Harvest is in full swing, and a well-tuned combine is the key to maximizing your profit. At Heritage Tractor we want to remind you of the crucial steps to ensure your machine is running at peak efficiency and accuracy.
- Crucial Calibrations: Don’t Skip It!
Accurate data starts with calibration. Skipping these calibration steps is a guaranteed way to lose profit data and efficiency:
- Headers: Calibrating your headers is vital to prevent inaccurate yield data.
- Mass Flow Sensor: On newer combines, the vibration calibration is extremely important. Corn heads create more vibration, and if this isn’t done, your yield information will be inaccurate.
- Terrain Compensation Module Calibrations: Always perform TCM calibrations when changing receivers to keep your steering and guidance systems accurate.
- Pre-Harvest & Hardware Check
- Display Setup: Complete your display setup for the new crop before you get to the field.
- Variety Locator: Use the Variety Locator, it’s an invaluable tool for tracking and managing different crop varieties.
- Inspect: Check for wear on your mass flow sensor and ensure your moisture sensor is clean. Make sure the clean elevator chain isn’t loose.
- Fine-Tuning for Maximum Yield
Minimize loss to maximize profit:
- Corn Loss: Match your header speed with your ground speed and adjust your deck plates to reduce header loss.
- Tailings: Open the bottom sieve enough so you see no tailings return in corn. The goal is zero tailings.
- Accurate Yield Measurement
If you’re not using ActiveYield, rely on physical measurement:
- Weighing: Bring a weigh wagon, have scales on your cart, or use a spare truck to weigh single loads.
- Averaging: Always weigh at least five loads at different speeds to get the most accurate picture of your true yield.
- Final Tech Check
- Autopath: If you use Autopath by rows, remember to send your work planner files to your machine before starting to ensure your guidance system is ready.
By following these simple steps, you’re not just preparing your equipment, you’re setting yourself up for a more efficient and profitable harvest. Good luck from your team at Heritage Tractor!
