Abstract

A casing is secured at the rear of the threshing machine underneath the straw discharge thereof. It is provided with a closed base panel and a partially open top panel through which the straw and chaff is fed. In one embodiment, a multi-bladed straw chopper is journalled for rotation within the casing and the blade ends are angulated to create a downdraft within the casing. The straw is chopped by the blades and blown out together with the chaff through apertured wall of the casing. The wall is closed at the rear thereof through approximately 90° with at least one vertical support bar between the upper and lower panels towards the front. In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable divider is situated near the rear of the straw walkers and extends upwardly from the casing so that the straw enters the blades in the front portion and the chaff is drawn in through the rear portion of the casing. In another embodiment, particularly suitable for use with relatively wide combines, a pair of blades are provided in side by side relationship and rotate in opposite directions. These blades are timed so that the blade ends overlap in a common plane.