Combine Harvester Cutter Bar: Working Process and Maintenance Guide

Harvesting is a key part of modern agriculture. An efficient cutting system will ensure your crops can be harvested at the right time. A Combine Harvester Cutter Bar is one of the key components needed to ensure a good cutting system. At Windsor we manufacture cutter bar and knife assemblies for agricultural harvesting machines.

 1. What is a Combine Harvester Cutter Bar?

A cutter bar is a vital cutting assembly used on a harvesting machine. It will cut the crop that is being harvested by using a reciprocating blade. This reciprocating action will move forwards and backwards to cut the crop stems against the stationary guards.

The Combine Harvester Cutter Bar ensures you have a continual cutting action. This will depend on the condition of the components, the correct fitting, and correct adjustment of the components. In addition they need to be compatible.

 2. What are the main components?

There are a variety of components that make up the cutter bar. These usually include;

Knife Sections

These are the cutting components that attach onto the reciprocating knife of the assembly. This will move against the stationary guards to cut the crop stems. They should be kept in good condition.

Finger Guards

These will support the cutting mechanism. This will help guide the crop stems to the reciprocating knives.

Knife Back

This is the support bar that the knife sections will attach to.

Knife Head

This will attach the reciprocating knife to the drive. This should be fitted correctly and in good condition.

Hold Down Clips & Guides

These will ensure the knife is installed correctly and will help control the movement. Adjustment will help to reduce any unwanted vibrations.

 3. How does it work?

As the header moves through the standing crop the crop will be guided into the cutting assembly. The reciprocating knives will move backwards and forwards against the stationary guards.

This will create a shearing action to cut the crop stems. The reels will help move the cut crop into the feeder house.

Having the Combine Harvester Cutter Bar adjusted correctly will ensure continual feeding and cutting of the crop. However the actual performance will depend on the crop conditions, speed and settings of your machine. In addition to this the condition of your header components will also play a role.

 4. Choosing the correct cutter bar assembly

Choosing the correct replacement components will ensure your harvesting machine stays in good condition. Before purchasing a new cutter bar assembly ensure you consider the following;

Compatibility – Ensure you know what make/model of combine harvester you have and what specification you require.

Size – Ensure you know what length you require, how many mounting points you have and what measurements you require.

Quality – Ensure the components are manufactured using high quality materials.

Components – Ensure you know what knife sections you have, what guards you have and what mounting you have.

Specifications – Ensure you know what part number/drawing/sample you require.

Supplier – Ensure you choose a manufacturer that can provide you with clear information on the products.

Choosing the correct Combine Harvester Cutter Bar will ensure you have the correct cutting setup. This will help reduce any issues with incorrect parts.

 5. Common issues with cutter bars

Due to the continual movement and contact with the crop the following issues may occur;

Poor cutting

This could be due to worn knife sections, damage to the guards, incorrect adjustments or incorrect operating conditions.

Vibrations

This could be due to loose fixings, worn drive components and incorrect adjustments.

Blockages

Crop matter, weeds and foreign objects can build up around the cutting assembly. Ensuring the cutting area is cleaned regularly will help reduce the chance of blockages.

Damaged/Worn Components

The knife sections, guards and cutting components can wear over time. Checking these will help identify what needs replacing.

6. Tips for maintaining your cutter bar

Keeping your harvesting machine in good working condition can be done with regular maintenance. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines for maintenance. You should;

Check the knife sections, guards, fixings and mounting points are in good condition.

Clean the cutting assembly after harvesting.

Ensure the reciprocating action is working correctly.

Replace any damaged or overly worn components with compatible parts.

Ensure the correct clearance and adjustment is in place.

Lubricate any relevant moving components.

Ensure you are using the correct replacement parts.

This will help ensure your cutting assembly is kept in good condition.

 7. Quality of manufacture

Components used on agricultural machinery should be manufactured with the correct measurements, materials and consistency. Minor differences in measurements and fitting can cause issues.

Manufacturers should ensure they are using the correct raw materials, accurate machining, and finishing. Buyers should ensure they are looking at the drawings, samples and specifications.

For agricultural machinery dealers, importers and distributors having clear identification and reliable manufacturing processes will help.

 8. Choosing a manufacturer

If you are looking for cutter bar assemblies ensure you look at the manufacturers range, manufacturing capabilities, quality control and understanding of your technical requirements.

It is useful to provide details of your machine, drawings, samples and required measurements so you and the manufacturer can confirm if it will be the correct component for your application.

Windsor can provide cutting bar and knife assemblies for agricultural harvesting machines. We can manufacture to your specific drawings and samples. We focus on quality driven manufacturing, technical requirements and providing support to international agricultural spares businesses.

 Conclusion

The cutter bar is an important part of the initial cutting process. Understanding what components make up the cutting bar, how it works and how to maintain it will help machinery operators and spares buyers make informed decisions. Ensuring the correct adjustments and using compatible replacement parts will help ensure the header works effectively.

Always ensure you check the compatibility, size and specifications of your machine before purchasing a Combine Harvester Cutter Bar. Windsor welcome enquiries from agricultural machinery dealers, importers and distributors looking for cutter bar assemblies and components for harvesting internationally.