SUNNYBROOK WELDING BLOG
Winter Downtime = Business Uptime:
How Off-Season Maintenance Saves You Money
It might still be cold outside, but that doesn't mean nothing's happening on the farm. In fact, off-season combine maintenance is one of the smartest moves you can make right now. Spring is coming fast, and once you're in the thick of seeding, your time-and your machines-will be stretched thin. That's why winter downtime is business uptime. It's the window to get ahead, avoid in-season surprises, and set yourself up for a stronger, more efficient harvest.
A lot of farmers wait until something breaks. But downtime during harvest costs more than just parts. It means delayed acres, rushed work, lost grain, and added stress on you and your crew. The truth is the shop work you put in now pays off when the combines hit the field. And this year, if you're already looking at maintenance, it's worth thinking about taking that a step further-with Sunnybrook Combine Parts built to enhance your machine's performance.
We're not saying fix what's not broken. We're saying, make what works even better.
Every machine wears differently, but a close look at your concaves, impeller, and threshing components will tell you where your combine is headed. Instead of defaulting to the same replacement parts, it might be time to install combine upgrades that give you more out of the machine you already trust. Sunnybrook builds premium components to work with your setup-not against it-and gives you the edge when you're facing tight harvest windows or tough crop conditions.
These aren't guesses. PAMI (the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute) ran independent tests on Sunnybrook's parts and came back with results that speak for themselves. Their team found that Sunnybrook's rotary box-style concaves improved ground speed and reduced dockage in canola, compared to John Deere's OEM small wire concaves. That's more productivity and cleaner samples. PAMI also tested Sunnybrook's High-Inertia Enclosed cylinders and found a 16% drop in horsepower requirement and 44% less force hitting the concave. That's real savings-on fuel, on wear, and on downtime. See the results here
And for those running Claas combines, there's even more reason to act now. Sunnybrook has officially launched a brand-new line of premium parts for the Claas Lexion 8000 series. The lineup includes The Falcon impeller, a heavy-duty APS drum, and a concave - insert system tuned for better threshing across all crop types. These new and premium parts are designed to deliver more with less effort. Contact your Sunnybrook authorized dealer, they'll be ready ahead of Harvest 2025.
So while the fields are quiet, now's the time to ask the questions. Where is your machine showing wear? What would an extra half mile an hour during harvest mean for your bottom line? What's peace of mind worth when you hit the first row of tough canola or damp barley?
If you're already tearing into your combine this winter, think beyond the basics. You've got the time, the space, and the access to parts that can make the season ahead smoother, stronger, and more profitable. Sunnybrook Combine Parts are designed to get you there-no compromise, just smart upgrades built for real-world farming.
If you're thinking about maintenance, it's worth thinking about an upgrade too. Sunnybrook Combine Parts are built to work with your machine-and make it better. Now's the time to talk to your local authorized dealer and get ahead of the season: sunnybrookwelding.com/dealers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is winter really the best time to upgrade my combine parts?
Absolutely. Winter downtime gives you the breathing room to inspect, replace, and upgrade without the pressure of planting or harvesting. By working ahead, you avoid emergency repairs and part delays in-season. You're not just fixing problems-you're giving your machine a head start for harvest.
2. What makes Sunnybrook parts different from what I already run?
Sunnybrook Combine Parts are built to work with your current machine but take its performance to the next level. These are not just replacement parts-they're enhancements engineered for better flow, better threshing, and better separation. They've been tested in the field and backed by PAMI, with measurable improvements in horsepower efficiency and sample quality.
3. Is there anything new for the Claas Lexion 8000 series?
Yes, Sunnybrook Combine Parts has launched a brand-new line of premium components built specifically for the Claas Lexion 8000 series. This includes a redesigned impeller known as The Falcon, a high-performance APS drum, and a new concave and insert system. Each part is engineered for better material flow, durability, and optimized threshing across crop conditions. These are heavy-duty, premium parts designed to help you get the most out of your Claas combine for Harvest 2025.
4. How do I know which parts are worth upgrading?
Start by looking at wear areas that affect performance the most-your concaves, impellers, or threshing cylinders. If these parts are showing wear or underperforming in your conditions, it's worth a conversation with a dealer. They'll help you decide what to keep and where a smart upgrade could save you time, fuel, or crop loss down the road.
5. Where can I get more information or see these parts in action?
The best place to start is your local Sunnybrook dealer. They know the equipment, understand your region, and can help you choose the right upgrades for your crops and combine. You can find one near you at sunnybrookwelding.com/dealers.
