John Deere combines are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and superior performance in harvesting a variety of crops. One crucial component responsible for this efficiency is the concave system.

This article delves deep into the world of John Deere combine concaves, explaining their function, types, selection factors, and maintenance tips. By understanding these aspects, operators can optimize their combine’s performance, minimizing grain loss and maximizing productivity.

What are Concaves and How Do They Work?

Concaves are curved bars located within the combine’s threshing area. They work in conjunction with the rotor (a spinning drum) to separate the grain from the straw. Here’s a breakdown of their function:

Crop enters the threshing area: The harvested crop (e.g., corn, wheat) enters the threshing area, encountering the spinning rotor.

Rotor impacts crop: The high-speed rotor impacts the crop, forcing it against the concave bars.

Threshing: The concave bars, with their specific design and spacing, provide resistance to the crop, enabling the separation of grains from the straw.

Clean grain falls through: The threshed grains, being smaller than the straw, fall through the concave openings and into the grain tank.

Straw exits: The remaining straw, unable to pass through the concaves, exits the threshing area and is directed towards further processing or baling.

Therefore, concaves play a vital role in achieving clean separation, minimizing grain damage, and maximizing grain capture.

Types of John Deere Combine Concaves

John Deere offers various types of concaves to cater to different harvesting needs and crop types. Here are the main options:

Wire Concaves: These traditional concaves consist of multiple thin wires arranged in a specific pattern. They offer good versatility for various crops but require more frequent adjustments based on crop conditions.

Round Bar Concaves: As the name suggests, these concaves feature solid round bars. They offer increased threshing aggressiveness compared to wire concaves, making them suitable for tough-to-thresh crops like corn.

Hybrid Concaves: These combine elements of both wire and round bar designs, offering a balance between threshing efficiency and gentle handling of delicate grains.

Aftermarket Concaves: Several aftermarket companies offer concaves designed for specific crop types or threshing preferences. These may offer unique features or materials compared to John Deere’s OEM options.

The choice of concaves significantly impacts threshing performance. Selecting the right type is crucial for maximizing efficiency and minimizing grain loss.

Selecting the Right Concaves for your Needs

Several factors influence the selection of concaves for your John Deere combine:

Crop Type: Different crops have varying threshing requirements. For example, corn requires more aggressive threshing compared to wheat. Choose concaves designed for your specific crop or a versatile option like hybrid concaves.

Moisture Content: The moisture content of the crop also plays a role. Drier crops may require less aggressive concaves to avoid over-threshing and grain damage.

Field Conditions: Consider factors like field conditions, presence of foreign material, and desired threshing speed when making your selection.

Consulting your John Deere dealer or referring to the owner’s manual is crucial for choosing the most appropriate concaves for your needs.

Maintaining your John Deere Combine Concaves

Proper maintenance of your John Deere combine concaves ensures optimal performance and longevity. Here are some key tips:

Regular inspection: Inspect your concaves for wear and tear before each season. Look for bent, broken, or excessively worn-out bars that may need replacement.

Cleaning: Regularly clean the concaves to remove built-up crop material that can hinder threshing efficiency. Use compressed air or a soft brush for cleaning.

Adjustment: When switching between crops or encountering different field conditions, adjust the concave clearance according to the John Deere recommendations. This ensures proper threshing and minimizes grain damage.

Replacement: When concaves become excessively worn or damaged beyond repair, replace them with the appropriate OEM or aftermarket options.

By following these maintenance practices, you can ensure your John Deere combine concaves function optimally, leading to efficient threshing, minimized grain loss, and ultimately, increased productivity during harvest season.