You don’t have to wait until your wheat starts to turn to get your combine ready. In fact, cutting wheat earlier, rather than later, can help you haul more grain to the elevator.1
The longer your ripe wheat crop stands, the more opportunity there is for pre-harvest losses due to shattering and lodging, feeding by birds and wildlife, weather and other natural causes. Certainly, finding time to prep your combine can be challenging when tending to other crops and livestock and catching up on chores around the farm, but the payoff can be substantial.[Tweet “Make sure your combine is ready when your wheat is. Via @Case_IH #BeReady “]
When preparing for harvest, start by reviewing your operators manual. It provides the maintenance procedures for removing your combine from storage; tolerances for chain, belt and sprocket wear; and initial settings for wheat harvest. Change fluids and filters according to schedule. If you didn’t lubricate your machine before parking it post-harvest, be sure to do so now.
The combine page on the Case IH Red and Ready Productivity Hub can help with the next steps. Here you’ll find:
- Video inspection tips
- Combine productivity tips
- Downloadable inspection checklists — the same ones used by your Case IH dealer
- Access to our online parts store
If your crop is coming along quicker than openings on your to-do list, consider a Case IH Certified Maintenance Inspection. Because Case IH technicians use Certified Maintenance Inspection checklists for each inspection, you can rest assured that service is thorough and nothing is overlooked. Upon completion, your Case IH dealership will place a Certified Maintenance Inspection decal on your equipment, distinguishing your commitment to keep your combine running in peak condition. Not only does annual maintenance support productivity in the field but also each decal symbolizes a completed inspection — which may increase the resale value of your equipment.
No matter how you choose to go about preparing your combine for wheat harvest, work closely with your Case IH dealer. The experts there can advise you on the necessary maintenance steps, ensure you have the right parts and answer your questions. A harvest-ready combine gives you peace of mind and the best chance at the most efficient harvest possible.
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Header inspection points
ProHarvest Tour