Ready to Roll: Preseason Combine Prep

Don't overlook these important maintenance tasks.

- Karen Jones Machinery Executive Editor [e-mail]

Shorter das and cooler nights mean it's nearly time to pull the combine out of the shed and prepare for harvest. While it can be tempting to start as quickly as possible, building in a few days before harvest to thoroughly inspect your machine can save downtime and expense later — when you may not have the time to spare. Of course, you know to check the major components: power train, hydraulic system, unloading auger, feeder house. But remembering to inspect the less-noticed components is just as important.

“My theory has always been: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Jake Koehn, owner of Diamond K Combine Repair in Lakin, Kansas. “You can do the repairs in the shop, in a controlled environment, where it’s faster and cheaper than if you’re out in the field. It’s less about, ‘Can I make this stretch one more year?’ and more about, ‘How could this cause something else to go out if I don’t pay attention now?’”

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