The method of choosing a soybean harvester
Consideration of Operational Needs
It's essential to be familiar with and understand the local planting conditions. For large planting areas, opt for high-yield large-scale harvesters, ideally equipped with soybean-specific cutting platforms. In terrain like mountains, hills, small plots, or under forest cover, prioritize harvesters with good maneuverability and narrow widths, especially those with track-type walking modes for easy turning and climbing. Regarding threshing equipment, a longitudinal axial flow drum is preferred as it allows for harvesting wheat in summer and soybeans and grains in autumn, thereby increasing the utilization rate of combined harvesters. When considering operational parameters, such as reel speed, threshing drum speed, and threshing clearance, ensure they are easily adjustable to meet the range of soybean harvesting tasks. For those with strong purchasing power, opting for intelligent harvesters allows for seamless adjustment within the cab.
Consideration of Product Quality
Understanding the advancement, applicability, and reliability of the product is crucial. When it comes to quality, opt for products that have matured technologically, are well-established, and are listed in the local agricultural machinery subsidy directory. In terms of brands, choose those that have been on the market for at least three years, along with their products. It's advisable to select newer models whenever possible, avoiding discontinued models due to pricing considerations.
Consideration of Purchasing Channels
Inspect whether the operating location is fixed and if all necessary licenses are in place. It's advisable to purchase from reputable agricultural machinery dealerships, ensuring to compare offerings from at least three different sellers while considering product price, quality, and service elements comprehensively. Avoid purchasing products that lack manufacturer information, production addresses, or certification. Additionally, refrain from buying products of unknown origin or those that are illegally assembled. When purchasing expensive large-scale combined harvesters, it's important to gather detailed information about the manufacturing company and the product itself. Consultation with local agricultural machinery management and promotion departments can provide valuable insights. If feasible, visiting the company's production line or attending agricultural machinery exhibitions and field demonstrations can further enhance understanding of the machinery's performance.
Examining After-Sales Service Capability
Soybean harvesting operations are highly seasonal, hence it's imperative to thoroughly assess the "three guarantees" capabilities of both the manufacturing company and the seller. This includes evaluating their ability to timely supply spare parts and the effectiveness of their "three guarantees service" during operations. In the event of a breakdown, it's crucial that they can promptly repair and restore operations.
Ensuring Proper Machine Inspection and Sales Documentation
During the purchase process, meticulous inspection is essential. Check if all necessary documents such as product qualification certificates, user manuals, and warranty certificates are complete. Ensure that included tools, accessories, and spare parts match the packing list. Examine the product's external appearance quality and the integrity of its components for any damage. Request an official invoice from the seller, containing clear and accurate information including the purchase date, product specifications, model names, quantities, and prices. This documentation serves as evidence in case of disputes with the seller regarding quality issues, allowing you to assert your rights confidently.
Technical Points for Soybean Harvesting
Timing of Harvesting
Soybean mechanical harvesting requires strict timing. Harvesting too early results in insufficiently mature seeds, leading to decreased quality in terms of hundred-grain weight, protein, and fat content. Harvesting too late causes excessive dehydration of soybeans, resulting in shattering losses. The optimal time for direct harvesting is during the full ripening stage, characterized by complete leaf shedding, stems, pods, and seeds exhibiting the original variety's color, and seed moisture content reduced to 20%~25%. Plants will produce a crisp sound when shaken by hand. For segmented harvesting, the optimal time is during the yellow ripening stage, where 70%~80% of soybean leaves have shed, beans start turning yellow, some pods retain their original color, while others remain green. Harvesting too early leads to high moisture content in stems and leaves, hindering early haymaking, and resulting in green beans prone to mold. Harvesting too late negates the purpose of segmented harvesting.
Proper Adjustment of Harvesting Machinery
Minimizing cutting losses: Utilize soybean-specific cutting platforms and maintain stubble height at 4-6 cm. Adjust the bottom skids promptly if windrows form.
Minimizing pod loss: Adjust reel speed or increase vehicle speed within allowable feed rates.
Minimizing shattering losses: Ensure sharp cutting blades and appropriate cutting blade clearances. Reduce impact and abrasion on soybean plants by reel operations.
Controlling incomplete threshing losses: Regulate threshing drum speed, clearance, and forward speed. Control feed rate using stepless speed control.
Controlling clipping losses: Increase fan speed and adjust chaffer sieve opening and tail sieve angle to the maximum.
Proper Use of Harvesting Machinery
• Correct selection and adjustment of threshing drum speed and clearance.
• Proper adjustment of feed chain rake, grain elevator, and residual elevator scraper chain tension.
• Avoid blockages in threshing drums, straw walkers, and grain and residue transport augers.