Corn School: Setting the combine for harvest efficiency

Why is it so important for corn growers to get their combine settings right before they roll into the field to harvest grain?

University of Guelph Ridgetown College instructor and combine mechanic TJ Poehlman has a simple answer to that question. He says when growers are paying $800,000 or more for a combine and the price of corn is just north of $4 a bushel, every bushel counts. "You want to get the most out of that investment and cover as many acres as you can," he stresses.

On this episode of RealAgriculture Corn School, Poehlman takes host Bernard Tobin on a settings tutorial starting at the head of of a John Deere S760 combine where the focus includes corn head row unit deck plates, chain tension, snapping rolls and auger height.

For Deere combines, Poehlman recommends that the feed accelerator be set to low speed for harvesting corn. He also notes that the rotor's concave selection for corn is crucial, with round bars being the preferred choice.

Poehlman explains the threshing process, emphasizing that all threshing happens in the front section of the rotor. He also highlights the importance of setting the concave opening to match the cob diameter and the need to adjust rotor speed to ensure kernels are removed from the cob without grinding.

As Poehlman moves toward the rear of the combine he looks at cleaning shoe components, and notes that the chaffer should be set open just enough to allow kernels to pass through without allowing material other than grain (MOG) into the bin. Fan speed adjustments are necessary based on the material in the bin, with light material requiring higher fan speed.

Chopper settings are the final consideration. Poehlman recommends setting the chopper to slow speed. He also notes that stationary knives should be out, and the spreader should be controlled from the cab.
Website: https://www.realagriculture.com/
#corn #harvest #farming
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter:   / realagriculture  
Instagram:   / realagriculture  
Facebook:   / realagmedia