Combines Hydro KIJ

[Trent]

I don't think there was ever a factory equipped hydro K or K2. The main difference was the cleaning fan setup. The K had two fans, the lower one was variable speed. The K2 had one fan, two outlets and shutters. The late K2's had a longer shoe. The hydraulic swing auger was an option. The gas engine on both was a 250 chevrolet. A diesel was offered on the K2, but I'm not sure about the K. I would think capacity would be similar having the same engine and cylinder, but I only have experience with the K

 

[tbran]

No factory hydro K or K2. Big bucks for conversion. K2's were of two versions. 76-77 short back and 78 and up long backs- these had longer walkers and shoe. All K2's had single fan. 78 and up Trans_final drive unique to these. Many other parts same as F2's of corr. years. Hyd unloader was an option most of the 78 and ups were equipped with.

 

[Research_Dog]

The Hydro was installed not to slow the combine down while combining plots, it was installed because the Hydro aftermarket add on was cheaper than rebuilding guy's knees after a couple of years. Consider this, you combine for 20 feet, step on the clutch for 20 seconds, let the clutch out and combine for another 20 feet. Now do that cycle 10 to 15 thousand times over the span of three weeks and it is a wonder how those guys could walk on the beach at winter nursery.

 

[cambe98]

I know exactly what "Research Dog" is talking about, I work for Patriot Seed, We have a K that is setup for research, and I combine rep. plots with it, it really gets old after a week of stepping on that clutch every twenty feet, it makes you appreciate the new modern machines. We are currently looking for a K2. We were told that you can buy a hydro conversion kit, when we inquired, they told us it would be around $7000.00 to have it installed and everything.