Februarie/Maart

32 •••
SENWES VILLAGE
Get geared for the
harvest season
continued from page 31
Always only do one
adjustment at a time
and then inspect your sample
and acceptable grain loss
If there is excessive foreign material, such uch as broken
corn cobs or trash, in the grain tank sample, open
the concave as it could be overthreshing the corn.
Next, slow the speed of the rotor or cylinder. Always
only do one adjustment at a time and then inspect
your sample and acceptable grain loss.
• Preharvest loss
Whole ear losses from lodging can increase
as the season progresses. Average preharvest
losses should be less than 1% of total crop yield.
• Header ear loss
Driving at a ground speed that is too fast or too
slow, driving off the row or operating the header
too high, may result in lost whole or broken ears.
Losses average 3% to 4% of the total crop yield.
With proper machine operation and adjustment,
the loss should be no more than 1%.
• Header kernel loss
Some kernels are shelled out and lost by the
header at the gathering snouts, snapping bars
and snapping rolls. Those losses average about
0,6%. With proper adjustment and machine
operation as well as good field conditions, the
losses can be held to about 0,4%.
• Combine cylinder loss
Insufficient shelling action causes some kernels
to remain on the cob as they pass through the
machine. With the correct cylinder or rotor speed
or correct concave clearance adjustment, this
loss should not exceed 0,3%. Correct adjustment
results in few or no broken cobs, with no kernels
attached to them. Too vigorous shelling action
results in excessive kernel breakage.
• Combine separation loss
Some kernels may pass over the sieves and out
of the combine. With correct sieve and wind
adjustment, losses should be held to a minimum.
>
INSPECTING YOUR GRAIN CARTS
1) Inspect augers for noticeable wear. Over time,
augers become smaller in diameter, which will
affect their performance.
2) Check for proper adjustment of the drive belts
and also make sure all PTO shafts are greased
and universal joints are in a good condition.
3) Check all wheel bearings and tyre pressure.
4) Check oil in the gearbox.
5) Check the tarpaulin for any tears or wear spots
and that tie-downs are still in a good condition.
6) Inspect hydraulic hoses for any cracks and
leaks.
7) Ensure that all your lights are working correctly.
8) Make sure your “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign is
clean and clearly visible.
CORN HEAD
At the beginning of the season, the following checks
should be done with regards to your header:
1) Clean the header.
2) When working on the header, ensure that the
feeder house safety stops are in place.
3) Open the corn head bonnets, adjust the gathering
chains and check that they are still under
tension.
4) Check if deck plate adjustment is correct. When
fully closed, there must be a 2 mm difference
between the front and back, with the back being
the wider side.
5) Lubricate the corn head – grease all nipples and
check oil levels and grease levels in each corn
head gear case.
6) Run the corn head for a few minutes, then
shut the machine down and inspect the header
thoroughly. Feel for warm bearings and if chains
have become loose. When chains are warm, lubricate
them with heavy grade oil. This increases
the penetration of the oil.
continued on page 34
www.senwes.co.za • Maart 2013