Pre-Harvest Combine Maintenance

Fall harvest is around the corner. Before you hit the field, give your combine a once-over with this 11-point checklist.

• Clean the machine of dust and dirt for better operation and to help spot wear and potential problems.
• Attach headers to combine and make sure they are operational, checking height and contour controls.
• On the grain table header, inspect sickle blades and guards, inspect teeth in augers and reel.
• On the corn head, inspect gathering chains and sprockets, adjust the width of stripper plates. Check and adjust drive chains. Remember: Row unit gearboxes operate as mini transmissions and need to be checked once a year. Refill with grease or oil depending on age and brand of corn head.
• Check all belts for wear and replace as needed.
• Check all chains and bearings for wear; replace chains that can’t be adjusted or tensioned correctly.
• For axial combines, inspect rotor and concave, checking wires for damage and bars for wear.
• Check unloading system auger. If edges are sharp like a razor blade, replace.
• Perform service checks: engine oil, fuel filter, air cleaner, and hydraulic oil.
• Grease all points per operator’s manual. If a fitting doesn’t take grease, start with replacing the grease fitting.
• Inspect all lights, flashers and reflectors for road travel.