What Is the Most Common Type of Harvester?

What is the most useful machine on the farm? When you think about what type of modern machine you can’t live without, we’re willing to bet you’re picturing a tractor of some sort. An exceptionally wide range of routine agricultural tasks are made easier with a tractor—from pulling add-on implements to plow a field or plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, to hauling brush or other materials.

The accurately-named combine harvester is one of those essential implements. Among the most relied-upon modern machines used in agriculture, a combine harvester performs three primary functions: reaping, threshing, and winnowing.

To better portray the versatility offered by the parts of a combine harvester and their functions, let’s briefly look at the different processes a combine harvester is used for.

Reaping: Gathering and cutting grain for harvest.
Threshing: Separating edible grain from straw/waste.
Winnowing: Separating high quality grains from chaff.

Because they effectively combine these four functions in a single implement and process, the popularity of combine harvesters is well-earned.

In this post, we’re going to be discussing the most common type of combine harvester, its primary advantages, and how to start shopping for new or used combines for sale.

Let’s begin by looking at the different types of combine harvester.

How Many Types of Harvesters Are There?

The easiest way to categorize harvesters is to sort them into two types of harvester—these would be self-propelled and tractor-mounted. As you can probably guess, these categories are primarily based on whether the harvester can move on its own power or needs to be pulled by a tractor.

Self-propelled: Has an engine to generate its own power, mobility, and functionality.
Tractor-mounted: Relies on a tractor for its pulling force, power, and harvesting functions.

Which Is the More Common Harvester Type?

Offering more power and versatility, the self-propelled combine harvester is the most popular among farmers. The self-propelled harvester was originally invented to not only save fuel, but also to enable better traction and responsiveness. Many even come with road-travel readiness, with a special gear for taking the machinery on the road.

What Are the Parts of a Self-Propelled Combine Harvester?

There are six main operational components to the self-propelled combine harvester; these are the main parts of combine harvester and their functions:

Header: Cuts and gathers crops, then sends to the threshing unit.
Feeder: Accepts harvested crop, conveying it directly to the thresher.
Thresher: Works with a cylinder and concave system; redirects threshed material to the separator.
Separator: Oscillating straw walker separates grain within the harvested material and conveys it to the cleaning unit.
Cleaner: Uses sieves and a blower to winnow (separate grain from chaff); expels discharge/waste.
Handler: Grain auger collects cleaned grain for further conveyance, processing, or storage.

Advantages of the Self-Propelled Combine Harvester

Some of the most compelling benefits of self-propelled combine harvesters include the following:

Saves Time: Whether harvesting an area that’s small or large, using a self-propelled combine harvester saves time—perhaps the one thing you can’t harvest?
Saves Cost: By reducing the time and manpower required for the basic harvesting tasks of reaping, threshing, and winnowing, you can save on labor costs.
Improves Grain/Crop Quality: By mechanizing the harvesting process, a combine harvester results in better, more consistent grain or crop quality.
Provides Versatility: Knock out multiple processes—reaping, threshing, and winnowing—all at the same time.

Where Can I Find a New or Used Combine Harvester for Sale?
If you’re looking for brand new machinery, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a dealer who will be happy to sell you what you’re looking for. Do you really need brand new equipment, though?

There are countless benefits to buying used farm equipment. What should matter most is that the equipment you invest in is in good working condition with plenty of miles left in the tank. Advantages of buying used include:

A substantially lower up-front cost, making it possible to invest in a top-tier brand without the exorbitant price tag.
The ability to avoid the initial depreciation that comes with putting brand-new equipment into use and an increased likelihood that equipment will hold more of its value between your purchase date and the machinery’s end-of-life.
More choices and flexibility, including different brands/manufacturers, features and accessories, age, and more.

Where Can I Browse Used Combines in My Area?

MachineryPete.com is your one-stop-shop for used farm equipment. Head there now to browse our huge selection of used combines for sale, which you can sort and filter by brand/manufacturer. While you browse, you can view color photos, read specs, get in touch with local dealers, and more. Start your search today!