NO SUBSCRIPTION, NO HYDRAULICS, JUST DRIVE

When it comes to deck plates, Drago harvest research shows that the spring-loaded reliability of Drago Automatic Self-Adjusting Deck Plates beats hydraulics, hands down.

In-field studies confirmed a modern truth about stalk width variability: it’s extreme in higher-yielding acres. Across the corn head, it is uncommon for any two rows to have stalks of the same width entering the corn head at any given time. Manually operated hydraulic deck plates – like those on model-year 2026 and earlier Deere corn heads – have one setting for all rows, leaving a lot of room for yield loss. Iowa State University research demonstrated that as little as a 1/8-inch gap can lead to a loss of one to four bushels per acre.

Deere’s automatic deck plates leave room for error

With the introduction of new Deere C-Series corn heads, John Deere has attempted to remedy the gap with auto-adjustable deck plates. Cane sensors mounted ahead of these deck plates sense and hydraulically adjust multiple row units to one width based on the reading. The subscription-based service might enable operators to eliminate the task of manually adjusting their plates, but using one reading for multiple rows doesn’t solve for the row-to-row variability Dragotec research demonstrated.

Pure, mechanical innovation

Rather than rely on hydraulics, each Drago Automatic Self-Adjusting Deck Plate uses springs to adjust independently to instantly close gaps in every row and keep stalks centered over the knife rollers to reduce whipping and ear loss. As stalks are processed by the rollers, they pass through the plates’ rounded edges with less kinking, breakage and ear whip, and less trash enters the combine.

Hydraulic plates open and close from one side, creating potential ear loss from stalk-whipping when it gets off center from knife rollers.

The spring-loaded Automatic Self-Adjusting Deck Plates offered on every Drago corn head for more than 25 years don’t require electronics, hydraulics or an app to function. They’re low-effort, field-proven, reliable innovation.

WATCH DRAGO DECK PLATES WORK IN REAL TIME

Drago knife rollers process stalks more effectively to capture more yield. And when it comes to durability, they are unmatched.

LONGER KNIFE ROLLERS

At 22.5 inches, Drago’s knife rollers are 20% longer than Deere’s. This added length creates a safer ear removal zone by increasing processing time, so ears are pulled down slower – reducing shelling without sacrificing ground speed.

LARGER WINDOW

The opposed four-knife design of Drago’s smaller-diameter rollers enables the stalk to move through the row unit and enhances the stalk-processing window. Deere’s larger, eight-knife rollers must run faster and remove the ear closer to the front of the row unit.

The Drago GT is equipped with QuadSuspension™, integrated shock absorbers under the deck plates that flex upon impact to reduce ear bounce and butt shelling. No other brand offers this yield-saving feature.

Drago’s Dynamic Delivery System truly shines in tougher conditions by picking up down corn and bringing in less trash.

AGGRESSIVE OVERLAPPING CHAINS

Drago’s larger idler sprockets and longer, forward-placed chain design allow fingers to overlap the entire deck plate gap instead of halfway like the competition. The unique Drago design helps capture and hold stalks in standing and down corn.

LARGEST AUGER, LESS BACKFEED

With its 20-inch diameter, the Drago GT has the largest auger in the industry for more aggressive in-feeding. Its larger center tube is stronger and blocks the window of escape from the feederhouse.

Chopping systems are a great way to help ensure next year’s crop gets a jump-start. But not all systems are the same.

CONTROLLED UP-FRONT CHOPPING

Drago chopping systems place the front blade just behind the knife rollers so they don’t strike the plant until it’s captured by the rollers. This crucial feature keeps stalks from being cut off too soon – preventing major yield loss in leaning or down corn.

SINGLE CHOP OPTION

Drago GT’s single chop is driven by a horsepower-saving spur-gear design. Deere uses two angled bevel gears with 90-degree connections to deliver forward power. Drago also offers a standard on-off engagement lever for better residue management.

TWIN CHOP+ OPTION

The Drago GT Twin Chop+ option, with its patented two-in-one gearbox design, delivers continuous chopping as stalks travel down the length of the knife roller. Counter-cutting action from the twin blades cuts and splits the stalks into smaller pieces for better residue breakdown.

The Drago GT is equipped with a drive system that easily handles loads from today’s genetics and higher populations with virtually no maintenance and significantly less downtime.

GEAR-DRIVEN

The Endura Drive™ system is completely gear-driven for maximum delivery of power. Other brands offer less-efficient oil bath chains that wear and stretch over time, requiring frequent maintenance or replacement.

SOLID GEARBOX

The Drago GT is equipped with front-supportive knife rollers, spiral-cut gears and stronger bull gear and shaft, making its row units more durable and reliable for longer life and significantly less maintenance.

KNIFE ROLLER SUPPORTS

Drago knife rollers are supported at the front to handle higher side-load pressure from today’s higher plant populations, harder stalks and faster harvesting speeds.

BEARINGS VS BUSHINGS

Drago uses two large bearings to support the gathering chain drive shaft in the main gearbox while Deere only uses bushings to support a smaller shaft. Bearings significantly increase the longevity from the stresses delivered by this constant function.

INDUSTRY-FIRST SPIRAL-CUT GEARS

With their intermeshing curved teeth and increased tooth engagement, Drago spiral-cut gears are dramatically more efficient and durable.

GREASABLE TENSIONER

Drago’s gathering chain tensioners are filled and sealed with grease, so dirt and debris don’t build up around the spring and proper chain tension is maintained all season long. Deere’s open pipe and spring design easily fills up with trash and ceases tensioner function, which can decrease chain life.

PRECISE CLUTCH TECHNOLOGY

The Drago GT gathering chains, knife rollers and chopper gearbox each have a dedicated radial slip clutch with its own setting. They are sealed from external elements, bathed in oil and deliver significantly better component protection than Deere’s one-size-fits-all clutch that requires greasing.