THE NETHERLANDS, August 22, 2024 – AM Machinery, the leading specialist in used forage harvesters, has launched a field study to compare the performance of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) corn header knives with aftermarket (AM) alternatives. This pioneering study focuses on knives for the Kemper 300 and 400 series corn headers and will provide crucial insights into the quality and durability of these components.


Objective Quality Measurement

The goal of this objective study is to provide a definitive answer to a question that concerns many farmers: What are the differences in service life, are there variations on sandy versus clay soils, and how does the price-to-performance ratio compare? While AM parts are often appealing due to their lower cost, the question of how they perform in real-world conditions remains unanswered. AM Machinery aims to provide an answer through an objective and comprehensive analysis.


Satisfied Customers as Pioneers

Four Dutch contractors, all satisfied customers of AM Machinery, have been selected for this study. Their experience and field conditions make them ideally suited to test the knives under real-world conditions. “This collaboration with our customers is essential for us,” says Koen Vogelsangs, Parts Manager at AM Machinery. “It allows us to gather not only theoretical but, more importantly, practical knowledge that is directly applicable to our customers.”


A Multi-Phase Process for Reliable Results

The test is designed as a multi-year project, monitoring the wear of the knives over several harvest seasons. “Given that this year’s corn season is expected to yield a smaller harvest, we have decided to spread this project over several years,” explains Vogelsangs. “However, we will also analyze the results at the end of this season to draw preliminary conclusions.” The OEM knives will be compared with three different aftermarket alternatives that meet AM Machinery’s high standards, to determine which performs best in terms of durability and price-to-performance ratio.


Customer Standards

When the harvest begins, everything revolves around reliability and uptime. Changing knives mid-season costs twice as much. “With the knowledge we gain, we can provide targeted advice on which corn header knives best suit their operations,” says Vogelsangs. Additionally, knife manufacturers will gain valuable insights into how their products compare to those of their competitors.


The Way Forward

Although the current study focuses on knives for the corn header, AM Machinery does not rule out conducting similar tests for other components in the future, such as knives in the chopping cylinder, kernel processor rolls, sharpening stones, etc. “We always want to provide our customers with the best information, and such tests are crucial for achieving that,” emphasizes Vogelsangs.

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