Present cotton strippers are highly efficient and capable of removing 99% of the seed and lint. Although the stripper harvester is efficient the system has the disadvantage of high foreign matter content, particularly sticks, which may result in grades reduced due to excess bark.

The purpose of this study was to determine if spacing of stripper rolls wider at the bottom than at the top would reduce bur cotton stick content and the number of grades reduced by bark. The variable spacing of the stripper rolls will fit the size and shape of the cotton plant as the plant is normally smaller at the top of the plant and wider at the bottom of the plant. Normal recommended spacing of the stripper rolls is a constant 1/8 to 3/8 inch at the top and bottom.