windsor Exports has been supplying cutter bar replacement parts to harvesting machines worldwide for many years. A question frequently raised by our export team is: How do I select the right harvester finger? This guide is written in plain language for dealers, workshop owners and farmers to make confident purchases that enable the cutter bar to cut cleanly throughout the season. What is a harvester finger? The harvester finger (also known as a knife guard) is the steel pointed blade that is bolted onto the front of the cutter bar. It serves to direct standing crop into the path of the moving knife. It also supports the knife sections so that they cut against a solid edge, as opposed to flexing away from the stalks. The prongs on the guard also protect the knife from rocks, hard ground and stubble. All combine headers have a row of these guards running the length of the header. When any of these wear, bend or crack, the knife is unable to cut as intended. Stalks are pushed aside rather than cut and this results in grain loss. While it might seem that these are small bits of steel, it's very important to think of a harvester finger as a serious purchase. Single and Double Finger Types Every harvester finger is sold either as a single or a double design. A double finger has two prongs on a shared mount and is found on headers that are used to cut dense crops, such as wheat and rice. In some cases single fingers are used on lighter conditions or on machines designed for this purpose. The types vary in length, slot width, hole spacing and tip shape. Since details vary from one machine to another, always compare the old part against the new. Measure the hole spacing, overall length and slot width before ordering. If you have the model and part number, provide both. A reliable exporter will check the fit before dispatching to avoid returns. Forged Construction Harvester guards can be either cast or forged. Casting is the process of pouring liquid metal into a mould before cooling and solidifying. Forging involves shaping metal using impact or pressure, and this causes the grain structure of the metal to flow to conform to the shape of the part. The latter process tends to give forged parts greater strength and impact resistance. In practice, a forged harvester finger is less likely to snap when it hits a rock and holds its shape better under the constant forces of the header. The second most important consideration is heat treatment. After forging, the piece is heated to a certain temperature and quenched to make the working surface more resistant to wear and impact while keeping the rest of the part tough enough to withstand the forces of the header. What to Check Before You Buy Fit: Hole spacing, length and slot width to suit your machine Finish: Clean surfaces, without cracks, burrs or rough edges Hardness: Ask whether the parts are hardened and tested Consistency: All pieces in the batch are similar Packing: Parts are well-packed Support: Supplier will reply to technical queries quickly In the meantime, overseas customers should ask for a complete catalogue, item descriptions and a written quotation listing quantities, packing and delivery terms. Good documentation usually points to a reliable exporter. Signs that a Harvester Finger Needs Replacing Most farmers change these guards too late, simply because checking every one during routine maintenance is time-consuming. Look out for the following signs: Tips are rounded, bent or broken, so that crop slips through the cut The knife section no longer sits flat against the guard The slot has worn so that the knife moves up and down Cracks along the slot or at the mounting holes Cut stubble is torn or frayed rather than clean If you notice two or more of these signs, change the guards as soon as possible before the middle of harvest. If the operator fits a new knife to a header with worn-out guards, it is common to find that he is cutting with a section that cannot cut properly. Fitting and Daily Care Clean the cutter bar before fitting new parts, and remove any rust. Always tighten the bolts to the recommended torque, and check again after a few hours' work. Set the clearance between the knife and the guard. If it is too wide, the knife will lift and allow crop to hang up. If it is too narrow, it will drag and cause overheating. Check that the knife can be moved by hand along a full stroke, and ensure that the guards are aligned so that tips are in straight lines. Misaligned guards will leave uncut strips of stubble along the header. A little daily care will prolong the life of the parts. Wash off wet soil and plant matter. Check all guards for bends or cracks. Grease the parts, and store spares in a dry place. It is always a good idea to stock up on popular sizes, because a farmer with a broken guard will not wait for a delivery from overseas. Buying From an Experienced Exporter Buying from an exporter who has expertise in supplying cutter bar parts means you can expect consistently high standards, good values on bulk purchases and direct answers to technical queries. The most reliable exporters will have a complete range of guards available for inspection with gauges before dispatch. They will carry a wide range of sizes and encourage repeat business. When you make an enquiry, always include the model of your machine, the quantity you need, the destination port and any drawings or samples. The more information you give, the more precise the exporter will be able to be when sending you a quotation and avoiding errors at packing. Final Thoughts The right harvester finger ensures that the knife is supported, protected and able to cut cleanly. Choose the right type, go for forged and hardened parts and check the quality before you buy. Replace worn-out guards before they affect your yield. If you need help in finding the right part, comparing sizes or arranging an export order, download the product catalogue and send us your enquiry. Windsor Exports will be happy to help you with your next harvest.