Machine breakdown during harvest?

During the peak of the harvesting season, time is not just money: it is everything. Every hour that a combine harvester or forage harvester remains stopped in the field due to a mechanical failure can result in thousands of euros in losses, missed deadlines, and accumulated stress. High summer temperatures, combined with continuous working sessions and environments saturated with dust and crop residues, put the mechanics of any agricultural machine under extreme pressure.

To prevent a small sign of wear from turning into a catastrophic failure at the worst possible moment, there are three critical components that every operator and contractor should monitor on a daily basis.

Below, we analyse what they are and how to prevent failures before it is too late.

Chain drive tensioning and alignment

The chains of the elevator, both for grain and the threshing system, constantly operate under torsional stress and in contact with abrasive dust. During hot days, thermal expansion of the metals and the accumulation of material between the links can significantly alter chain tension.

The risk: A chain that is too loose may jump off the sprocket or skip over the teeth, causing an immediate blockage of the feeding system and, in the worst cases, deformation of the transmission shafts. Conversely, an over-tightened chain accelerates bearing wear.

What to check: Check the chain deflection according to the points indicated by the manufacturer. It is also essential to inspect the condition of the rubber or steel paddles fitted on elevator chains: if they are deformed, the product flow will not be uniform, creating intermittent overloads.

The efficiency of straw chopper knives and blades

Cutting quality does not only affect field cleanliness, but also has a direct impact on engine power absorption and fuel consumption. Worn or unbalanced blades force the machine to work harder, increasing operating temperatures.

The technician's advice: Replacing worn blades promptly is not just a maintenance cost, but an investment in fuel savings. Using blades with hard-facing coatings (such as tungsten) can significantly extend cutting edge life, even on particularly abrasive soils.

The condition of bearings and shaft supports

The bearings of main pulleys and transmission shafts operate in extremely demanding environmental conditions. The combination of fine dust and high temperatures can prematurely dry out the lubricating grease inside the bearing seals.

Warning signs: Unusual vibrations felt in the cab, metallic noises or squealing during start-up and, above all, excessive heat that can be felt on protective covers after the machine has been switched off.

Prevention: Use a handheld thermal camera or an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the bearing hubs at the end of each working day. Also remove any crop residue buildup from the machine at the end of operations and before every transfer, in order to reduce the risk of overheating and malfunctions. If a bearing records a significantly higher temperature than the others, it indicates that internal friction is out of control and failure may be imminent.

Predictive maintenance saves the harvest

Taking 15 minutes every morning for a visual and tactile inspection before starting the engine is the most effective way to ensure operational continuity. Monitoring critical points allows operators to plan spare part replacement during natural downtime periods (for example, in the evening or during forced stops due to humidity), avoiding the nightmare of a component failing just as the weather threatens rain.

When carrying out thorough cleaning of all easily accessible components, always remember to lock the rotating parts you are working on. Always follow the instructions provided in your machine’s operator manual and use common sense during every maintenance operation.


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