{"id":11111,"date":"2021-12-11T10:26:12","date_gmt":"2021-12-11T10:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=11111"},"modified":"2022-01-15T17:43:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-15T17:43:18","slug":"where-to-store-the-combine-harvester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/where-to-store-the-combine-harvester\/","title":{"rendered":"Where To Store The Combine Harvester?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During the harvest season, you probably won\u2019t be worried about where to keep your combine harvester – you\u2019ll probably leave it close to the fields. However, once the season ends and winter arrives, you might be wondering where to store the combine harvester to protect it from the threats of winter weather, damage, rodents, and theft. Here\u2019s what you need to know! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Are Combine Harvesters Used?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"ombine<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Combine harvesters are used<\/a> to harvest and clean various cereal crops such as corn barley, wheat, rye, rice, oats, and sorghum, as well as many non-grain crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are used all over the world, in all kinds of climates. That list includes places that experience seasonal temperature swings and inclement weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of this, it\u2019s important that you take steps to make sure your combine harvester is stored properly – that way, inclement weather won\u2019t have the opportunity to inflict damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Store a Combine Harvester? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to figure out when you are getting ready to store your combine harvester is where you are going to put it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it might be tempting to leave it sitting in the field – after all, that\u2019s where it will be needed next year – this is not a great idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving you combine harvester outdoors not only makes it more vulnerable to theft and accidental damage but can also leave it at the whims of Mother Nature. Even if you don\u2019t experience harsh winter weather (including snow, ice, wind, and cold weather) where you live, there\u2019s still the potential for damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all,  temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation formation which takes a toll on a machine. Even rainfall can harm your machine, especially when it\u2019s left outside for prolonged periods of time and has the opportunity to rust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Store your combine indoors, ideally in a barn or dedicated farm storage building<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Storing the Combine Harvester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After you\u2019ve spent all that time harvesting your crops, it might be tempting to drive the combine into the barn and move on to the next chore on your to-do list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s important to take a few steps to make sure you prevent damage to your combine over the winter – and to save yourself from a few headaches next summer, too. Here are some tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean the Combine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You wouldn\u2019t put other tools or equipment into storage without giving them a thorough once-over – so why would you do that for your combine? Take the time to clean it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and some compressed air for this task. A leaf blower can substitute just fine for compressed air if you don\u2019t have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll use the air to clean out debris and crop residue. This will help you get dirt and crop remains out of the bearings and shaft. You could use the pressure washer for this task, too, but it\u2019s not ideal because it will introduce moisture that can be hard to get out before you store the combine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also check the engine compartment and grain tank and pan. The engine compartment is especially important to clean out, since crop residues can become a fire hazard once you start the machine back up again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pressure washer will come in handy when you clean the exterior of the machine. Just make sure you don\u2019t wash any electrical connectors or any bearings or shaft seals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now is also a good time to check for any worn or damaged parts that need repairing or replacing, like those that might be covered by the shield (something you should take off for cleaning). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Fuel Tank<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you store your combine, fill the fuel tank with fuel. It might seem silly to top the tank off when it\u2019s not going to be used, but this can prevent condensation from forming in the tank. Also, drain the water separator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect for Damage and Do Basic Maintenance <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Look for any repairs that need to be done. Although you probably don\u2019t use your combine very much in a given year, when it is being used, it\u2019s being used heavily. Therefore, you should take some time to make some basic repairs – something you probably don\u2019t have time to do during harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have time to make the necessary repairs or if you need to wait on a part, be sure to make a list of everything that needs to be tackled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll forget about minor issues over the course of six months and this can spell disaster for your machine and for next season\u2019s harvest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Steps Before Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few other steps you should take include removing the battery (this should be stored in a warm, dry location) and loosening the tension on your belts. Don\u2019t totally remove the tension, as it can cause shrinkage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replace any water you added to your radiator with coolant and do a quick service check on the machine. You might need to change fluids, since old oil can cause corrosion, or grease and lubricate the bearings. Remember to run the machine for 15 to 20 minutes after lubricating to distribute it easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a quick video that will give you an example of how to change the oil on a combine harvester:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=D9xcRS_vDzA<\/a>