How to Maintain and Upgrade a Used Combine
Purchasing a used combine harvester can be a smart investment for farmers looking to balance performance with budget. However, to ensure that your pre-owned combine delivers optimal results and maintains its value over time, proper maintenance and strategic upgrades are essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best practices for maintaining a used combine and provide insights into key upgrades that can enhance its efficiency, reliability, and overall performance.
Regular Inspection and Upkeep
The foundation of keeping your used combine in top working condition is regular inspection and preventive maintenance. Due to the intensive work these machines perform during harvest, wear and tear is inevitable, particularly on older models. Consistent maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Cleaning the Machine
Harvesting creates a significant amount of dust and debris that can accumulate on your combine’s internal and external components. Regularly cleaning the machine, particularly after each use, helps prevent clogging, overheating, and damage to key systems. Pay special attention to the radiator, cooling fins, and grain elevators, as these areas are particularly susceptible to debris buildup.
Belt and Chain Inspection
Belts and chains are responsible for the movement and operation of various components within the combine. Inspect belts and chains for signs of wear, cracks, or fraying, and ensure they have the correct tension. If they are too loose or too tight, they could slip or snap during operation, causing downtime. Replacing worn belts and chains before they break will help prevent unexpected breakdowns in the middle of harvest.
Key Upgrades to Improve Performance
Modern combines are equipped with advanced technologies to improve harvesting accuracy, efficiency, and data collection. If your used combine lacks these features, upgrading with precision farming tools can enhance your operation.
Consider adding GPS guidance systems to reduce overlaps or missed sections. Yield mapping technology can help monitor crop yields in real-time, providing valuable data that can inform future planting and harvesting strategies.
The threshing system is responsible for separating grain from the chaff, and upgrading this component can also have a major impact on performance. Look at replacing worn concaves, cylinders, or rotors with more efficient models designed for your crop type.
The header is the first point of contact with your crops, so upgrading it can boost the speed. If you’re working with a used combine that came with an older header, you’ll want to upgrade to a newer model designed for better crop handling.
If you’re looking for pre-owned combines for sale, stop by SS Equipment to see what we have in stock. We have locations in Oregon and Washington, so visit your nearest dealership today!