Harvest Is Coming. Is Your Equipment Ready?
Corn stalks are tough, sharp, and they’ll tear up your tires if you’re not prepared. Replacing a combine tire or track isn’t cheap, and downtime during harvest is the last thing you want.
The right stalk stompers prevent tire damage, reduce residue buildup, and help you harvest more efficiently. Here’s how to choose the best setup before harvest begins.
What are Stalk Stompers and Why Do You Need Them?
A Quick Recap for First-Time Buyers
In simple terms, stalk stompers mount to your corn head and flatten the stalks before your tires hit them. That helps prevent stubble damage and makes residue break down faster after harvest.
They’ve gotten more popular lately — especially with farmers running no-till or strip-till setups — because they help keep fields cleaner and tires in better shape.
How to Choose the Right Stalk Stompers for Your Operation
4 Things to Think About Before Buying
Not all stalk stompers are created equal. Here are the top factors to keep in mind:
-
What kind of corn head are you running?
Not all stompers fit all heads. A poor-fitting stalk stomper kit can lead to broken parts and an inefficient harvest season. May Wes designs brackets specifically for each make and model of corn head — so you’re not messing around with a one-size-fits-all solution. That means better fit, easier install, and top performance when you hit the field. -
How many rows are you covering?
You can buy stompers for just the rows in front of your tires, or go for full coverage across the head. More rows equal better protection for any equipment you might run through the field, such as grain carts and tractors, but you can prioritize based on your tire size and budget. -
Poly or steel?
May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers use UHMW poly — they’re lightweight, don’t rust, and glide smoothly over uneven fields. Steel stalk stompers may be tougher in rocky spots but add more weight and will eventually rust.
The biggest advantage of poly over steel? Slick UHMW poly sheds mud and debris so it keeps working — even in wet, sticky conditions. Steel stalk stompers, on the other hand, tend to cake up with mud and stop doing their job.Plus, the cost of replacing a poly stalk stomper shoe will be much lower than the cost of replacing a steel one.
-
What kind of soil are you running in?
Soil type matters more than you’d think. Sandy fields are more abrasive and can wear down stompers faster than heavier soils. That’s where May Wes G4s shine — they’re made from ultra-tough UHMW poly, which has 10 times the abrasion resistance of carbon steel. If you’re in sandy country, that durability pays off big.
Why More Farmers Are Switching to May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers
There’s a reason so many folks are running May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers. Here’s what makes them stand out:
-
They’re built with UHMW poly — strong and light
-
Won’t rust, even after years in wet fields
-
They slide smooth, even in rough stalks
-
Super easy to install and adjust
-
And the best part? A full G4 setup can cost less than replacing one 30" combine track.
That’s peace of mind heading into harvest.
Don't Wait Until You're Replacing a Tire or Track
Let’s be real — stalk stompers are a small price to pay compared to downtime during harvest or buying new rubber. They help your harvest go smoother, protect your equipment, and save you money.
Ready to protect your tires and keep your harvest on track? You can order direct from May Wes or through your local ag dealer.
Shop G4 Stalk Stomper Kits on maywes.com or call 1-800-788-6483.
