Combine Harvester Introduction
A combine harvester is an essential and highly efficient agricultural machine used for harvesting crops in large fields. It has revolutionized the way farmers harvest, greatly reducing the amount of manual labor required.
The History of Combine Harvesters
The concept of the combine harvester dates back to the early 19th century. The first combine harvester was invented in 1834 by Hiram Moore in the United States. However, it was not until the 20th century that it became commercially successful and widely used. Over the years, with continuous improvements and technological advancements, combine harvesters have become more and more advanced and efficient.
Components of a Combine Harvester
- Header: The front part of the machine that cuts and gathers the crop. It is equipped with a pair of sharp cutting separators at both ends to ensure smooth and accurate cutting of the crops. Different types of headers are available for different crops to meet specific harvesting needs.
- Threshing and Separating Unit: This is a crucial part that separates the grain from the straw. Inside, there are threshing drums and various mechanisms that use mechanical force to beat and separate the grains from the stalks2.
- Cleaning Unit: It removes any remaining debris from the grain to ensure the purity of the harvested grains. This unit typically consists of sieves and air blowers to separate the chaff and other impurities from the grains2.
- Grain Tank: The grain tank is used to store the harvested grains. Once the tank is full, the grains can be unloaded into a trailer or truck through a unloading device.
- Engine: The engine provides the power for the combine harvester to operate. It drives the various components and systems of the machine, ensuring its smooth running.