What’s the real cost of ignoring corn stalk damage? For today’s row crop farmers—especially those harvesting Bt corn—it could mean thousands of dollars in repairs, unexpected downtime, and missed harvest windows. Fortunately, there’s a simple, proven way to stop the damage before it starts.
Quick Answers: Protecting Your Combine Tires
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Best way to prevent corn stalk tire damage: Use stalk stompers
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Most cost-effective solution: May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers ($481/row vs. $1,700+ per tire or $10,000+ per track)
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Why it matters: Prevents punctures, delays, and expensive track/tire replacements
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Works for: Combines, tractors, grain carts, trucks, and semis
Why Are Corn Stalks Damaging My Combine Tires?
What makes today’s corn stalks more dangerous to equipment?
Modern Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn is genetically engineered for pest resistance, which makes the stalks extremely tough and slow to break down. When cut low during harvest, these rigid stalks remain upright—right in the path of your combine tires and tracks.
What’s at Stake?
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Average single combine tire replacement: $1,700+
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Average single 30” track replacement: $10,000+
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Average May Wes G4 Stalk Stomper coverage per row: $481
Ignoring stalk damage is a costly gamble.
What’s the Real Cost of Corn Stalk Tire Damage?
Why is tire damage such a big deal during harvest?
Because it’s not just about the tires—it’s about your entire operation.
The Consequences of Stubble Damage:
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Downtime in the middle of harvest
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Tire and track replacements across combines, grain carts, and support vehicles
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Lost yield due to delayed harvest schedules
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Frustration and stress when you're racing the weather
The hidden cost? Thousands of dollars—and potentially your harvest window.
How Can I Prevent Corn Stalk Damage to My Combine Tires?
May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers installed on a Capello Diamant corn head.
Here are three common solutions farmers consider:
1. Can I Just Raise the Header?
Yes, adjusting your header height can help—but it may lead to lost yield, especially if you leave valuable kernels or cobs unharvested. It's not a great long-term solution.
2. Do Aftermarket Stalk Rolls Work?
Sometimes. Upgraded stalk rolls can shred or crimp stalks better in ideal harvesting conditions, but they’re pricey and inconsistent, especially in frozen or muddy conditions.
3. What’s the Most Effective Way to Protect Tires?
Stalk stompers. These devices flatten stalks before your tires hit them, drastically reducing the risk of punctures and wear. They’re the most effective and cost-efficient solution for stubble damage prevention.
What Is a Stalk Stomper and Why Do Farmers Use It?
How do stalk stompers help prevent tire damage?
A stalk stomper is a mechanical tool that mounts to your corn head. As you harvest, it presses the stalks flat just before they pass under your combine or tractor tires.
No sharp stalks. No punctures. Just peace of mind.
What’s the Best Stalk Stomper for My Operation?
Here’s what to consider when choosing a stalk stomper system:
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Compatibility: Confirm it fits your specific corn head model
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Material: UHMW poly (used in May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers) is lighter and less costly to replace than steel
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Installation: Look for a system that’s easy to mount and adjust
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Field-Proven Durability: Choose stompers that last across seasons and tough terrain
Farmer Tested. Farmer Approved.
“Tires and tracks for combines have gotten really expensive. That's why we protect ours with May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers. They do a really good job of leveling out the stalks, even when conditions are frozen or wet.” - Zach Johnson, Millennial Farmer
"These May Wes stompers are busting the stalks out almost at the root. It's laying the entire, what's left of the stalk, down to the ground. That's gonna save our tires." - Erik Weber, Larson Farms
Farmers Also Ask:
Are stalk stompers worth it?
Yes. The cost of one row of May Wes G4 Stalk Stomper coverage is far less than a single tire replacement—and it helps prevent delays and downtime during the busy harvest season. Plus, many combine tire and track manufacturers will not warranty their product unless some type of stalk leveling device is used.
Will Bt corn stalks really damage my tires?
Definitely. Bt stalks are exceptionally strong and can puncture even heavy-duty combine tires.
Are May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers available for my corn head?
May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers are compatible with all major brands, including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Drago, MacDon, Geringhoff and more.
Don’t Let Corn Stalks Cost You the Season
Stalk stubble damage is predictable, preventable, and expensive. The smartest move? Stop the damage before it happens with a trusted solution like May Wes G4 Stalk Stompers—built with high-performance UHMW poly, Made in the USA, and trusted by farmers across the country.
