Combine Maintenance Checklist - HEIYI

■ Fall harvest is around the corner. Before you hit the field, give your combine a once-over with this 12-point checklist.

■ Clean the machine of dust and dirt for better operation, and to help spot wear and potential problems.

■ Attach headers to combine and make sure they work, checking height and contour controls.

■ On the grain table header, inspect sickle blades and guards, and inspect teeth in augers and reel.

■ On the corn head, inspect gathering chains, and sprockets, and adjust width of stripper plates. Check and adjust drive chains. Remember: Row-unit gearboxes operate as mini-transmissions and need to be checked once a year. Refill with grease or oil depending on age and brand of corn head.

■ Check all belts for wear and replace as needed.

■ Check all chains and bearings for wear; replace chains that can’t be adjusted or tensioned correctly.

■ For axial combines, inspect rotor and concave, checking wires for damage and bars for wear.

■ Check unloading system auger. If edges are sharp like a razor blade, replace.

■ Perform service checks: engine oil, fuel filter, air cleaner, and hydraulic oil.

■ Grease all points per operator’s manual. If a fitting doesn’t take grease, stop and find out why.