How Your Combine Harvester Works

Your combine harvester is an important piece of equipment on your farm. After all, it plays a crucial role in your agricultural operation. But do you know how your harvester works? Knowing the ins and outs of your machine can help you optimize its performance. That’s why we’ve created the following guide with plenty of information about this important machine. Keep reading to learn more about combine harvesters, and call Burrows Tractor with any questions. We are proud to have locations in Oregon and Washington. 

History

Let’s start at the beginning. The first combine harvester was created by an American inventor named Hiram Moore in 1835. Before this, more than 90% of American citizens labored on farms. The harvester drastically lowered this stat to only 50% by 1870. The machine gets its name from its function. It combines the job of harvesting and separating grain crops. This used to be a job that required manual labor. After the invention of the combine harvester, this task no longer needed weeks of hard work to be accomplished.

How the Machine Functions

A combine harvester cuts crops at the base, feeds the plant into a threshing drum, and then separates the grains from stalks before sweeping the chaff to the rear of the machine. The separated grains are moved to the grain tank. You’ll empty the tank to get the grain. The combine harvester made what once was a tedious task faster and more efficient.

The Anatomy 

Harvesters have multiple components that work together to get the job done. These parts include:

• Header: cuts the plant near the ground .
• Spinning auger: moves the cut crops up a conveyor.
• Threshing segment: threshes cut plants to separate the grain from the stalks.
• Grain tank: holds the grains after being separated.
• Conveyors: moving belts that transport the chaff or grain through the machine.
• Elevator: lifts the harvested grain out of the tank.
• Unloader: a side pipe that deposits the grain into a cart.
• Straw chopper: an optional attachment at the back of the machine that chops the chaff before spreading it on the field.

Each component of the equipment has a specific job, but works in conjunction with the other parts. This makes this agricultural machine efficient, which will help you save time and stay productive.

We hope this guide has helped you gain a better understanding of your harvester. If you still have questions or you want to see some farm equipment for sale, reach out to Burrows Tractor today. We are proud to have locations in Oregon and Washington. When you need equipment to get the job done, all you need to do is give us a call!