A Comprehensive Guide to Pre-Harvest John Deere Combine Inspections

As harvest season draws near, ensuring that your John Deere combine is ready for the rigors of the field is essential. A thorough pre-harvest inspection can make the difference between a smooth, efficient harvest and costly downtime. John Deere combines are known for their reliability and advanced technology, but like all machinery, they require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Here’s a detailed guide to help you conduct a thorough pre-harvest inspection of your John Deere combine.

Why Pre-Harvest Inspections Are Essential

John Deere combines are engineered for peak performance, but even the best equipment can suffer from wear and tear. A pre-harvest inspection allows you to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can help you:

• Maximize uptime: Prevent unexpected breakdowns that can delay your harvest.

• Improve efficiency: Ensure all systems are running optimally, saving time and fuel.

• Preserve grain quality: Set up your combine to minimize grain loss and damage.

• Extend equipment life: Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of your investment.

Step-by-Step John Deere Combine Pre-Harvest Inspection

1. Engine and Fluid Levels Check

Start your inspection with the engine, the heart of your John Deere combine. Check for oil leaks, worn hoses, and unusual noises that could indicate underlying issues. Ensure that engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels are at the recommended levels. If the engine oil is close to its service interval, consider changing it along with the filter.

John Deere Tip: Use John Deere’s Plus-50 II engine oil for better performance and longer service intervals, designed specifically for heavy-duty engines like those in John Deere combines.

2. Inspect Belts & Chains

John Deere combines feature several belts and chains that drive critical components. Inspect these for signs of wear, cracking, or stretching. Pay particular attention to the main drive belt and feederhouse drive chains. Replace any belts or chains showing wear, and ensure they are properly tensioned according to your combine’s manual.

3. Examine the Threshing & Separating Systems

The threshing and separating systems are where your grain is separated from the crop material. Check the concaves, rotors, and sieves for wear or damage. John Deere’s ActiveYield and S-Series combines offer automatic calibration features, but it’s still important to manually inspect these components. Make sure settings are adjusted for the specific crop conditions you expect.

John Deere Tip: Utilize the Combine Advisor™ package if available on your model. It helps optimize the threshing and separating settings automatically, ensuring minimal grain loss.

4. Header & Cutter Bar Inspection

The header and cutter bar are the first points of contact with your crop, making them critical for a clean harvest. Inspect the cutter bar for damaged or missing knives, and ensure that the header height control system is functioning properly. Check for any signs of wear on the reel and auger.

John Deere Tip: If your combine is equipped with a Flex Draper or HydraFlex™ header, ensure the float and flex settings are adjusted for the type of crop you’ll be harvesting.

5. Augers & Elevators Check

Inspect the grain and tailings augers for excessive wear, especially on the flighting edges. Check the grain tank auger and clean grain elevator for any signs of damage or obstruction. Ensure the elevator chain is properly tensioned and the paddles are intact.

6. Tires & Undercarriage Inspection

Inspect the tires for proper inflation, even wear, and any cuts or damage. John Deere combines often feature large, durable tires, but they can still suffer from issues if not properly maintained. Check the undercarriage for any loose bolts or worn components that might cause problems in the field.

John Deere Tip: For tracked combines, check the track tension and condition, ensuring no debris is lodged that could cause issues during operation.

7. Electrical System & Monitors Check

John Deere combines are equipped with advanced electronics, including GreenStar™ displays and various sensors. Check the battery, wiring, and connectors for corrosion or wear. Test all lights, sensors, and monitors to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

John Deere Tip: Update your combine’s software through the John Deere Operations Center to ensure all systems are running on the latest versions and to access the latest features.

8. Lubricate Moving Parts

Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends the life of your combine’s moving parts. Consult your John Deere operator’s manual for lubrication points and intervals. Pay special attention to high-wear areas like bearings, chains, and shafts.

9. Calibrate the Combine Settings

Calibration is key to ensuring your combine is set up for the specific crops and conditions you’ll be working with. Calibrate the header height, yield monitor, and grain loss sensors. Adjust the fan speed, concave clearance, and sieve settings to match the crop and field conditions.

John Deere Tip: Use the Combine Advisor™ system, if available, to automate the calibration process and optimize performance in real-time as field conditions change.

10. Final Walkaround & Test Run

After completing the detailed inspection, perform a final walkaround of your combine. Look for any loose parts, leaks, or other issues that might have been missed. Conduct a test run in a small section of your field to ensure everything is working properly.

A comprehensive pre-harvest inspection of your John Deere combine is an essential step in preparing for a successful harvest. By following these steps, you can minimize downtime, maximize efficiency, and ensure that your combine is ready to deliver top performance throughout the harvest season. Investing time in these inspections not only protects your equipment but also safeguards the quality and quantity of your harvest. Remember, a well-maintained John Deere combine is your best partner in the field.