6 - FIELD OPERATION
226
SEED LOSS
New standards have been written for reduced field
losses, improved grain quality and simplified machine
operation. The AXIAL-FLOW® Combine has
performed in harvesting conditions previously
thought to be too adverse for successful Combine
operation. With minimal field losses as his goal, the
AXIAL-FLOW® operator has more latitude to adjust
for maximum Combine efficiency. Understanding
crop flow and functions previously discussed makes
adjustment for field losses easier. A spontaneous
adjustment, without thorough analysis and diagnosis
of specific reason for crop loss could lead the
operator away from the correct machine adjustment.
A universal harvesting rule is to set your Combine to
manual specifications first, then adjust. See Initial
Crop Settings in this manual. Make only one
adjustment at a time, then reevaluate.
When adjusting a Combine, it is important to note
that no Combine will save every seed. Combines can
be operated at speeds and settings which range from
almost zero loss to extremely heavy losses. Each
operator must determine what loss to accept for the
field condition and time available for harvest. He must
adjust the Combine and travel speed accordingly.
Losses should be checked in several spots and
averaged to eliminate the effects of any uneven
feeding.
When checking loss it is important to determine the
source of the loss before making adjustments.
Checking losses where the separator empties
without considering whether they originate from
preharvest causes, header causes or the separator
can lead to unnecessary or erroneous adjustments.
The formula below has three major areas of loss:
Preharvest Loss + Header Loss + Separator Loss =
Total Lo ss
When measuring losses, take a full cut with the
header at your regular operating speed without using
the spreaders. Stop the Combine in an area of the
field that represents an average of the field. Do not
use rows that are near the edges of the field and do
not make your measurements near the end of the
field. Allow the Combine to clear after stopping and
back up a distance equal to its length. You can then
check all loss points without starting and stopping
again.
IMPORTANT: Be sure machine is shut down and all
moving components completely stopped before
starting evaluation.
Minimize Your Pre-Harvest Losses
This is loss that is present before you harvest the
crop. This loss is kernels or seeds on the ground due
to weather, insect damage and other adversity.
These losses cannot be recovered no matter how
efficient the Combine is.
To determine the amount of preharvest losses, look
in the unharvested crop for kernels, seeds, seed
heads, ears of corn, etc. on the ground that the
header would be unable to gather. To measure the
amount of loss in bushels, refer to the Seed Loss
Table s.
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