A Look at the Equipment Used to Harvest Grain

A grain farmer will need to work closely with his equipment, that implements the proper techniques and tools needed to produce top-quality grain. There are many pieces of equipment used in harvesting grain, and depending on one’s location in the world will depend on the kind of grain they are harvesting. From mill rolls to silos, there are a number of different equipment pieces used in the grain harvesting process.

Combine

A combine is a machine used in harvesting grain. It consists of two, or three separate units composed of the header, threshing unit with its separator, and unloading auger. A typical modern combine harvests using several sections that include a concave, separating unit, elevators delivering into the “bins”.

Trucks

A truck is used to haul grain from the field to either an unloading facility or a grain storage unit. The truck itself consists of a tractor and a semi-trailer.

Windrower

A windrower is an implement that cuts standing wheat or oat plants, which have been swathed to allow the field to dry the following harvest. It then forms them into rows by dragging a chain between two sets of wheels, one set at each side of the swathe.

Wheat or Oat Threshers

A thresher is used to separate the grain from the stalks. It does so by beating the plant against a flat surface. The grain then falls into one end of the machine where it is reaped; while the straw continues until it falls through an opening at the opposite end of the machine.

Grain Cleaners

A cleaner is a machine that separates grain from undesired materials such as stones, hulls, and straw. It uses airflow in order to separate these items with precision. In addition, it also uses sorters to remove damaged kernels.

Combine Harvester

A combine harvester is a machine that reaps, threshes, and cleans grain as it goes through the harvesting process. In addition, it has a truck attached to its back end which allows for easy transportation.

Grain Auger

An auger is a narrow helix used both as a threaded shaft and as a power unit with one or more rotating helical gears along its length which transmits torque from the drive mechanism to the cutting head at the business end of the device. Its purpose is to unload the grain into trucks following harvest.

Conveyors

A conveyor delivers grain into trucks or into bins for storage on farms with several small deliveries per day. On larger farms, where many trucks arrive daily with large loads all at once, conveyors deliver directly into rail cars or road hopper-trailers.

Tower Silo

A tower silo is a type of storage facility used to store grain, such as wheat and corn. It consists of a tall tower with cylindrical storage bins attached vertically to the outside of the tower wall. A feeder device at the top can fill one or more silos at once; while an elevator delivers grain from each bin into trucks or railroad hoppers as needed.

While not all farms will need every piece of equipment listed here, most, if not all farms will use some form of these tools in order to produce quality grains for their local area. Farmers that currently don’t use this equipment often do so because they sell their crops before harvest time. Regardless of this equipment’s availability, all farmers will need to make sure they follow certain safety precautions while using it. Keep information on gas-powered vehicles handy at all times and always wear a hard hat while working in a grain field. Also, make sure your boots have a good grip before beginning to harvest. These are just but two small tips that can keep you from injury while harvesting grains.

In conclusion, grain farming can be difficult depending on location, but if done right it will reap big benefits; both for the farmer and his community. It is important to take special care of grain farming equipment, as without it there would be no grain for either party involved.