Combine prep helps harvest go smoothly

MINNEAPOLIS — Combines will head to the fields soon for soybean and corn harvest. Keeping combines in the field and out of the shop is key to getting the crop in the bin.

There are several things farmers can do before harvest to prevent costly downtime and boost harvest efficiency.

Jerrad Bourne, business development manager at Ziegler Ag Equipment, shared a few reminders to help growers get the crop to the bin efficiently.

Ziegler Ag is an ag equipment dealership serving growers in Minnesota and Iowa.

Start With Inspection

“Many farmers have run a combine for several seasons, so they’re familiar with the wear points,” Bourne said. “With that in mind, start with a thorough visual inspection.”

Use this short checklist as a starting point for that inspection. Also, consult the machine’s owner’s manual. It is an important resource for full details on service intervals for the engine oil and filter, hydraulic filter and other service needs depending on combine hours.

• Gear boxes — Check for dirt and dust sticking to the outside. A leaking gearbox may be due to something as simple as a loose bolt or a failing seal, or the cause may be something greater that requires rebuilding or replacing the gearbox.

• Feeder house chains, concaves and sieves — Look for rock damage and parts that may be bent, broken or misaligned.

• Hydraulic fittings and hoses — Watch for signs of leaking, wear or cracking due to age, causing a need for repair or replacement.

• Visible bearings — Check for play and damage.

“Combines have many moving parts, and the continual vibration from normal operation creates wear on these parts. A thorough inspection takes time, and it is something farmers shouldn’t leave until the last minute,” Bourne said.

“If you won’t have time to do one yourself, dealerships like Ziegler Ag can do this for you with a preventative maintenance inspection. Technicians who know the machine and what to look for will go over it, and you’ll receive a list of needed service and repairs along with an estimate for the work.

“This inspection is a good way to have peace of mind before going to the field. After harvest, before storing is also a good time for a preventive maintenance inspection because dealerships often run specials on inspections and repairs that are done in the off-season.”

Update Your Software

GPS and yield monitors are found on most combines today, and the newest models include technology to automate many machine functions for the operator.

Download and install the latest software updates to ensure the GPS receiver communicates with the satellite and that all systems communicate properly with each other. Doing so is crucial to alleviate first-day issues.

“Manufacturers usually release software upgrades before harvest to adjust machine performance and fix little bugs,” Bourne said. “Even with this, testing all the automation before you get the machine into crop can be difficult.”

It’s important to know you can rely on your local dealership for help.

“Both your local dealership and the manufacturer offer technology support experts available by phone to help ease pain points,” Bourne said.

“Many technology issues can be taken care of over the phone. Often, the solution is just a quick conversation and step-by-step reminder of how the machine or technology works.”

Check The Combine Head

Bringing the crop into the combine is the first and most important step in getting every bit of grain to the bin. Meeting this goal requires a combine head in tip-top shape and working at its best.

A walk-around visual inspection is also the place to begin the preseason prep of corn and grain heads, checking that:

• Chains are tight.

• Gearboxes are intact and not leaking.

• Bearings are tight and moving smoothly.

• Sickle sections and guards are straight.

• Sickle sections are sharp.

• Belt tensioners are snug and working properly.

• Corn head stalk rolls are not worn, chains flow smoothly and snouts are straight and true.

“It’s not unusual for farmers to overlook their combine head,” Bourne said. “After it sits for nearly a year, what worked at the end of last season, may not work now. This is especially true for the automatic header height control. Be sure sensors are working and the header control is calibrated so the head runs where you need it to.”

Bourne also recommended stocking up on common parts and sensors.

“There’s nothing more frustrating than being down because you’ve got to run to the dealership for a $5 sensor,” he said.

Check with your local service rep or read the owner’s manual for a list of the parts to have on hand.

Ask For Help

If you do experience a breakdown, your local dealership should be your first call, Bourne pointed out.

“At Ziegler, phone support is available 24/7. The team will troubleshoot problems for you, help solve the issue or put you in touch with the specialist, parts department or schedule a field technician to make the repair,” he said.

A service adviser takes over once the problem is diagnosed to keep the customer informed through the repair process, including text message and email alerts if the customer chooses those options.

“We’re here to maximize uptime for farmers to get them through harvest as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Bourne said.