Sep. 01, 2025
As harvest gets underway, it's always a good idea to take one last walk around your combine. A little extra attention now will help keep the combine in the field and not in the shop.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Jim Franceschetti, New Holland's parts and service product manager for harvesting, offers a 10-step combine check and maintenance program that he says will minimize harvest headaches and downtime.
1. Calibration. Franceschetti doesn't recommend relying on last year's calibrations. Running multiple calibration loads provides greater accuracy when calibrating yield monitors. While harvesting calibration loads, get a reading on moisture by sampling each load with a calibrated meter. Use that data when calibrating the mass flow sensor.
2. Safety routine. Start with safety glasses and other personal protective equipment (PPE). If you're looking at something from below, safety glasses keep dirt and other debris from falling into your eyes. Keep a spatial awareness around the combine for things like open side panels or the far edges of the headers. Check that the safety features of the combine are up to par -- think lights and fire extinguishers.
3. Prevent fires. Keep an air compressor or leaf blower handy. When you shut down for the day, check under the side panels and thoroughly blow out the debris that may build up in the combine and on the header and feeder house.
4. Preharvest prep. Give yourself ample time before harvest to look around the machine, refamiliarize yourself with the technology and calibrate, and make sure that you're satisfied with all of the settings.
5. Header adjustments. The goal is to get the cleanest cut possible, to move as much of the crop as possible into the header and fed through the feeder house and thresher to maximize yield. If you're harvesting corn, make sure the stalk rolls and stripper plates are spaced properly. If not done, this could lead to significant grain loss. On the grain header, make sure the speed of the reels matches the speed of the combine. These are checks that will help facilitate smooth, even crop flow into the cutter bar (ensure the cutter bar is clean, by the way) and then into the combine.
6. Grain damage. Check the feeder chains for wear. Check the flats, the rollers and tension. If there is excessive movement between the links, replace the chains. Check the chain bars in the feeder house. Make sure they are not bent or twisted.
New Holland CR combines have the Dynamic Feed Roll feature that delivers harvested grain uniformly to the twin rotors while directing stones and other debris into a dedicated trap emptied automatically with the Dynamic Feed Roll reversing system.
Streamlined feeding can increase capacity by up to 10%. It needs to be functioning correctly to ensure smooth crop flow into the threshing system.
7. Thresher performance. Good threshing performance is the result of balance between rotor speed and concave clearance. Cylinder or rotor speed is the leading cause of grain damage. Use the lowest possible rotor speed that will shell the grain.
Three other suggestions. First, tap into your dealership's knowledge base. You may operate one or two combines; they have seen dozens. They know tricks to match local field conditions to the operation of the combine.
Second, as you make adjustments, it's a good idea to make only one adjustment at a time. This helps pinpoint other adjustments that may need to be made.
Third, newer combines are loaded with technology. It might have been a year since you last set eyes on your combine. Make sure those functions -- New Holland's IntelliSense combine automation system, for example -- are properly calibrated.
8. Clean grain. Calibrate the fan speed and make sure the sieve openings are correct. Consistency and speed help with even and smooth distribution to the twin rotors. You don't want grain piling up on one side or the other. That will result in uneven crop flow and may clog the combine threshing system. Most of these adjustments are made automatically.
9. Kill stall. Operators often do a kill stall to examine the actual harvesting functions of the combine. The kill stall puts the threshing process in a frozen state. It's a good way to check the adjustments made before harvest and to see how the combine is operating in the field.
10. Combine clinics. It's a good idea to attend a combine clinic. This is a time for operators to get into the dealership to learn from their experts and suppliers, and, perhaps, manufacturer technicians and engineers. It also creates opportunities to speak with other producers and learn their successful practices and harvesting tricks.
Link to Xinwanda
**
-- Follow Dan on Twitter @DMillerPF
[PF_]
(c) Copyright DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.
Whether you’re harvesting wheat, corn, or soybeans; the equipment you choose makes a big difference in your operation’s efficiency and success. Continue reading to explore the various types of combines to choose from, key features to consider when selecting your equipment, and available performance upgrades for your existing machinery.
John Deere offers two series of combines, the S Series and the X Series.
John Deere S Series Combines offer cutting-edge agricultural technology, like Combine Advisor™, which optimizes harvesting settings in real-time for varying crop conditions, and ActiveYield™, providing accurate yield data without manual calibration. With a superior threshing and separation system, the S Series Combine delivers exceptional grain handling and minimal loss, ensuring maximum returns.
John Deere X Series Combines set a new efficiency and performance standard with their advanced technology. With its adaptable high capacity design, the X Series offers exceptional versatility, seamlessly transitioning between various crops without compromising yield or grain quality. Equipped with cutting-edge features like the ProDrive™ transmission and ActiveVision™ cameras, operators can experience unparallel control and visibility during harvesting.
The X Series Combines provides superior residue management and automated systems to ensure minimal downtime and increased efficiency. From the field to the grain tank, the John Deere X Series Combine proves to be the ultimate workhorse, delivering unmatched results for every farm operation.
Selecting the right harvest equipment goes beyond choosing a specific brand or model. It involves understanding the key features that align with your operational requirements. Each type of crop harvesting has slightly different elements to consider, but overall key features include crop type, size and capacity compared to your acreage, harvesting speed, and technology.
Wheat is a vital crop grown globally, and the right equipment for its harvest is essential. When choosing wheat harvest equipment, consider the following:
Corn harvest requires specialized equipment to handle its unique characteristics. Consider the following when looking for corn harvest equipment:
Soybeans have specific harvest needs, and the right equipment can optimize your yields. Consider the following when selecting soybean harvesting equipment:
If you own a John Deere combine, you may be interested in enhancing its performance. John Deere offers several performance upgrades to keep your equipment up to date with the latest technology and innovations. Some of the most popular upgrades to consider are:
Choosing the right harvesting equipment is a critical decision for any agricultural operation. Koenig Equipment offers a complete lineup of new and used combines and combine headers. Contact your local Koenig Equipment, where our team of experts can help you find the right harvest equipment for your needs.
Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency on Your Farm
How Can I Improve Harvesting Efficiency with John Deere ActiveYield™?
Are you interested in learning more about harvest header? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Previous: None
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )