Vermeer Corporation introduces the CCX770 Cob Harvester that is towed behind a combine for collecting corncobs. The new cob harvester is one of the first pieces of equipment developed to handle biomass materials for ethanol production. The harvester works with select combines.

Vermeer officials report that they developed the harvester as more growers, especially in Iowa, look ahead to cob harvesting for ethanol plants that will use biomass materials.

The self-contained CCX770 Cob Harvester holds up to 8,000 lbs. of material and unloads in about 90 sec. It includes a patented separation system that redistributes leaves and husks back to the ground. The harvester will unload into high-box semitrailers or wagons with its flexible unloading heights that range from 9 ft. 7 in. to 15 ft. 6 in.

A bolt-on hitch is added to the combine to hook to the harvester. The harvester is equipped with its own engine, which reduces stress on the combine.

Vermeer will only rent the CCX70 Cob Harvester to customers next year. Contact Vermeer Corp., Dept. FIN, Box 368, Pella, IA 50219, 800/370-3659.