Three Maintenance Issues That Cause a Combine to Break Down
To ensure your farming operation runs optimally through the season, you’ll need to keep all your machines in good working order. That includes your combine harvester, too, which helps you combine three vital operations—reaping, threshing, and winnowing—into a single process.
In this guide, we have highlighted three common issues that may cause your combine to break down. Keep reading to learn more, and if you need help servicing your machine, visit PrairieLand Partners at our dealership near you, where we serve all of Kansas.
1. Improper Upkeep of Feeder House, Slats, and Chains
If your feeder house, slats, and chains are not maintained properly, they can cause your combine to malfunction. Your slats must operate parallel to each other, and your chains must have proper tension. These parts can wear down over time, and if you neglect this condition, it can eventually destroy the feeder house. That’s why you must regularly inspect the keepers to see they are secure and examine the chain guides and replace them if worn. While you’re at it, don’t forget to scan the top drive sprockets and the bearings of the front drum.
2. A Dirty Cleaning Shoe Fan
The cleaning shoes of your combine separates the free grains from the mixture of chaff and grains and delivers them to the grain auger for re-threshing. The fan is an essential component of your machine’s cleaning unit, and even a tiny piece of residue sucked into it can damage it.
To keep the fan functional, remove the drive belt and rotate the fan. Check to see it spins correctly and listen to any bearing noise while paying attention to the belt at different speeds. If you notice any cracks or find that it has become glazed, you’ll want to seek professional assistance to get the issue fixed.
3. Missing Elevator Paddles
Your combine's yield monitor is a handy device that helps measure your harvested grain mass flow, moisture content and record other vital aspects of your crop yield. It comes with various sensors, which you must calibrate to get an accurate estimation of grain flow. Sometimes you may notice a reduction in the accuracy of your calibration, which can lead to field loss.
To fix this problem, you’ll want to inspect your grain elevators to see if they have any missing paddles or sagging chains. Examine the elevators by taking the drive belts off them and rotating the chain assembly. Check the chain tension and adjust as needed. If you notice that the grains fall back down the elevator, it may mean that your device’s paddles sag backward in operation. To prevent this maintenance issue from occurring, you’ll want to inspect the chain tension daily during harvest. Replace any worn-down or missing paddles and recalibrate your sensors before you begin work.
We hope these tips help you prevent the common issues from causing your machine to break down. If you have any questions or are still in the market for a new combine, visit PrairieLand Partners. As your local farm equipment dealer, we have an extensive inventory of combines and other machinery for sale. Our knowledgeable staff can give you a complete tour of available options and suggest models for your budget. To speak to our experts, call us today or visit us at our dealership near you. We are happy to serve all of Kansas, so stop by today.