When it comes to harvesting crops, a combine harvester is an essential piece of equipment. It is a machine that is designed to cut and thresh the crops, separating the grains from the chaff. The quality of the harvested grain depends on the quality of the combine harvester and how it is operated. In this article, we will discuss how to achieve top-notch grain quality of a combine harvester and the best settings for combine concaves.

Types of Concaves

The concave is a crucial part of the combine harvester, as it helps to separate the grain from the chaff. Several types of concaves are available, and the choice of concave will depend on the type of crop being harvested. The following are the main types of concaves:

1. Round bar concave: This concave type is ideal for harvesting small grains, such as wheat, oats, and barley. It has round bars spaced closely together, which helps prevent the grain from passing through the concave.

2. Small wire concave: This type of concave is suitable for harvesting crops that have smaller seeds, such as canola, millet, and clover. It has small wires that are spaced closely together, which helps to prevent the small seeds from passing through the concave.

3. Large wire concave: This type of concave is ideal for harvesting crops that have larger seeds, such as soybeans, peas, and corn. It has larger wires that are spaced further apart, which allows the larger seeds to pass through the concave.

Best Settings For Combine Concaves

The combine concave settings will depend on the type of crop that is being harvested and the conditions in which the crop is growing. The following are some of the best settings for combine concaves:

1. Small grains: For harvesting small grains such as wheat, oats, and barley, a round bar concave is the best option. The concave should be set with a narrow gap between the bars, as this will prevent the grain from passing through the concave.

2. Canola: For harvesting canola, a small wire concave is the best option. The concave should be set with a narrow gap between the wires, as this will prevent the small seeds from passing through the concave.

3. Soybeans: For harvesting soybeans, a large wire concave is the best option. The concave should be set with a wider gap between the wires, as this will allow the larger seeds to pass through the concave.

4. Corn: For harvesting corn, a large wire concave is also the best option. The concave should be set with a wider gap between the wires, as this will allow the larger seeds to pass through the concave.

In addition to the type of concave and the concave settings, there are several other factors that can affect the quality of the grain that is harvested. These include the speed of the combine harvester, the condition of the crop, and the moisture content of the grain.

Speed of the Combine Harvester

The speed of the combine harvester is an important factor in achieving top-notch grain quality. If the combine is too slow, the grain can be damaged as it passes through the concave. On the other hand, if the combine is too fast, the grain can be lost as it passes through the concave. The speed of the combine harvester should be adjusted according to the type of crop that is being harvested and the conditions in which the crop is growing.

Condition of the Crop

The condition of the crop is another important factor in achieving top-notch grain quality. If the crop is wet or has a high moisture content, the grain can become damaged as it passes through the concave. This can result in a lower quality grain that is unfit for sale or consumption. It is crucial to harvest the crop when it is dry, and to adjust the combine harvester settings accordingly.

Moisture Content of the Grain

The moisture content of the grain is also an important factor in achieving top-notch grain quality. If the grain is too wet, it can become damaged as it passes through the concave, resulting in a lower-quality grain. If the grain is too dry, it can become brittle and can also result in a lower-quality grain. It is essential to monitor the moisture content of the grain and to adjust the combine harvester settings accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving top-notch grain quality of a combine harvester requires careful consideration of several factors, including the type of concave, the concave settings, the speed of the combine harvester, the condition of the crop, and the moisture content of the grain. By following the best practices for combine harvester operation and maintenance, farmers can ensure that they produce high-quality grain that is fit for sale and consumption. With the right tools and techniques, farmers can maximize their yields and ensure that their crops are harvested efficiently and effectively.