Few farmers enjoy the task of combine and harvest maintenance, but those who work around the machines on a daily basis are eager to point out the laborious project is worth the effort.
Brian Jones, a correspondent with All Aboard Wheat Harvest, provided insight to a list of questions, which are in italics, and his answers follow.
What are the most essential items a farmer needs to address on his combine in advance of entering wheat fields to have a successful and safe harvest?
BJ: Routine maintenance may sound monotonous, but it’s important, nonetheless. Simple things like checking the conditions of belts, chains and fluid levels seem basic, but are critical to a trouble-free harvest. Check the most common wear points to see if they are still capable of performing adequately and make adjustments to tension and clearances….they are not “set and forget” items, and can often need adjustment not just at the beginning of harvest but also during. Don’t forget to make sure the cutting system on the header is in good condition as well.
What are the most overlooked items a farmer neglects on a combine?
BJ: Tires are usually deflated over the winter months while sitting, and setting the correct pressure is critical in making sure soil compaction is kept to a minimum. Remember, tire pressures are not necessarily the same for all headers, so make sure you check your owner’s manual recommendations. Losing even 1 to 2 pounds per square inch of pressure can cause tires to be under inflated by 10%, and that’s enough to cause premature tire wear or failure while also compacting the soil needlessly. It’s also important to remember service items don’t just get calculated by usage, but also time. Even low-hour machines can be due for fluid changes or filters.
While it is close to harvest time, what information and records does someone need handy if he or she needs to call a dealer?
BJ: Keeping a detailed written record of maintenance can seem like a lot of work, but it’s always helpful when you can provide a service history to a dealer. Sometimes knowing WHEN the last time something was serviced is as important and WHAT was serviced. Some crops cause wear in different ways on a combine, so it can be helpful to also keep track individually of seasonal hours of use and services. It’s impractical to think you can keep a combine in “perfect” condition, and the reality is most farmers have a budget for maintenance. If you can be very specific about sharing with your dealer what’s been serviced in the past it’s helpful to prioritize repairs or preventative maintenance, helping decide what recommended service might be OK to push off till next season while taking care of others than need to be addressed right away.
Many of the newer combines use GPS and other electronic tracking of harvest results, are there some items a harvester needs to check?
BJ: Nothing is worse than going to field to start the first day and finding out you have a sensor that doesn’t work. It can be a lot less stressful if you make time to do a pre-harvest “dry run” of the machine and header, cycle through functions like speed adjustments or hydraulic functions on both the combine and header to make sure everything appears to work without any error codes. Today’s computers and GPS systems are constantly improving though software updates, so make sure to check your machine has the latest software updates to systems and controllers. Many manufactures have streamlined this process via over the air updates that can be done through the machine or a smart phone and are often completely free.
What are some items to look for on a grain cart before putting them to use?
BJ: Check all belts, chains and hoses and look for any areas where they might be rubbing that would cause potential issues. Correct tire pressure is critical, and it’s a good idea to check over the structure for any cracks in seams or welds that might show the start of a bigger problem. The biggest wear item of a grain cart is the unload auger(s), so check the flighting to make sure they are in satisfactory condition. Worn flighting doesn’t just reducing unloading speed, but it can damage grain that could lead to costly quality deductions.
When it comes to safety of the combines and supporting equipment, what does the farmer need to watch out for the most?
BJ: Check over the safety systems of machinery, making sure safety chains and brakes are in good condition. Occupant detection sensors in seats should function, so make sure those safety systems work so machinery automatically shuts off when the operator gets out of the cab. Make sure warning lights are working and reflective emblems are clean and visible. Make sure windows and mirrors are clean so you have good visibility when moving on roadways.
I’m sure it is good advice to tell the operators to take a short break particularly when it is a busy time. What has been some good advice that farmers shared with you that could benefit others?
BJ: Harvest can mean long and monotonous days so be sure to make time for a break every now and then. These breaks can be a great time to get out of the cab and stretch your legs while simultaneously checking over the equipment. A quick walk around can be a great way to check for any oil leaks or even a “smell test” that could mean something is overheating. These can be critical in preventing a field fire. Sometimes switching out your job with another employee for even just a short time can help break up the day and keep you alert, such as the combine and grain cart operator switch jobs for a few rounds, or swap out with a truck driver and take a grain truck to town.
What is the most common repair during a harvest run during wheat harvest?
BJ: The most common repair is probably to the cutting system of the header. Broken sickle sections and guards are most likely the thing that needs the most attention. Having a sharp, spare sickle on hand can greatly speed up repairs in the middle of harvest should a sickle break or becomes too dull to work well.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
