Milo Header or Corn Header

Milo Header vs. Corn Header Differences

Milo (grain sorghum) and corn present distinct harvesting challenges due to differences in stalk strength, head structure, and moisture content. Although both crops can be harvested with a combine, using a header designed specifically for milo can improve performance and reduce losses. Here’s how milo headers differ from corn headers:

1. Head Shape and Feeding

• Corn Ears: Large, cylindrical ears with a solid cob core. Snap rolls strip ears from the stalk at a predictable height.

• Milo Seed Heads: More compact, panicle-shaped heads that sit atop flexible stalks. They lack a rigid cob and often require a different gathering approach.

2. Gathering Chain and Paddling

• Corn Header Paddles: Aggressive paddles that grip thick stalks and pull ears into the snap rolls.

• Milo Header Fingers: Narrower paddles or finger-style gathering chains that funnel the panicles without crushing them. This gentler handling prevents seed loss, as milo seed heads shatter more easily than corn ears.

3. Cutting Mechanism

• Snap Rolls vs. Cutterbar: Corn headers almost always use snap rolls paired with deck plates to pinch off ears. Milo headers often employ a cutterbar or knife mechanism that severs the panicle intact, followed by a gentle conveying system.

• Deck Plate Clearance: Corn headers require tight deck plate gaps (0.125"–0.25") to strip ears. Milo headers may feature wider clearances (0.5"–1") to allow the whole seed head to pass through without damage.

4. Height Adjustment and Float

• Uniform Corn Heights: Corn fields tend to have consistent ear positions, making height setting straightforward.

• Variable Milo Panicles: Milo can vary in head height even within the same field. Adjustable jack or hydraulic float on a milo header allows for quick calibration to capture heads uniformly across height gradients.

5. Residue and Clean-out

• Corn Residue: Strong stalk fiber that remains in the field as chaff and stalk pieces.

• Milo Residue: Leafy panicle material that can accumulate around chains and augers. Milo headers often include debris shields or reverse-flow blowers to keep gathering components clear.

6. Throughput and Loss Risks

• Corn Throughput: High-capacity headers can process heavy ears at moderate speeds with minimal shake-out.

• Milo Throughput: Because milo heads are smaller and lighter, higher ground speeds can increase seed loss. Milo headers may limit throughput per row to maintain seed integrity.

Conclusion

While corn headers excel at snapping off large ears under substantial stalk fiber, milo headers focus on gently cutting and conveying fragile panicles. Key differences lie in gathering chain design, cutting mechanism, deck plate clearance, height adjustability, debris management, and recommended throughput. Using a header tailored to milo ensures lower seed loss and more consistent harvest quality.