Tips to Select the Right Combine Harvester

Thanks to the many technological developments and innovations in the field of agricultural equipment, a lot of back-breaking and time-consuming tasks have now become quicker and more precise. One of the most tedious tasks, that of harvesting, was completely changed once combine harvesters were introduced to the market. That was decades ago. The new harvesters are even more capable machines that are armed with a number of helpful features and designed to be ergonomic so you can keep going along with your machine!

Burrows Tractor is your local combine harvester dealer across Oregon and Washington, and we’ve listed out how you can ensure you pick the right model for your needs. For more assistance or to check out quality harvesters for sale near Portland, OR or Ellensburg and Richland, WA, get in touch with our sales department to see our wide selection!

The Right Class

A big part of selecting the right combine is ensuring the machine has the power and cleaning shoe area you need for your operation. To do that, you have to pay attention to the class of the machine. As a general rule, the higher the power capabilities of a harvester, the higher is its class. However, not only is this subject to change with rapid innovations, each manufacturer also tends to classify their machines differently and sometimes they create models that don’t really fit in any class neatly. 

The Right Capacity

A simple rule of thumb is to ensure that the harvester’s capacity should never be more than what the grain header can handle. Located at the front of the machine (where the work begins), gathering systems are very important for the overall use of the combine harvester. There are different types of grain headers for different uses, such as auger, draper, windrow, stripperheads and crop specific heads for harvesting crops that need something a little special. You want a header that can help minimize loss. 

The Right Processor

To select the right processor, you have to keep in mind the kind of crops you’ll be growing. Many new harvester models come with in-cab adjustments to let you select settings (like concave clearance and shoe openings) that best suit your crop. Be sure to check the setting because if the processor is on the aggressive side, you could end up with damaged grains. The faster the speed and the smaller the concave clearance, the greater the chance of damage. If the processor breaks a lot of grain, the cleaning shoe has to handle a heavier load, which can lead to shoe losses. 

The Right Residue Management

A lot of manufacturers have created better systems for crop residue management, including providing finer chopping, wider spreading and more soil contact for better yields. Newer models will let you switch between different modes, such as spread and windrow modes, from the safety and comfort of your cab to get the best results. For more convenience, you can look for models that allow you to switch chopping and rowing abilities without swapping components and for features that are best suited for minimum or no-tillage operations. 

The Right Cab

You want your hardworking machine to keep working for hours on end but that also means you should be comfortable enough to keep working without any discomfort. Luckily, most reputable brands have kept this a priority so you’ll find a lot of models with great focus on ergonomics and comfort. Not only do you have the options of heated/cooled cabs, connectivity options, storage space and safety features, there are also models that’ll have entertainment systems to ensure you work in a happy and upbeat mood!

Hopefully, this information has given you a better idea of what you should look for! There are, of course, other considerations to keep in mind, such as transmission type and easy access points. To find out more or to check out combine harvesters for sale in Oregon and Washington, get in touch with us at Burrows Tractor and have a chat with one of our friendly staff members. We’re proud to be the leading combine harvester dealer for Portland, OR as well as Kennewick and Richland, WA!