Grain harvesting is a crucial step in the production of food, and a malfunctioning combine can cause a tremendous amount of lost productivity and cost. The combine is a complex piece of machinery which must be maintained properly in order to ensure it is operating at optimal levels. Improperly adjusted combines can lead to a variety of serious problems, including poor harvesting performance, more seed damage, more crop losses and more fuel usage.
When it comes to making adjustments, a few simple steps can go a long way in ensuring optimal harvesting performance. First, check the alignment of the reel, sickle and cylinder. Make sure that the distance between the sickle and the reel is appropriate for the crop you are harvesting, as this will help to ensure the best possible cut. You should also check the tension of the sickle and reel, as this will help prevent the crop from being overly damaged when it is being harvested.
Next, be sure to adjust the seed rate and sieve opening on the combine. These adjustments will affect the amount of material that is gathered during the harvesting process. It is also important to periodically check the cylinder speed and estimate the acreage yield to ensure that it is within the manufacturer’s specifications.
It is also important to adjust the feeder house angle and height to ensure that the material is entering the combine properly. The drive speed should also be properly set, as this affects the fuel efficiency of the machine.
Finally, be sure to adjust the forks, knives and blades on the combine in order to maximize cutting efficiency. These are important components of the machine and should be adjusted periodically to ensure the best possible performance.
By carefully adjusting the combine, operators can ensure that the harvesting process is being conducted efficiently and producing the best possible results. Improperly adjusted combines can lead to serious losses and poor harvesting performance, so it is important to routinely adjust the machine in order to keep it running at its optimal level.
