Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How are Duck Foot® paddle tines installed?
Simply slip them over the existing tines and secure with the patented clip system. No tools are required. Install 1 paddle tine approximately 12 inches apart, which is every 2nd tine on most headers, but will be every 3rd tine on headers with tighter finger spacing.
How long does installation take?
About 1 minute per foot; a two-person team can fit a 35′ header in roughly 25 minutes.
What crops are Duck Foot® paddle tines used in?
All cereals, lentils, soybeans, edible beans, chickpeas, peas, flax, straight-cut canola, lupins, sorghum, rice, hay and more.
How are Duck Foot® paddle tines different from OEM tines?
They increase pickup surface, reduce header losses, and improve ground speed. By increasing the surface area of the tines by approximately 47%, the paddle tines feed the crop more smoothly with less damage and loss.
Do I need to install them across the entire header?
Yes, Duck Foot® paddle tines are sold as a complete header kit. The kit includes 1 paddle tine per 12 inches (this is usually every 2nd tine but can be every 3rd tine on headers with tighter finger spacing). This provides even distribution across the header and results in optimal crop flow.
How long do Duck Foot® paddle tines last?
Original units have harvested over 35,000 acres with minimal wear.
Will I need to replace them often?
No, they are designed to last. Kits include a few extra pieces in case a tine is lost.
What headers do Duck Foot® paddle tines fit?
They are available for most major brands: MacDon, Case IH, John Deere, New Holland, AGCO, Massey Ferguson, CLAAS, Geringhoff, Crary, and others. Refer to the Compatible Models chart for more information.
How do they stay on during tough harvest conditions?
The patented Duck Foot® clip system is designed to hold securely in tough field conditions.
Do they require extra maintenance?
No, they are maintenance-free beyond normal header care.
Benefits & Functionality
Can I slow my reel when using Duck Foot® tines?
Yes. Slower reel speed and less aggressive reel pitch are recommended.
Do they improve combine feeding?
Yes. They help maintain steady crop flow, reducing wad feeding and improving threshing efficiency.
How do they affect harvest efficiency?
By providing smoother, more even crop feeding, they allow faster ground speed, and reduced header loss which means more grain in the tank.
Do Duck Foot® paddle tines reduce header loss?
Yes, field-tested to reduce header losses up to 75% depending on crop and conditions.
Can I increase ground speed when using Duck Foot® tines on my equipment??
Yes, the average increase in ground speed is ~20%. By increasing ground speed, you will also reduce operating costs.
How do they work in heavy or dense crops?
We have tested them in high-yield crops and they have shown benefits by increasing ground speed and reducing header loss. For example, a 180 bu/acre wheat crop in Germany showed a 18% increase in ground speed.
How do they handle downed or lodged crops?
They have been successfully used in downed and lodged crops and have been shown to lift and feed more evenly.
How do they perform in tall or short soybeans?
Duck Foot® paddle tines have been tested in a variety of soybean conditions and reduce cutter-bar losses up to 75%, feed the crop more evenly, and increase ground speed
Do they wrap in tall green soybeans?
No. Using less aggressive reel pitch and slower reel speed reduces wrapping.
Are there any crops or conditions where they aren’t ideal?
They test well in most conditions. If needed, they can be quickly removed and reinstalled within minutes.
Where to Buy?
Where can I buy Duck Foot® paddle tines?
Through our authorized Dealer Network (within Canada) and Dealer/Distribution Network (outside of Canada) listed on the website’s “Find a Dealer” page.
Can I buy individual replacement tines?
Every header kit includes a few extras but if you need more, you can order through your Duck Foot® dealer.
How do I know how many tines I need for my combine header?
Duck Foot® paddle tines are sold in header kits. Your local dealer will have the order information to ensure you get the correct number and model of paddle tines based on your header make, model and size.
Who do I contact for support?
Contact your dealer or Duck Foot Parts directly through the website’s “Contact Us” page.