Combine harvesters typically stick to their primary role, harvesting grain. Unlike a tractor, which can carry out a number of purposes or functions depending on the outfitting, a combine harvester will carry out the repairing, threshing and winnowing in one fell swoop. In this post, we take a closer look at the differences between a tractor and a combine harvester:
Tractor
Tractors are everywhere in the agriculture world but this only tells half the story. After all, “tractor” is a fairly broad term for agricultural machinery able to pull farm equipment or be fitted with an attachment to perform a specific function. Here, we look closer at three of the main tractor types and their subtle differences:
Compact Tractor
As the name would suggest, compact tractors are smaller tractors able to carry out most basic functions required on a farm. Compact, but high-powered, these tractors are particularly ideal for those handling or working in tight spaces where a traditional tractor won’t fit.
Wheeled Tractor
The most common type of tractor, due to its all-purpose design, a wheeled tractor is a vast utility machine capable of handling a wide variety of demands or projects. Able to be outfitted for tilling, material handling or equipment pulling purposes and available with variable horsepower and lifting capacity, there’s a wheeled tractor for almost any application.
Track Tractor
A farming vehicle mounted with rubber tracks instead of wheels, track tractors are particularly effective in the ploughing of fields. With a high power capacity, combined with a smoother ride for the operator, track tractors are an increasingly popular choice.
Tractors are typically used to pull or power most agricultural machinery on your farm, and can be retrofitted with ploughs, chisels, waggons, grain carts and more to perform a variety of different functions.
Combine Harvester
If you’re a grain farmer wanting to harvest your crops efficiently, then you can look no further than a combine harvester. A vast piece of agricultural machinery, a combine harvester uses a complex system of gears, blades, belts and wheels to help turn cereal crops into grain. This is achieved via a strict three-step process:
Reaping
The process of cutting the plant, carried out by the header, reel and cutter bar on the combine, is known as reaping. The header will gather the crops whilst the reel guides them towards the cutter bar, thus cutting the crops at their base.
Threshing
Once this is complete, the crops must be separated between edible and non-edible parts. This is cleverly accomplished via the threshing drum, which beats the cut crops, separating them from their stalks.
Winnowing
Whilst the grain is in the threshing drum, the light chaff from the grain is separated during a process known as winnowing. Chaff is separated from the grain through the use of sieves.
Are you looking for farming machinery for hire? Whether you need a tractor or you’re searching for reliable combine harvester hire in Newquay, we can help. We supply an extensive range of well-maintained agricultural machinery and strive to meet our customers’ needs, no matter what. Find a machine that suits your requirements today. Contact us for more information.
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