Combine harvesters: technical characteristics

The structure of a grain harvester and the principle of its operation

The main working parts of any classic grain harvester are the header, threshing machine and winnower. They are located sequentially along the design of the machine. Thus, the harvested crop undergoes processing in a certain order, eliminating the formation of grain jams.

In its front part, the grain harvester is equipped with cutting elements. They cut the ears and then they are picked up by the reel. The latter rake the collected stems to the header platform. A screw mechanism rotates inside it, moving the spikelets closer to the center.

In the central part of the auger there are fingers that push the stems towards the conveyor belt. Along it, the spikelets rise into the machine body, where the threshing drum is located. The combine conveyor is equipped with a special casing that protects the grain from damage. The stems are pushed inside the drum over a stone catcher. Stones and other solid foreign objects get inside it.

The stalks are threshed inside the drum. The resulting grain, along with the husk and the remains of the stems, ends up on a transport belt. It moves along it to the roar.

The unthawed straw and ears of corn are thrown through a beater onto a straw walker consisting of keys. Under the influence of their reciprocating movements, the grain is separated from the stems. After this, the grain is poured onto the screen, and the straw into the stacker. In some models, a chopper is installed instead of a stacker. The video will tell you in detail about the principle of operation of a grain harvester.

This is how not only large machines work, but also mini-harvesters. The only difference between them is that the mini grain harvester is equipped with smaller elements.

Brands of grain harvesters and their descriptions

As is the case with other specialized equipment, the market for combine harvesters has its own recognized leaders. Among them are the best companies that produce the highest quality and most efficient machines.

These brands include:

• Klaas – this company became famous thanks to the grain harvesting model Tucano 450. This durable self-propelled combine is capable of high speed work on any difficult terrain. The Tucano 450 model is characterized by efficiency, high quality of the finished product and low grain losses. At the same time, it is as easy as possible to use and maintain. All Claas cars are equipped with comfortable cabins. They contain air heating and ventilation systems, comfortable seats and touch-sensitive instrument panels;

• Agromash is a Russian brand that became famous thanks to the grain harvesting models Agromash 3000, as well as Terrion SR3065. Both machines stand out for their well-thought-out design, reliability, good maneuverability and high repairability. The reinforced design of these models makes them invulnerable to small solid obstacles;
• Gomselmash – the Belarusian company has become widely known thanks to the release of two grain harvesting models – KZS-1218 and KZS-12 819. Both of these models will become reliable assistants both for a private enterprise and for a farmer. Among their main advantages are endurance, unpretentiousness to the quality and composition of fuel, and ease of maintenance. Subject to regular maintenance, these self-propelled grain harvesting machines are capable of high operating speed regardless of weather conditions;

• Case – the advantages of grain harvesting models from this manufacturer include high power, a solid reserve of torque and a wide selection of attachments of different widths. If necessary, the operator can change the basic header of the machine to a design of greater width. They allow you to cover large areas and save time on harvesting. In addition, the use of various adapters makes it possible to turn the Case grain harvester into a potato harvester, as well as other types of equipment. The cabin of each Case model is equipped with everything necessary for convenient work on the site. It contains fast ventilation and air heating systems, informative touch panels and soft seats. A wide viewing angle gives the operator the opportunity to fully control the grain harvesting process;
• TKZ – The Taganrog Combine Harvester Plant is known for its SK-6 Kolos grain harvesting machine. The model is unpretentious to the quality of fuel and lubricants. Free access to the main consumable parts allows you to replace them without dismantling entire mechanisms. Other advantages include low fuel consumption and good build quality;

• Agromet - this domestic plant produces the Bison combine harvester. The design of the machine includes a threshing machine and a 5-meter header. If necessary, the machine can be equipped with backlashers for harvesting sunflowers and special trolleys. The combine stands out for its high level of comfort when using. The steering of the machine is equipped with a hydraulic booster. Settings for all working parts are made in 1-2 clicks of the touch screen;
• KDP – this manufacturer produces the PN-100 “Prostor” trailed combine harvester. It is equipped with an axial rotary threshing mechanism. Its advantages include ease of maintenance, ease of use and high efficiency. The built-in pre-threshing device promotes better grain cleaning. If necessary, this combine harvester can be used in conjunction with a pick-up and adapters to harvest different crops.

Models released by each of the listed companies have earned great popularity in the modern market. All of them are reliable, durable and have excellent build quality. They are characterized by high repairability and ease of maintenance.

Some of these grain harvesting machines are no longer in production. Today they can only be purchased in used condition on the Kufaro site and other resources. However, all these combines are still in high demand among buyers.

Popular manufacturers

Domestic and foreign manufacturers produce various cleaning equipment. When choosing a small-sized agricultural machine, special attention is paid to its technical characteristics, the ability to aggregate attachments and the popularity of the brand.

Zarya

Mini-harvesters for grain harvesting Zarya MZK-800 from a Russian manufacturer are considered the best for areas of 5-6 hectares. They do not sag on the field and do not form ruts in loose and wet soil.

Low fuel consumption, design features of the location of working units, excellent maneuverability are the main advantages of the model. The ability to attach any adapter allows you to turn the grain combine into a forage harvester or into a machine for harvesting barley, corn, and sunflower.

The self-propelled tractor is equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 85 hp. pp., which ensures low resource consumption - 400 ml per 1 hour of operation. Its working volume is 3.8 liters.

The difference between the MZK-800 and other models is the absence of a cabin. Structurally, an awning was developed for the mechanism, attached above the driver’s workplace using special racks.

Technical parameters of MZK-800:

• travel speed - 20 km/h;
• threshing size - 500 mm;
• mowing height - 50-800 mm;
• processing width - 2350 mm;
• fuel consumption - 0.4 l/h;
• productivity - 600 m²/h;
• dimensions - 8500x2900x3300 mm.

John Deere

A representative of mini-agricultural equipment is the JohnDeere-942 miniature grain harvester, which appeared on the market back in 1979. Since 1983, car production has been suspended.

The mechanisms are adapted to Russian operating conditions and are capable of working on uneven areas with a slope of up to 22°. The combine operator's workplace is well organized and comfortable. The combine is equipped with a 75-horsepower 4-cylinder diesel engine and a 3-speed transmission.

Operating parameters:

• operating speed - 10 km/h;
• width of the threshing device - 300 mm;
• power unit volume - 0.39 m³;
• working width - 3000 mm.

The disadvantages of the model include the high cost of the tractor.

Farmer

The Farmer mini grain harvester, which is used to harvest 9 types of industrial crops, is gaining popularity in the domestic market. The module is equipped with one drum and an 85 hp motor. With. and mechanical transmission. The maximum speed of the unit reaches 20 km/h, operating speed is 10 km/h.

The Farmer mini-harvester has a comfortable cabin with an installed ventilation air cooling system and good visibility. Inside there is a radio and radiotelephone.

Harvester technical characteristics:

• total weight - 4600 kg;
• overall dimensions - 8500x2900x3300 mm;
• engine power D 243-91 - 85 hp;
• header working width - 2.3 m;
• grain tank capacity - 3 m³;
• productivity - 3 kg per second.

Claas

German Claas combines are considered leaders in the world market. They meet the requirements of European standards and safety standards, have excellent performance, high performance and reliability.

Features of the Claas Consul model range:

• threshed - 106 cm;
• Perkins engine power - 68 hp. With.;
• hydrostatic drive;
• 3-tier box.

Grain bins - 3 m³, the height of the unloading auger is adjustable, which makes it easier to unload grain from threshing into bags.

Technical and operational parameters of the model:

• header processing width - 3010 mm;
• operating speed - 1.6-20.4 km/h;
• engine displacement - 3.8 l;
• productivity - 2-2.5 ha/h.

Dongfeng

Among the large range of Chinese products, the Dongfeng-1548 combine harvester stands out.

Dimensional and weight parameters of the model:

• total weight - 2175 kg;
• length - 5100 mm;
• width - 1900 mm;
• height - 2400 mm;
• header working width - 2000 mm.

The mini-harvester is equipped with a diesel engine with an average power of 53 hp. With. Adapters in the form of a seeder and a mechanism for tying sheaves are hung on the device. The productivity of crop processing reaches 0.53 ha/hour. Bunker volume - 0.8 m³.

Advantages of Dongfeng-1548:

• low cost;
• possibility of unloading into dump trucks;
• high performance.

The disadvantages include:

• oil leak;
• rapid wear of parts;
• increased fuel consumption in difficult areas.

Japanese mini grain harvester

Japanese-made mini harvesters are distinguished by high productivity and reliability. Among the large range of equipment from Japanese manufacturers, Kubota mini-harvesters are especially popular among farmers.

The equipment is equipped with a diesel engine with increased fuel efficiency.

Mini combine harvesters of the Japanese brand are environmentally friendly, high productivity, and maneuverable. Control is carried out using one lever. The equipment instantly responds to the smooth movements of the Hyro-Static Transmission lever and carries out the task assigned by the operator.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, vertical, water-cooled diesel engine.
• Fuel Tank Volume: 60 L.
• Harvesting speed: 1.23 m/s.
• Harvesting capacity: 2.32-4 ha/day.
• Weight: 3200 kg.
• Ground clearance: 325 mm.

Like all Japanese brands, Kubota strives to provide operator comfort and convenience during operation. The cabin of mini-harvesters is characterized by high-quality sound insulation. There is a comfortable chair inside.

No less popular manufacturers of grain harvesting equipment in Japan are the following companies: Honda, Shibaura, Mitsubishi, Hinomoto, Yanmar, Iseki and Suzue. They produce the latest, improved universal models of mini grain harvesters and specialized equipment for rice selection. Engines of miniature equipment are environmentally friendly, economical and have high traction force. Therefore, many farmers consider the purchase of a Japanese mini-harvester to be a profitable investment in the development of their business.

Is it possible to do it yourself

Due to the high cost of equipment, some farmers make a homemade mini-harvester on their own. Any tractor, for example T-40, is taken as a basis. The design allows it to be used for cleaning work: a strong motor, a ready-made wheel frame and even a seat.

The main problem is the installation of the header. The attachment adapter is purchased in working condition. Trailed KPKU-75 is often purchased.

To improve balancing, use counterweights installed at the rear of the tractor: a tank of water or gas cylinders.