Agricultural machinery (agricultural mechanization) has undoubtedly transformed farming practices, and one of the most important inventions in this field is the combine harvester. This versatile machine combines three essential processes—reaping, threshing, and winnowing—into one, making it a crucial tool in modern farming.
Who is the ‘’father’’ of the Combine Harvester?
In 1826, Reverend Patrick Bell from Scotland designed a reaper machine that used the scissors principle for cutting plants, a method still used today. His machine was horse-drawn, and a few were available in the U.S.
Hiram Moore holds a significant place in the history of American combine harvesters. In 1835, he created and patented the first harvester combine. The name itself (combined means also unite for a common purpose) was used primarily as a term because it integrated these three harvesting techniques into a single procedure. The first combine harvesting equipment was drawn by teams of oxen, mules, or horses and had a bull wheel. Hiram Moore's first version was handled by twenty horses and farmhands. By 1860, larger combines with wider cutting widths were commonly used on American farms.
In Australia, John Ridley and others developed the stripper in 1843, which collected only the grain heads, leaving the stems behind. This design required less power and had fewer moving parts. By 1885, Hugh Victor McKay refined the machine and created the Sunshine Header-Harvester, a commercially successful combine.
At the same time, Cyrus McCormick, a pioneer in agricultural innovation, is credited with developing early mechanical reapers, precursors to the combine. By the 1930s, self-propelled combines were introduced, replacing earlier horse-drawn versions.
However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that combines became more common on farms, with technological advancements enabling the machine to handle larger fields and harvest more efficiently.
A major innovation in combine design was introducing the rotary system, in which grain is separated from the stalk by a helical rotor rather than passing between rasp bars and a concave. Sperry-New Holland first introduced rotary combines in 1975.
The largest combines, "class 10-plus," which emerged in the early 2020s, boasts nearly 800 horsepower (600 kW) engines and features headers as wide as 60 feet (18 meters).
The Rise of Combine Harvesters: Key Players, Technology, and Impact on Crop Production
The machine became popular in wheat and other cereal crop-growing regions, such as rice, oats, rye, barley, corn (maize), sorghum, millet, soybeans, flax (linseed), sunflowers, and rapeseed. It is popular because it helps farmers reduce labor-intensive harvesting and increase food production. Today, combine harvesters are more equipped with GPS technology and automation to improve precision and yield. Companies with the largest market share in the US include:
- John Deere
- AGCO
- Case IH
- CNH Industrial NV
- New Holland
- Massey Ferguson
They spent millions of dollars on research and development of agricultural machinery and, more specifically, combine harvesters.
The spread of the combine harvesters
Combine harvesters are used in agricultural fields worldwide, particularly in regions that grow cereal crops. This machinery's versatility allows it to adapt to different crops, with modifications in the headers (the front part of the machine that cuts the crop) to suit the type of plant being harvested.
Some of the main regions where combines are widely used include:
- North America: In the United States and Canada, combine harvesters are heavily used in the vast wheat fields of the Midwest and prairie regions. They are essential for crops like corn, soybean, and wheat in large-scale farms.
- Europe: Combines are vital in harvesting grains, rapeseed, and barley in countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
- Asia: In countries like India, China, and Japan, combine harvesters play a crucial role in the large-scale production of rice and wheat.
- Australia: The country’s expansive wheat fields rely heavily on combines for harvesting, especially in regions like Western Australia.
How to select the right combine harvester?
When selecting the right combine harvester, you must consider two main traction options: self-propelled and tractor-mounted.
Self-propelled combines are ideal for farms with hard soil and are the most commonly used type. They operate independently without requiring a separate tractor. In contrast, tractor-mounted combines are towed by tractors, making them better suited for farms with loose soil and larger areas.
Additionally, there are three primary types of combine harvesters, each with a distinct method for separating grain from chaff: shaker (straw walker), rotor, and hybrid systems. Your choice should align with your specific farm needs and harvesting goals.
- Conventional Combine Harvester (Shaker/Straw Walker): This traditional model features 4 to 8 shakers and is known for its reliability and long-standing use. Due to its proven track record, it remains a popular choice among many farmers.
- Non-Conventional Combine Harvester (Rotor): Rotor combines are compact and require less maintenance than conventional models. They produce high-quality grain with minimal breakage but are sensitive to straw mass and moisture levels and consume more fuel per hour.
- Hybrid Combine Harvester: This model merges features of both conventional and rotor systems, using a drum and concave with rotors to reduce grain damage during threshing. While less common, hybrids offer a blend of efficiency and reduced grain loss.
To choose the right machine for your field, you must consider many parameters, such as the soil condition, the type of crop you are cultivating, and the operational requirements. Thus, you will decide what is best for you and your field!
How to use a combine harvester?
To operate a combine harvester effectively, it is essential to follow several key steps.
- Before starting the harvest, the machine should be run at its rated speed to ensure the cutter bar moves freely and avoids obstructing crop material.
- Harvesting should commence after 9 a.m. when the morning dew has evaporated, as drier conditions reduce the likelihood of blockages and minimize grain loss. It is also important to avoid harvesting during or after rain.
- Adjusting the header to an optimal height is crucial; if set too high, shorter stalks may not be properly cut, impacting future planting, but lowering it excessively could damage the cutter bar. Maintaining a steady, appropriate working speed—faster on flat, even ground and slower in more challenging conditions—improves efficiency and performance.
- When operating, the combine should move in straight lines and stop harvesting when turning to avoid excessive grain loss.
- Additionally, keeping the throttle at medium or open for 30 seconds after cutting allows the machine to process the grain fully.
- Once harvesting is complete, thoroughly cleaning the machine and conducting routine maintenance, such as oiling and storing it in a dry, ventilated area, helps prevent wear and ensures longevity.
References:
https://www.plant-planet.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-the-combine-harvester/
https://www.tractortransport.com/blog/types-of-combines-and-how-to-transport/
