A Beginner's Guide To Combine Maintenance

Back

Maintenance is the best way to keep your combine performing optimally and lasting for as many years as possible. It's important to care for your farm equipment, but it can be tough knowing which specific tasks are needed for the various models. Scoping out the owner's manual helps, but a more expansive view is better. That's why we created the following guide to combine maintenance. Use the below strategies to boost the output and extend the lifespan of your combine.

If you have any questions or want to shop combines for sale, reach out to High Plains Equipment. Our dealership is based in Devils Lake and Harvey, North Dakota, and we also serve those in Minot and Grand Forks.

The Importance Of Combine Maintenance

Combines are advanced pieces of agricultural equipment. They need maintenance in the same way that any machine does - and then in ways that are unique to combines.

Proper combine maintenance:

Minimizes harvest loss.
Generates a high-quality grain crop.
Ensures a consistent flow of crop material through the combine.
Extends the equipment's lifespan.
Reduces the frequency and intensity of repairs, saving you money in the long run.
Reduces lost work time due to the equipment being at the mechanic.

Preventative Combine Maintenance

Part of the combine maintenance strategy is preventative measures. Here, the key is optimized operation to help prevent sped-up equipment wear or damage.

Combine Maintenance - The Header

Since the header is the first point of contact with the crop, it can be the biggest cause of grain loss. Proper maintenance of the combine header is crucial to maximizing the harvest yields.

Be sure to:

Set stripping roll spacing based on stalk thickness.
Set deck plates as wide as you can (without resulting in losing ears of the crop).
Match the grain head gathering speed and feederhouse to the combine drive speed.

Combine Maintenance - The Feederhouse

The feederhouse is the location where the grain first enters the combine. Here, the focus is to keep the feed accelerator at a low enough speed. That way, the grain is less likely to break and be lost before the start of the threshing process. Plus, operating the feed accelerator at an unnecessarily fast speed will cause unnecessary wear and tear to the combine, resulting in the need for repairs.

Combine Maintenance - Threshing And Separating Parts

The goal here is to strike a balance of rotor speed. Aim for the slowest speed that still shells the grain. Too fast and you can end up with grain damage as well as cracked grains entering the grain tank. Too slow and it won't accomplish what you need.

Similarly, it's important to set the concave clearance to the ideal setting. Too wide and you won't get complete threshing and you'll face damaged grains.

Combine Maintenance - Grain Cleaning Parts

Make sure the settings on the chaffer, shoe sieves, and cleaning fan are optimized. These parts help separate the grain from non-grain crop material after threshing. They play a crucial role in delivering a high-quality final result.

Too low of a fan speed can cause pieces of stalks in the grain tank. Too high of a fan speed can result in grain loss outside the back of the combine. Use the proper speed for the given situation to maximize crop quality and quantity - and keep the combine performing well.

The Combine Maintenance Check

Another useful resource is the pre-harvest combine inspection. Here, you are looking for any worn out parts or broken systems. Catching these issues early helps prevent further damage (and more expensive repairs) down the road.

The combine maintenance check should include:

Check the roller chains (on a corn head) or the knives on a cutterbar head (for small grains and soybeans).
Look at the rotor and concave (in the separation and threshing area).
Check the sieves in the cleaning shoe area.
Look for sharp edges on augers.

If you notice any red flags, bring your combine to our service department. We can get it repaired and back in action in no time.

We hope you found this guide to combine maintenance helpful! For more advice or to shop combines for sale, contact High Plains Equipment. Our expert staff is happy to help with anything you need, from offering professional maintenance services to discussing our financing options. Our dealership is located in Devils Lake and Harvey, North Dakota. We also proudly serve those in Minot and Grand Forks, North Dakota.