In response to industry concerns over stem damage caused by harvester heads, FERIC has investigated the head characteristics that are responsible. Although many factors contribute to stem damage, the following are particularly significant: the means of transferring the feed force to the stem, the amount of friction between the stem and the harvester head, the feed roller or track suspension, and the feed roller resistance and slippage. The report summarizes the desirable characteristics of feed devices and provides recommendations on how to select a feed device for various products.