Prepare for Harvest: Essential Combine Maintenance Tips

As the days shorten and nights cool, farmers are gearing up for harvest season. It can be tempting to get started right away, but taking a few extra days to thoroughly inspect your combine before hitting the fields can save you time, money, and stress later on.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Jake Koehn, a technician at Diamond K Combine Repair, emphasizes the value of preventative maintenance. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he states. Handling repairs in the shop allows for a more controlled and efficient process than dealing with breakdowns in the field.

Prioritize Safety

Before harvesting begins, ensure that all safety equipment, such as seat belts, brakes, and fire extinguishers, are functional. Neglecting these can lead to dangerous situations. A comprehensive first aid kit is also critical; organizations like the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety offer kits specifically designed for farm use.

Inspect Tire Condition

Proper tire maintenance is crucial. Assess both the condition and inflation pressure of all tires, especially if operating duals. Kevin Forth, from Fendt Ideal, states, “Unequal tire pressures lead to uneven loads, particularly when grain tanks are full.” Consider using low sidewall tires for better flotation, especially in wet conditions.

Check Common Wear Points

Run your combine for an hour, then perform a walk-around inspection. Look for any unusual sounds and examine belts for wear or damage. An infrared thermometer can help spot warm bearings that may signal issues before they escalate.

Examine the Cleaning Shoe

Inspect the cleaning shoe closely. Remove the chaffer and sieves to check for wear and ensure everything is greased properly. Pay special attention to any variable sheaves that may need maintenance.

Header Maintenance

Don’t overlook headers. Ensure that all gearboxes are lubricated, cutting devices are sharp, and everything is clean to facilitate proper operation during the harvest.

Focus on Concaves

Farmers often excel at checking the rotor but can overlook concave elements. Inspect for rounded or bent bars, missing wires, and residue buildup. Ensure everything is level when reinstalling concave panels.

Understand the Unload Auger and Elevators

The unload auger is critical. Check the flighting for wear and ensure bearings are in good condition to prevent costly crop loss during operation.

Assess the Separator

Review all components in the separation area, including directional vanes, separation bars, and grates. Measure for wear, especially in the front or back rows of tines, to avoid unforeseen problems.

Review the Residue Management System

Take a close look at your residue management setup. Check for wear and ensure everything functions smoothly. Missing knives can affect performance and increase strain on the chopper.

Check Monitoring Tools

Finally, ensure that your combine’s monitor is updated. Load new maps, delete old data, and calibrate sensors to guarantee accurate yield measurements.

In summary, a proactive approach to combine maintenance not only ensures a smooth harvesting process but also enhances safety and efficiency in the field. Investing time now can lead to significant savings and improved performance during the busy harvest season ahead.

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