How-To
and make inspections more difficult.
A clean machine also makes it easier to spot hydraulic leaks, damaged wiring, loose hardware and other issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until harvest is underway. In addition, university extension specialists recommend removing old grain and debris from equipment and storage systems to reduce the risk of contamination and insect problems later in the season. Crop residue also tends to accumulate in engine compartments and cooling systems as well as grain tanks and unloading augers. Pay particular attention to these.
The Header Often Has a Story to Tell
When growers talk about harvest losses, the combine usually gets the blame. In reality, though, some of the most expensive losses can occur at the header before grain ever reaches the threshing system. That’ s why many experienced operators begin their preseason inspection at the front of the machine.
Inspect sickle sections, guards, hold-down clips and wear plates for excessive wear. On draper and platform headers, check belts, chains and drive components. For corn heads, examine gathering chains, deck plates, snapping rolls and stalk rolls. Iowa State University Extension notes that header losses can be significant when worn or improperly adjusted components fail to gather and feed the crops efficiently. It’ s a
relatively inexpensive repair when done in the shop that can prevent substantial losses in the field.
Small Parts Can Cause Big Delays
A modern combine is a remarkably sophisticated machine, but harvest is still frequently interrupted by relatively simple components. Belts, chains, bearings and sprockets operate under heavy loads for long hours. When one fails, even briefly, an otherwise productive harvest day can come to a standstill. Inspect belts for cracking, glazing and fraying. Check chains for wear and proper lubrication. Spin accessible bearings by hand and look for roughness and excessive play as well as discoloration or other signs of overheating.
Many technicians follow a simple philosophy: if a wear item looks questionable before harvest, replace it. The cost of preventive maintenance is usually far less than the cost of downtime when crops are ready and weather conditions are favorable.
Work Through the Combine Methodically
Once the machine is clean and obvious wear items have been identified, move through the combine according to the manufacturer’ s maintenance schedule. Change fluids and filters as recommended. Then inspect feeder houses, threshing components, rotors, concaves, sieves and cleaning systems. A
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