Combine Cleaning Procedure

When harvesting organic crops it is very important to make sure the equipment is clean, especially when moving from non-organic to organic fields (for example custom operators). If possible, use combines that are dedicated to organic production only. If that is not possible, use combines that are dedicated to non-GMO crops. When that is also not possible, take the time (possibly several hours) to thoroughly clean out the combine. Here are some ideas: 

1. Consult the Owner’s Manual on cleanout procedures, access doors, component disassembly, and safety procedures.
2. Choose a suitable location for the cleanup.
3. Collect appropriate safety gear – eye protection, dust mask, gloves, hard hat, ear protection.
4. Evaluate appropriate cleaning equipment for each area - air compressor with wands, shop-vac, leaf blower, large tarp, broom/whisk broom/steel brush, screwdriver, and other tools as needed.
5. Run discharge auger two minutes, or until grain tank and auger are clean.
6. Drive combine across end rows to dislodge grain before moving to cleanout area.
7. Remove grain head making sure to safely secure the feeder house with cylinder stops.
8. Move combine to cleanout area.
9. Place tarp under combine to capture the grain being removed.
10. Inspect and clean cab roof.
11. Lower feeder house and clean inside and outside. Pay special attention to areas where grain or weed seeds may catch.
12. Raise feeder house and clean stone trap and remove all material.
13. Clean grain tank, remove grain from top and bottom augers, ledges, corners. Consider flushing unloading auger with other material, such as wood chips.
14. Clean the cylinder or rotor and concave threshing area and separating area by opening all access doors identified in owner’s manual and removing all material.
15. Clean the straw walkers (if equipped). Open all access doors. If you must enter this area, consult owner’s manual on safety precautions and use a rubber mat or carpet to lay on.
16. Clean tailings and grain elevators by opening bottom access doors and removing grain. Empty and cleaning the moisture sensor if equipped.
17. Clean the cleaning shoe area by removing chaffers and sieves for easier access, or opening and closing the sieves several times to loosen debris and remove grain. Access and empty lower grain cross-augers as far as possible.
18. Clean rear axle, chopper and spreader areas to remove all grain and plant debris.
19. Replace all safety shields, making sure all elevators have been reassembled and all doors and openings are closed and fastened.
20. Clean the grain platform by removing stems and grain from cutter area, under platform auger and reel. Check inside auger area via inspection plates if present. Clean under side shields.
21. Clean the corn head by removing all stalks, ears and loose grain. Lift shouts and vacuum to remove grain and other plant debris
22. Consider flushing combine with the next grain crop to clean the unloading auger before collecting grain from the field. 

(Adapted from Combine Cleanout Procedures for Identity Preserved Corn and Soybeans, Iowa State University, 2003.)

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