How-To markings remain visible and review emergency procedures with all operators.
Grain bin safety, lockout procedures and safe machinery shutdown practices should also be part of preseason preparation. A few minutes spent discussing safety before harvest can help prevent incidents when the season is at its busiest.
Dealer Inspection Checklist
Many growers perform much of their own maintenance and repairs. Even so, a professional inspection can sometimes identify developing issues that are easy to miss during day-to-day operation. As one example, many CLAAS dealerships offer an annual 350-point inspection program for CLAAS LEXION and TRION combines. While inspection programs vary among manufacturers and dealerships, they are designed to identify wear items, maintenance needs and potential failure points before harvest begins.
A dealer inspection should typically include the following areas:
Engine & Powertrain
• Engine diagnostics and fault codes
• Fuel and cooling systems
• Belts, pulleys and driveline components
Harvesting & Grain Handling
• Feeder house components
• Concaves, threshing elements and cleaning systems
• Elevators, augers and grain handling equipment
• Bearings, chains and drive components
Headers
• Cutting components
• Gathering systems
• Draper belts and rollers
• Gearboxes and hydraulic components
Electrical & Hydraulic
• Wiring harnesses and sensors
• Monitors, displays and cameras
• Hydraulic hoses, pumps, valves and cylinders
Safety & Transport Components
• Tires, steering and brakes
• Lighting and warning systems
• Shields and guards
• Fire extinguishers and safety equipment
Even growers who prefer to handle most repairs themselves may benefit from having a trained technician look over the machine before harvest starts.
The Goal Is Simple
Every preseason inspection comes down to one objective: find problems in the shop— and fix them— instead of in the field. Cleaning equipment, replacing worn components, servicing machinery, preparing grain handling systems and checking storage facilities all help reduce the chances of downtime when crops are ready to harvest.
As a practical matter, growers know that, despite the most diligent of readiness, harvest time will still bring a few surprises. The goal of preseason preparation isn’ t to eliminate every problem— it’ s to avoid the preventable ones and keep the machines rolling as smoothly as possible when the weather and crop conditions are finally right.
August 2026 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 17