Combine harvesters are extremely versatile and efficient machines, significantly reducing agricultural labor by combining four separate harvesting operations—reaping, threshing, gathering, and winnowing—into a single process. As such, combines are also very dangerous machines. Their safe operation means being aware of your surroundings and avoiding coming into contact with parts of the machine as it is working.
Since it’s important to be knowledgeable and cognizant of good safety procedures, backup cameras are an excellent solution for increasing awareness and mitigating potential hazards when operating the combine. Camera Source provides the best backup cameras to fit your needs, because our agricultural cameras and accessories are as heavy duty as you are. Whether it’s equipping combines, tractors, UTVs, or trucks, we can help you get the job done safely. Keep reading to get tips on how to stay safe while working with a combine.
Potential Combine Harvester Hazards
Combine harvesters are dangerous machinery (as you can see from the diagram from HubPages). Here are just a few of the potential hazards one might face when operating a combine harvester:
- Becoming entangled with the leveling or discharge augers in the grain tank
- Falling from the combine
- Being run over by the combine
- Being trapped under the header or injured by the header falling from its transport trailer
- Being injured by the drive mechanisms
- Dust and respiratory problems
- Fires
- Noise and hearing damage
Finally, some of the most common injuries result from coming into contact with certain parts of the combine when it’s running, such as:
- Overhead power lines
- Knife
- Reel or stripper rotor
- Straw chopper or spreader
As you can see, combine harvesters are serious business. Making sure that you’re up to date on the latest safety procedures is of supreme importance!
Combine Safety Procedures
As always, study that manual! It’ll give you the overview on general safety, and recommendations for this particular machine. The more you know, the safer you’ll be.
- Put the ignition key in your pocket while you are working on the combine so no one can start it or the tractor up while you are working on the machine.
- Replace any loose guards or shield, fix up the lights, and examine the field for hazards so you won’t be surprised when driving.
- If the combine needs service, check the operator’s manual for further instructions, and remember that the combine should be off before attempting to do any servicing.
- Grease and check the combine in the morning when your mind is fresh.
- Check hydraulic leaks carefully. Hydraulic oil under high pressure can easily be injected through the skin and result in serious medical problems.
- It can be tempting to refuel right after using the combine, but always refuel after it has cooled, fuel vapors can easily ignite, and refueling accidents are a major source of fire accidents.
Safety Before Starting
Set aside time for proper preparation, and conduct a safety check before taking to the field. Rushed repairs may lead to injuries. Here are some components to check regularly:
- Tire pressure
- Brakes
- Fuel levels
- Threshing cylinder rocking bar must be clear of the cylinder
- Shields and covers are in place
- Service equipment is stowed
- Handrails and ladders are secure
Starting the Combine Safely
Before even attempting a start the combine, make sure that the machine is clear. Before starting:
- Disengage the header drive
- Disengage the separator drive
- Place gearshift in neutral
- Depress clutch pedal
- Turn the ignition switch
Safely Transporting the Combine
The size of a combine, and its unusual shape can make it a dangerous prospect on the road.
- Use a backup camera when transporting a combine to help maneuver around obstacles and blind sports.
- Make sure that you know local safety laws for agricultural machinery.
- When the combine is moving or being moved, keep your distance from other vehicles and machines. Combines need a lot of room to maneuver and have massive blind spots. Be aware and stay safe.
- Move combines from field to field only during daylight. They’re difficult to drive and handle on roads in the daytime, and nighttime is even more dangerous.
- Always check headlights and safety flashers to make sure they are properly adjusted and in working order.
- Put the unloading auger in the transport position. Be certain it is not blocking a safety flasher or SMV emblem.
- Follow the safety recommendations for driving on roads, and watch for low power and telephone lines, as well as bridges, buildings, and other obstacles.
- Keep as far to the right as possible.
- Make sure not to turn too suddenly, and use the engine throttle to slow the combine responsibly. Never coast. Control is key when driving a massive vehicle like a combine.
Towing the Combine Safely
If you’re going a long distance, the combine should be transported on a large truck or tow trailer.
- Never tow at speeds higher than 20mph.
- Keep the transmission in neutral or “tow.”
- Never tow combines equipped with hydrostatic drives, as this will cause damage to the unit. Haul hydrostatic drive combines.
- When towing, utilize commercial grade backup cameras to help with loading, hitching, or maneuvering.
Safe Combine Operation
Rules to live by for combine operation include:
- Never drive a combine if you’re sick or sleepy. Safe driving requires a safe driver. Absolutely do not use substances and farm equipment at the same time.
- Make sure to take breaks, and not fall asleep or fall into a hypnotic state while working. This can easily happen. Make sure to take regular breaks.
- Wear safety glasses and clothing that fits snugly.
- Always remain seated in the combine whenever possible. A sharp jolt can throw you from the vehicle.
- Don’t allow passengers unless the combine has a passenger seat.
- Stay aware of your surroundings with an agricultural backup camera system to monitor your surroundings.
Safely Stopping the Combine
Make sure that once you’re done working, the combine is stowed and prepared for safe use the next time it is required. This is a common checklist to follow when finished using the combine:
- Disengage the header drive
- Disengage the separator drive
- Place gearshift lever in neutral
- Lower header
- Apply parking brake
- Remove keys to protect from accidental starts.
Monitor Your Surroundings & Get a Backup Camera
Driving and maintaining a harvester is a difficult task, and there are many safety procedures to follow. One of the easiest ways to enhance safety is to install a backup camera. A backup camera can dramatically enhance your awareness of surroundings when operating a vehicle. That means the risk of accidents is greatly reduced while operating a combine, tractor or other equipment and vehicles.
In addition, installing an agricultural camera can help prevent injuries and fatalities that are caused by entanglement with moving parts. A wireless agricultural backup camera can be installed just about anywhere on the surface of a combine or equipment that it will fit, so you can safely monitor moving parts from a distance. Some agricultural cameras even come with microphones for enhanced communication and environmental awareness and communication.
At Camera Source, we make cameras that can fit any job, no matter how large or small. Our collection of cameras for agricultural use is second to none, and every camera is backed up by our expertise. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we do custom orders! Start browsing or get in touch with us today.
