Top 10 Harvester Brand & Manufacturers

What is Harvester

A harvester is a type of agricultural machinery designed to efficiently gather and collect mature crops from the fields. It is a crucial piece of equipment in modern farming, capable of performing multiple operations related to crop harvesting in one pass, depending on the type of crop and the specific design of the harvester.

History of Harvester

• Early Manual Harvesting: In ancient times, harvesting was a completely manual process. Farmers used simple tools like sickles and scythes to cut down crops by hand. This was extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming, and the amount of crop that could be harvested in a season was limited by the available workforce.
• Mechanical Innovations: The 19th century saw the first significant mechanical developments in harvesting. The McCormick reaper was one of the pioneering inventions, which was horse-drawn and could cut grain crops like wheat more efficiently than manual methods. This was a major step forward in increasing the scale of harvesting operations.
• Modern Developments: Over time, harvesters evolved to become more sophisticated. With the advent of the internal combustion engine and technological advancements, modern harvesters are now self-propelled, highly automated, and equipped with a range of functions. They can handle different types of crops, perform tasks such as cutting, threshing, separating, and cleaning simultaneously, and are designed to work in various field conditions.

Purpose of Harvester

• Efficient Crop Collection: The primary purpose of a harvester is to quickly and efficiently gather mature crops from the fields. By mechanizing the process, it enables farmers to harvest large areas of land in a relatively short time, which is crucial for getting the crops in before adverse weather conditions or to meet market demands.
• Multiple Operation Integration: Many harvesters are designed to perform several operations in one go. For example, combine harvesters can cut the crop stalks, thresh the grains from the stalks, separate the grains from the chaff and other debris, and collect the clean grains. This integration saves time and labor compared to performing each of these steps separately.
• Quality Preservation: Harvesters are engineered to handle the crops gently to minimize damage during the harvesting process. This helps to preserve the quality of the harvested produce, ensuring that it remains in good condition for storage, processing, or sale.

Principle of Harvester

• Cutting Mechanism: The harvester has a cutting unit at the front or bottom, depending on the crop type. For grain crops, a rotating cutter bar with sharp blades slices through the stalks at a specific height above the ground. For other crops like fruits or vegetables, different types of cutting or picking mechanisms are employed, such as mechanical fingers or blades that are designed to detach the produce from the plant without harming it.
• Conveying and Processing: Once the crop is cut, it is conveyed into the body of the harvester. In combine harvesters, for instance, the cut crop is moved through a series of augers, belts, and conveyors to the threshing unit. Here, the grains are separated from the straw by mechanical agitation and friction. Then, the mixture of grains and debris goes through a cleaning system that uses sieves, fans, and other devices to remove the chaff and other unwanted materials, leaving only the clean grains.
• Power and Movement: Harvesters are either self-propelled with their own engines or tractor-mounted. Self-propelled harvesters have the power to move independently through the fields and adjust their speed according to the harvesting conditions. The power generated by the engine is also used to operate all the cutting, conveying, and processing mechanisms within the harvester. Tractor-mounted harvesters rely on the tractor's power source and are towed through the fields while performing the harvesting operations.
• Control Systems: Modern harvesters are equipped with advanced control systems. These can include controls for adjusting the cutting height, the speed of the conveyor belts, the threshing intensity, and other parameters. Some harvesters also have computerized systems that can monitor factors like crop yield, moisture content of the grains, and engine performance, and make automatic adjustments to optimize the harvesting process.

Features of Harvester

• Harvesting Capacity: Harvesters come in different sizes and capacities, usually measured by the amount of crop they can process per hour or the area of the field they can cover in a given time. Larger harvesters are designed for big commercial farms and can handle vast quantities of crops, while smaller ones are suitable for smaller farms or specific niche crops.[!--empirenews.page--]
• Versatility: They can be adapted to harvest different types of crops. Some harvesters are specialized for grains like wheat, corn, or rice, while others are designed for fruits, vegetables, or forage crops. Adjustable components allow them to be configured to suit the specific characteristics of the crop being harvested.
• Precision and Quality Control: High-quality harvesters offer precise cutting and processing, ensuring minimal crop loss and damage. Advanced sensors and control systems help maintain consistent quality in the harvested product, such as ensuring the right moisture content in grains and proper separation of fruits from their stems or vines.
• Durability and Reliability: Given the tough field conditions and continuous use during the harvest season, harvesters are built with durable materials and robust components. The cutting blades, conveyor belts, and other mechanical parts are designed to withstand heavy loads and wear and tear, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring long-term reliability.
• Automation and Technology Integration: Many modern harvesters incorporate advanced technologies. GPS guidance systems can help with precise field navigation and ensure even coverage during harvesting. Data-logging features allow farmers to record information about yield, harvesting speed, and other parameters, which can be used for future crop planning and farm management.

Types of Harvester

• Combine Harvester: This is one of the most common types, primarily used for harvesting grain crops. It combines the functions of cutting, threshing, separating, and cleaning the grains all in one machine. Combine harvesters are available in different sizes and configurations to suit various field sizes and crop types.
• Forage Harvester: Designed for harvesting crops like grass, alfalfa, and corn silage for animal feed. It cuts the crop and chops it into small pieces, which can then be blown into a trailer or storage silo. Forage harvesters often have adjustable cutting lengths and can handle different moisture contents of the crops.
• Cotton Harvester: Specifically built for picking cotton bolls. There are two main types: picker harvesters that use spindles to remove the cotton from the bolls, and stripper harvesters that strip the entire boll from the plant. These harvesters are equipped with features to separate the cotton from leaves and other debris.
• Fruit Harvester: These are designed for harvesting fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, etc. They can use different mechanisms like shaking the trees to dislodge the fruit, or mechanical fingers to gently pick the fruit from the branches. Some fruit harvesters are also designed to sort and grade the fruits immediately after harvesting.
• Vegetable Harvester: Tailored for harvesting various vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, etc. Depending on the vegetable, the harvester may use methods like digging, pulling, or cutting to harvest the produce from the ground or the plant.

Precautions for using Harvester

• Operator Training: The operator of a harvester must be properly trained. Training should cover the operation of all the controls, understanding of the harvesting process for the specific crop, safety procedures, and how to handle any potential malfunctions or issues that may arise during operation. Only trained personnel should operate the harvester to ensure efficient and safe harvesting.
• Pre-Operation Inspection: Before starting the harvester each day, a thorough inspection should be carried out. This includes checking the cutting blades for sharpness and damage, the conveyor belts for proper tension and wear, the engine for proper functioning, and all the mechanical and electrical components for any signs of trouble. Any issues found should be addressed promptly before beginning the harvesting work.
• Crop and Field Conditions: The harvester should be used according to the condition of the crop and the field. For example, if the crop is too wet or lodged (fallen over), it can affect the cutting and harvesting efficiency and may even cause damage to the harvester. The field should also be free of large obstacles like rocks or stumps that could damage the machine's undercarriage or cutting mechanism.
• Harvesting Speed and Settings: The speed at which the harvester operates and the various settings (such as cutting height, threshing speed, etc.) should be adjusted properly based on the crop type, maturity, and field conditions. Operating at too high a speed or with incorrect settings can lead to poor harvesting quality, increased crop loss, and potential damage to the harvester.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance is essential to keep the harvester in good working condition. After each use, the harvester should be cleaned to remove crop debris, which can accumulate and cause problems if left uncleaned. Lubrication of moving parts, inspection of filters and belts, and checking for any loose or damaged components should be done regularly. Scheduled maintenance by qualified technicians should also be carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations.[!--empirenews.page--]

Things to consider when purchasing Harvester

• Harvesting Requirements: Consider the types of crops you grow, the size of your fields, and the expected volume of harvest. This will help you determine the appropriate type and size of harvester. For example, if you mainly grow wheat on large fields, a large-capacity combine harvester would be a good choice, while if you have a small orchard, a specialized fruit harvester would be more suitable.
• Budget: Establish a budget for the harvester purchase. The cost can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and features of the harvester. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also the long-term costs such as maintenance, fuel consumption, and the cost of replacement parts. Look for a harvester that offers good value for money within your budget.
• Brand and Reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record in the agricultural machinery industry. A well-known brand is more likely to provide reliable and durable equipment. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations from other farmers to assess the quality and performance of different harvesters.
• Technical Support and Spare Parts Availability: Ensure that the manufacturer provides good technical support and has a reliable supply of spare parts. Quick access to technical assistance and spare parts can minimize downtime in case of equipment failures and is crucial for the smooth operation of your harvesting operations.
• Features and Safety: Look at the features and safety mechanisms of the harvester. Consider whether it has the necessary automation and control capabilities, such as adjustable harvesting parameters and GPS guidance. Also, think about the ease of operation, cleaning and maintenance requirements, and any additional safety features like roll-over protection structures and emergency stop buttons.

Terms of Harvester

• Harvesting Capacity (Throughput): The amount of crop the harvester can process in a given time period, usually measured in tons per hour or acres per day. It is a key factor in determining the productivity of the harvester and should match your harvesting needs.
• Harvesting Quality Specifications: This refers to the ability of the harvester to produce a high-quality harvested product, such as low crop damage, proper separation of grains from debris, and the right moisture content. These specifications are often determined by industry standards or the specific requirements of the end-users or processors of the crops.
• Power Consumption: The amount of energy the harvester consumes during operation, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or gallons of fuel per hour (for fuel-powered harvesters). Understanding the power consumption helps in estimating the operating costs and choosing an energy-efficient harvester.
• Size and Dimensions: The physical size and dimensions of the harvester are important for its transportation, storage, and maneuverability in the fields. The harvester should be able to fit through gates and into storage facilities on the farm and operate effectively in the available field space.
• Warranty and Service Agreement: The warranty offered by the manufacturer and the terms of the service agreement, including what is covered, for how long, and the availability of technical support and spare parts. A comprehensive warranty and service agreement can protect your investment and provide peace of mind during the operation of the harvester.