5 Things to Keep in Your Combine

October 9, 2019
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By:  Stephanie Karhoff

With soybean harvest underway in parts of the county, it is time to clean out the combine cab, but do you have the five following items in your machine?

  1. Fire extinguisher: Combines are associated with a high level of fire risk. That is why CFAES’ Associate Professor Dee Jepsen, recommends having two fully charged first extinguishers on your combine. Make sure you have a 10-pound unit in the cab, and a 20-pound unit mounted at ground level. For more tips for preventing combine fires, check out this recent CORN article by clicking the following link:  https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-33/fire-safety-during-harvest-season
  2. Window cleaner:  According to Kent McGuire, CFAES’ safety and health coordinator, safety starts with the operator, so make sure to keep cab windows clean, and mirrors properly adjusted to avoid obstructing the operator’s view.
  3. Operator’s manual:  Know your combine, and be prepared for issues by keeping your operator’s manual nearby.
  4. SNACKS: I believe the Snickers’ tagline, “you aren’t you when you’re hungry,” applies to combine operators and grain cart drivers.
  5. An alert operator: Last, but certainly not least, is an alert, prepared combine operator. Harvest time is full of long days that bleed into even longer nights. Take care of yourself, and avoid operating the combine when tired or ill. Also, do not forget to wear proper personal protection equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, and avoid loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts.