Tips for Preparing Your Combine for Harvesting

Combine harvesters are so named because they combine four separate harvesting operations into one. While this makes them an amazing time and energy saver for farmers, these machines need to be properly prepped and calibrated to maximize their effectiveness. If you’d like to know more about how to prep your combine for harvesting, this guide from Bucklin Tractor & Implement has all the information you need. 

Combine Preparation

The first step is to make sure that the combine is in good condition. Even a minor technical problem can result in crops going unharvested. That’s why we recommend starting your prep work multiple weeks in advance. That way you’ll have plenty of time to resolve any underlying issue you encounter. 

Start by giving the combine a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. As you clean, check the nuts, screws, and shields. Tighten and replace these fasteners as needed, then inspect the belts, bearings, chains, and other main drive components. Replace or adjust the parts as needed, then check the hydraulics system for leaks.

Adjusting the Combine Header for Different Crops

It’s usually best to adjust your combine’s header based on what kind of crop you’re planning to harvest. For example, corn usually requires that you extend the combine chain flights over the stripper plates to about ¼ inch beyond the edge. The stripper plates/snapping bars should be closed enough that the ears can’t pass through and get snapped near the upper third of the roll. Adjust the gathering snouts and gather chains so that they float just above the ground. Different crops will require different adjustment strategies, so do some research before you attempt to harvest a new type of crop with your combine. 

Shop combines at Bucklin Tractor & Implement. We operate six dealership locations, including Bucklin, Greensburg, Ness City, Great Bend, Hoxie, and Pratt, Kansas. We also offer serving, parts ordering, and financing.