1. Check the tension on all belts and chains on the combine and head
Loose chains and belts wear quicker and could potentially break causing un-wanted down time in-season. Also check for worn bushings and cracks on your belts and chains.
2. Sprockets on the upper and lower parts of the clean grain elevator
Worn sprockets call allow "slap" in the elevator chain causing false yield monitor calibration. "Slap" can also damage your combine.
3. Auger flighting and tubes
Make sure augers and auger tubes are not worn, allowing grain to flow easier, enabling the machine to perform like it should.
4. Rotors and Concaves
Check the rotors to make sure the threshing bars are still grooved and not worn smooth. Check the concaves for bent or missing bars. This will lead to a cleaner grain and better quality.
5. Sieves
Allow time to look at the sieves making sure they are not bent, and no teeth are missing. Make sure they are all in alignment to allow for proper cleaning.
6. Chopper
For proper spread of chaff, look the chopper over and check to see if the knives are worn. If the knives are worn on one side, flip them over to chop on the other side of the knife. If they have already been flipped, replace the knives. A properly functioning chopper system speeds up residue breakdown in the fall.
7. Gathering chains and deck plates
With the corn head open, look at the gathering chains checking to see if they are mushroomed out on the rollers. If so, replace. Also check for tension on the chain. We advise 1/4" between the bolt head and the bushing. Check the deck plates for wear, making sure they are still flat and not wore through.
8. Clutches and U-Joints
Grease clutches so the head slips freely when it encounters more than it can handle, preventing bigger issues. Grease U-Joints to allow for more accurate pull on the head.
9. Sickles & Guards
For a clean smooth cut, check the sickles and guards. Check sickles for wear marks. If the sickles have worn smooth, replace. Make sure the guards are not wearing thin or broke. If they are broke, they can cause for trash to drag causing for harvest issues.
10. Data
Make sure your data capturing system is clean and ready to record data. Capturing data today will allow us to make good operation decisions tomorrow. Make sure your moisture sensor is clean allowing for accurate yield monitor calibration.