Will Combine Parts be Available this Fall?

You already know about “supply chain” issues with new pickup trucks, construction materials, computer chips and even Christmas presents. Have you considered how that might affect the corn and soybean harvest schedule this fall? 

What will happen if a part fails on a farmer’s combine? John Fulton posed that question at the recent Ohio No-till event at Woodruff Farms in Champaign County. Although it is impossible to predict every part failure, it is wise to at least have a spare on hand for those most likely to need replacing sometime in the future, according to Fulton.

John Fulton, OSU Ag Engineer, began his presentation with the urgent topic of preparation for fall harvest and ways to reduce delays.  He urged farmers to check DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) to be sure it is fresh, especially if the combine has been unused for 4 months. The quality degrades and reduces horsepower. Preventing a combine fire is critical. Buy a cordless leaf blower and every night blow out all the trash, especially in the engine compartment. 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Mr. Fulton is right, preparation before harvest is critical. Even then it is difficult, if not impossible, to predict if or when a critical part may fail during the busy harvest season. Most farmers will take his advice and check their machinery over carefully before they make that first pass around the field. In addition, much of the machinery today is equipped with telematics that allow the operation of a machine to be monitored by the equipment dealer. In many instances, the dealer is able to detect a potential failure or, in the worst case, catch it when it happens and respond quickly with their mobile repair unit. The bigger question this season is parts availability. Optimistically, we trust that does not become a widespread issue. Keep your fingers crossed – please. A safe, quick harvest means the farmers will be ready to purchase that new truck even sooner. Keep your eyes and ears open and be ready to sell trucks as soon as the farmers in your area have completed harvest.