Different Types of Combines and Headers

As a farmer, you know the importance of having the right equipment to harvest your crops efficiently. Combines and headers are two critical pieces of equipment needed in the farming industry. They work hand in hand to harvest crops in an economical and productive manner. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of combines and headers to help you determine which one is a perfect fit for your farming needs.

Traditional Combines

The traditional combine is the most basic type of harvesting machine. It can be used on flat land and gentle slopes. These combines usually come with a cutter bar to cut the crop. The cut crop is then conveyed into the threshing drum where the grain is separated from the chaff. The traditional combine is best for small and mid-sized farms where the crops are not too heavily grown.

Pull-Type Combines

The pull-type combine is a compact machine that is designed for small and mid-sized fields. It can be moved easily from one field to another because of its compact size. This type of combine can cut and thresh wheat, oats, and other small grains. The pull-type combine has a wide cutting width, which means it can quickly cover a large amount of land.

Tracked Combines

The tracked combine is designed to work on wet and sticky soils where the wheeled combine struggles to move. These combines can easily move on challenging terrain without getting stuck. They are also efficient on slopes as they can easily climb hills due to their tracks and suspension system.

Draper Headers

The draper header is often used for harvesting cereals and soybeans. It has a conveyor belt that feeds the crop to the center of the header. It helps the crop flow evenly along the header while the reel lifts the crop toward the cutter to cut it. Draper headers are versatile as they can be used to harvest both dry and wet crops.

Flex Draper Headers

The flex draper header is designed to work in rough terrain and uneven fields. It can be used to harvest various crops, including wheat, barley, canola, and soybeans. The header has a flexible cutting surface that can be adjusted according to the contour of the land. This type of header is great for farmers who have fields with varying elevations.

When it comes to selecting the correct combine or header for your farming needs, it all depends on the size of your farm, the type of crops you’re harvesting, and the terrain of your field. Luckily, there are plenty of options available to choose from. Visit SS Equipment at one of our locations in Oregon and Washington to see what we have in stock. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you!