Pre-Season Equipment Check: Stay Efficient During Harvest Prep
By Bane-Welker Equipment
As the heat of summer sets in, the countdown to harvest is officially on. Whether you're prepping for the fast-approaching wheat harvest in early July or looking ahead to corn and soybean season, now is the time to give your equipment a thorough mid-season check. At Bane-Welker Equipment, we know that uptime during harvest is everything — and it all starts with preparation.
Here's what you should be checking on your combine, corn head, and grain head to ensure your operation stays efficient and productive this season.
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Combine: Performance Starts Here
Your combine is the heart of your harvest operation. Before it hits the field, take the time to inspect:
• Belts & Chains: Look for wear, cracking, fraying, and proper tension. Replace any components nearing the end of their life.
• Filters & Fluids: Change oil and hydraulic filters as needed. Ensure all fluid levels — engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid — are within spec.
• Augers & Bearings: Worn auger flighting or noisy bearings can quickly become a costly downtime issue. Inspect for unusual wear or movement.
• Separator & Threshing Components: Check concaves, and rotor/cylinder for wear. Uneven threshing impacts grain quality and efficiency.
• Electrical Systems: Ensure all lights, sensors, and monitor systems are working properly.
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Corn Head: Smooth Entry, Clean Pick
When it comes to corn harvest, nothing slows down productivity like a poorly maintained corn head.
• Gathering Chains & Sprockets: Chains should be tight and properly aligned. Worn sprockets or chains can lead to shelling losses.
• Deck Plates: Check for correct spacing and adjust as needed. Uneven plates can lead to increased kernel loss and trash intake.
• Snapping Rolls: Look for dull or worn rolls. Effective rolls will pull stalks down cleanly, minimizing trash.
• Gearboxes & Drives: Check fluid levels and inspect seals for leaks. A simple leak can escalate to a major repair if overlooked.
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Grain Head: Ready for Beans and Wheat
Whether you're harvesting soybeans or wheat, your grain head must be in top shape.
• Knife Sections & Guards: Inspect for dull or broken sections. A sharp knife system is crucial for a clean cut and optimal feed rate.
• Auger or Draper Belts: Ensure smooth operation. Inspect belt tension and look for cuts or signs of wear.
• Float System: Make sure the header height control and sensors are functioning correctly for consistent ground following.
• Hydraulics & Reel Operation: Test reel speed and fore/aft movement. Replace any bent tines or malfunctioning cylinders.
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Get Ahead with SIP 360: Total Machine Readiness
At Bane-Welker Equipment, we understand that every minute counts once harvest begins. That’s why we offer SIP 360 (Specialized Inspection Program) — a comprehensive service program designed to ensure your equipment is ready to roll when you are.
SIP 360 includes:
• Complete SIP Inspection
• Engine Oil Change
• All Gearboxes & Final Drives Serviced
• Filters Changed
• Coolant, Hydraulic, & Engine Oil Analysis
Program Benefits:
• Benefits are Good for One Full Year
• 12-Month Parts Warranty on all Dealer-Installed CNH Parts
• No Trip Fees*
• Ongoing Labor Discount
• In-Season Job Priority*
*Program Requirements:
• 100% of Recommended Repairs and Maintenance are Completed
Whether you’re wrapping up wheat or gearing up for corn and soybeans, SIP 360 is your best defense against unexpected downtime.
*Exclusions may apply.
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Let’s Make This Your Smoothest Harvest Yet
The path to a successful harvest starts long before the first crop is cut. Taking time now for a detailed mid-season equipment check — and partnering with experts like those at Bane-Welker Equipment — means you’re investing in uptime, productivity, and peace of mind.
Contact your nearest Bane-Welker location today to schedule your SIP 360 inspection or speak with us about your specific equipment needs.
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Bane-Welker Equipment
Trusted partner since 1967.