How Does a Combine Harvester Work?
The modern combine harvester is a highly versatile machine designed to efficiently harvest a wide range of grain crops. Its name originates from its ability to combine three distinct harvesting operations — reaping, threshing, and winnowing — into a single streamlined process. This innovative technology allows for the harvesting of various crops such as wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn (maize), sorghum, soybeans, flax (linseed), sunflowers, and canola.
Once the harvesting process is complete, the remaining straw, consisting of the stems and any remaining leaves of the crop, is left on the field. Although it contains limited nutrients, this straw can be utilized in different ways. It can either be chopped and spread on the field, ploughed back into the soil, or baled for use as bedding and limited-feed for livestock.
Manual crop harvesting can be an arduous and time-consuming task, involving multiple operations and significant labor. However, the use of a combine harvester eliminates these challenges, simplifying the harvesting process and providing a solution to these labor-intensive tasks.
So, how does a combine harvester work?
Combine harvesters are complex machines with numerous moving components and stages. The first step involves the combine header, which is responsible for cutting and gathering the crops from the field. Once collected, the crops are fed into the combine’s belly, where they undergo a series of procedures to separate the grain from the rest of the crop, including the stalks and other unwanted materials. This separation process, often referred to as “separating the wheat from the chaff,” ensures that only the valuable grain is retained.
After the separation process, the grain is transferred into the grain tank, while the remaining leftover materials are discharged through the back of the machine and returned to the field. The farmer then has the option to either bale the discharged materials for later use or allow them to naturally decompose, enriching the soil with essential nutrients.
Investing in a combine harvester is crucial for farmers as it significantly simplifies their work. However, before making a purchase, it is essential to carefully consider the features and specifications of the harvester to ensure it stands out from other options available in the market.