月: 2024年1月

What Is a Disk Harrow?

A Disk Harrow is an agricultural implement featuring multiple arranged disk-shaped blades.

Rotating to break and pulverize the soil, is a farm implement used for soil cultivation. Similar implements with comparable functions include Two-way Harrows and Rotary Harrows, all serving the same purpose.

Due to the vertical arrangement of the disks, it can penetrate the soil to a considerable depth for effective soil cultivation. The Disk Harrow, aptly named for its rotating disks, is suitable for cutting and pulverizing, resulting in the creation of a uniform and finely cultivated surface.

While it has been utilized in reclaimed lands for breaking somewhat hard soil, it may struggle with larger and harder areas. Due to the clear functionality of the Disk Harrow, combining two or more types of harrows for a single operation has become a common practice.

Uses of Disk Harrow

The primary use of the Disk Harrow is soil pulverization. By crushing the soil, it achieves a flat and neat finish. Its ability to cut plants simultaneously makes it suitable for land reclamation.

It is attached to a tractor for operation, drawing power from it. Different disk shapes result in varying levels of penetration into the soil surface, leading to the creation of a variety of disk harrow designs.

Attachments like a cage roller, which can be attached to work in conjunction with the Disk Harrow, are available, enhancing precision in a single operation.

Characteristics of Disk Harrow

The Disk Harrow is attached to the rear of a tractor and is a machine used for cultivating fields. It consists of 2 sets or 4 sets of axles, each with 5 to 10 disks with a diameter of 40 to 60 cm.

For maximum effectiveness, the Disk Harrow is used after plowing, breaking up large clods of soil, and achieving uniformity. Using the Disk Harrow in a direction perpendicular or at a 45° angle to the plowing direction is more effective.

Advantages

The Disk Harrow not only pulverizes hard soil but also efficiently performs multiple tasks such as incorporating crop residues, green manure, and weeds, as well as mixing compost. Compared to regular rotary implements, the Disk Harrow excels in operating at high speeds, leading to cost savings in terms of both speed and efficiency.

Disadvantages

In fields with many stones, achieving uniform cultivation can be challenging. Additionally, in such fields, maneuvering can be difficult, making it challenging to operate.

The high purchase price is also a drawback of the Disk Harrow. Due to the high initial investment, careful consideration of the cost-effectiveness of work expenses and initial costs is essential when considering its adoption.

Types of Disk Harrow

Specifications for Disk Harrows vary by manufacturer. Offset-type Disk Harrows, which move a substantial amount of soil and are suitable for pulverizing soil and leveling, are available. Using an attachment known as a cage roller provides additional effects, such as smoothing the surface irregularities and rolling the topsoil.

Rubber-type Disk Harrows are characterized by high-speed soil tillage. They can simultaneously perform multiple tasks such as rough cultivation of seeding or transplanting beds and compaction work. Generally used with large tractors in the 45–60 horsepower range, there are also Short Disk Harrows suitable for tractors in the 30 horsepower class.

How to Choose a Disk Harrow

Firstly, it is necessary to choose the appropriate Disk Harrow based on the horsepower of the tractor you own. If you have a tractor with over 45 horsepower and a large field, Offset-type or Rubber-type Disk Harrows are recommended for their efficiency.

If your tractor has 30 horsepower, you won’t be able to pull larger Disk Harrows like Offset or Rubber types. In this case, a Short Disk Harrow that can be towed with lower horsepower is more suitable, ensuring compatibility with your tractor’s power.

What Is a Telehandler?

A Telehandler is a heavy machine equipped with an extendable boom, resembling a crane.

Designed to be versatile by attaching various equipment at the tip, it can perform multiple functions. While there is a similar heavy machine called a forklift, which is primarily used for lifting and lowering loads with forks, the Telehandler is more versatile and can be used across a wider range of applications.

Due to its extendable boom, it can move loads forward and upward, distinguishing it legally from forklifts. In addition to utilizing it for forklift-like functions, attaching balance weights to function as a mini-crane, it can also be used with buckets and winches.

Being suitable as a high-level working vehicle, it has found applications not only in agriculture but also in construction sites and other areas.

Uses of Telehandler

The uses of a Telehandler are highly diverse, thanks to the ability to change its function by attaching various attachments at the tip.

While commonly used as a forklift, it proves valuable when the height or distance is beyond the reach of traditional forklifts. Forklifts may be strong vertically, but they can only operate directly in front of the machine. Even with extended forks, the reach is limited to 1-2 meters from the machine.

Due to the weight of the counterweights, a Telehandler can move over considerable distances. Its ability to move like a hand, offering high flexibility, makes it crucial in limited access areas.

It can be used to insert the boom in confined spaces, highlighting the importance of Telehandlers in various applications.

Characteristics of Telehandler

The most significant feature of a Telehandler is its ability to perform multiple tasks with a single machine. Originating in Europe and the United States, it is used not only in agriculture but also in forestry, material handling, construction, and more. Particularly in agriculture, it sees significant use, especially in the livestock industry.

Advantages

Key advantages of the Telehandler include:

• Ability to travel on public roads, ensuring ease of machine movement.
• Capability to work in uneven terrains.
• Adaptability to various tasks by changing attachments.
• Ability to perform tasks with minimal heavy machinery and labor.

Disadvantages

Despite its apparent versatility, the Telehandler has its downsides. Firstly, in terms of fuel efficiency, it consumes more fuel compared to tractors.

Moreover, since it is often used in uneven terrains, there is a risk of tire punctures. This drawback can be mitigated by replacing tires with solid rubber ones.

Types of Telehandler

As Telehandlers can change attachments based on the task at hand, understanding the types of attachments is crucial.

Here are some attachment types mainly used in agriculture:

1. Fork

Capable of lifting and moving heavy loads placed on pallets using two prongs. It serves a similar purpose as a forklift.

2. Bucket

Used for gathering and moving materials like soil or debris, exhibiting functionality similar to a backhoe.

3. Needle Fork

Pierces rolled-up items such as hay and transports them. Primarily used in dairy farming and livestock industries.

4. Bale Grapple

Similar to a needle fork but grips and lifts loads, allowing for the transportation of large packaged items like feed bags without damaging them. It excels in carrying large items enclosed in FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) bags.

How to Choose a Telehandler

When aiming for a specific task, purchasing a specialized machine may be more cost-effective than acquiring a Telehandler. However, if the goal is to accomplish multiple tasks, the cost might be lower than buying several specialized machines.

While the Telehandler itself has a high initial cost, the attachments are generally more affordable than those for specialized machines. When considering the introduction of a Telehandler, understanding its potential applications, comparing costs, and making a selection is advisable.

What Is a Tedder?

A Tedder is an agricultural implement designed to improve the airflow around fallen grass to enhance drying.

Structurally, various types of Tedder have been developed, including rotary wheel type, rotary type, belt/chain type, and cylinder type. Due to significant differences in structure, these are selected based on the type of grass.

Tedder is sometimes used in conjunction with a rake. The rake efficiently creates a windrow during grass harvesting. The rotary type is characterized by a vertically rotating axis.

Spring tines, called “tines,” are attached to the rotor and rotate at high speed. The cylinder type features multiple tines attached to a rotating cylinder. Various shapes have been developed, including those with multiple cylinders and cylinders rotating diagonally.

Uses of Tedder

Tedder is used to create gaps between grasses. By creating gaps and allowing for better diffusion, the airflow improves, making the grass dry more easily.

Facilitating quick drying enhances the nutritional value of the grass, contributing to potential profit increases. Tedder is attached to a tractor, and by reversing the orientation of the grass, it is utilized in the field.

Powered by the tractor, it allows for high-power operations. Many Tedders with widths exceeding 10m have been created to cover a wide area in a single pass.

Tedder is a large piece of equipment that can extend beyond the driver’s field of vision. It is essential to ensure no one is in the vicinity, exercising caution to avoid accidents such as touching objects.

Characteristics of Tedder

Leaving fallen grass as is can lead to the unexposed parts becoming damp and causing deterioration. To reduce losses due to corrosion and efficiently dry the grass, stirring operations with a Tedder are performed.

Advantages

The use of Tedder accelerates the drying process, resulting in potential benefits such as increased nutritional value of the grass. Additionally, one of its strengths is the ability to loosen clumps of harvested grass, minimizing soil adhesion and ensuring uniform drying.

Disadvantages

During use, the width of the Tedder exceeds that of the tractor, requiring skilled driving. The width of the Tedder is larger than the driver’s field of vision, necessitating constant awareness of the surroundings.

Types of Tedder

Based on structural differences, Tedder can be classified into four types.

1. Rotary Wheel Type

Also known as the finger-wheel type, it has a disk-like structure with numerous spring tines called “tines” attached. When driven at a constant angle, it rotates, reversing and gathering the grass.

2. Rotary Type

Also referred to as gyro or vertical-axis rotary type, it features a rotor with attached tines rotating rapidly around a vertical axis, reversing the grass.

3. Belt/Chain Type

Having rotating belts or chains with attached tines, it releases and spreads grass perpendicular to the direction of travel.

4. Cylinder Type

With 3 to 6 bars having numerous tines, it rotates in a cylindrical shape. There are two types: straight cylindrical and diagonally cylindrical.

In addition to structural types, Tedder can be classified into direct-mounted and towed types based on the attachment method. Towed types have wider working widths than direct-mounted ones and are suitable for large-scale farms.

How to Choose a Tedder

Since each type of Tedder has its characteristics, it is necessary to choose a model based on the type of grass you intend to use it for. Additionally, considering the tractor horsepower compatibility for each model is crucial.

As Tedder is not an inexpensive machine, consulting with the manufacturer before making a selection is recommended.

How to Use a Tedder

Given that Tedder is a large machine, accidents during operation can lead to serious consequences. It is essential to pay attention to the following points and use it safely.

• Inspection, adjustment, and repairs must be carried out only after stopping the tractor engine and ensuring that the machine is stationary.
• Accidents such as being caught or crushed can occur during attachment and detachment, so work should be conducted with extreme caution.
• As the machine’s width exceeds the driver’s field of vision, careful attention to the surroundings is required to prevent collisions with other vehicles during movement.
• When using an assistant during work, be cautious of entanglement, contact, and flying debris, and ensure that the assistant works from a safe position away from the machine.

What Is a Straw Chopper?

A Straw Chopper is an agricultural implement designed to finely shred residues of plants such as wheat stems, roots, weeds, and green manure left in the field.

Attached to a tractor, it features a cutter that first harvests and then draws in the material, finely crushing it with blades mounted inside the Straw Chopper. The distinctive feature is its operation driven by connecting the power source to a rotating shaft, driving the blades in a rotary motion.

The force for crushing varies with the power source, capable of even pulverizing tough stems and roots that may interfere with planting. The size of the shredding depends on the arrangement and rotation capacity of the blades.

While the shredded material is commonly discharged as is, some structures utilize spreaders to further break down the residues.

Uses of Straw Chopper

The Straw Chopper serves the purpose of finely shredding residues that would obstruct subsequent operations, ensuring smooth workflows. Stems and roots of wheat can impede efficiency during planting, and using the Straw Chopper to shred them facilitates obstacle-free rotary cultivation.

Shredding wheat stems and roots not only aids in efficient decomposition in the soil but also promotes the creation of habitats for organic matter within the soil. After shredding, applying decomposing bacteria at the right time helps create a soil environment that favors beneficial microorganisms. The by-products of bacterial excretion and deceased microorganisms also contribute to nutrient enrichment, enabling the development of soil with a preference for beneficial bacteria.

Characteristics of Straw Chopper

Certain crops cannot be continuously planted in the same field. To address this issue, the practice of planting green manure to balance fertilizer content has been adopted. Since it is challenging to directly cut and mulch tall green manure like sorghum with a tractor, the Straw Chopper is used.

Advantages

The Straw Chopper efficiently cuts and chops even tall green manure and weeds exceeding human height. Additionally, using the Straw Chopper to cut residues of cultivated crops streamlines post-harvest clean-up.

Disadvantages

In fields with many stones, using the Straw Chopper is not recommended as it can lead to malfunctions. Moreover, tractors with substantial horsepower are required for attachment, making it less accessible for easy deployment.

Blades, which are consumables, are also expensive, making the machine more suitable for large-scale farms.

Types of Straw Chopper

Due to its specialized nature, there are few manufacturers of Straw Choppers. There are various models available with working widths ranging from 200 cm to 320 cm, and the number of models depends on the working width.

As the working width increases, the required tractor horsepower also becomes larger. Even smaller models require at least 60 horsepower, while larger ones often exceed 100 horsepower.

Moreover, the number of blades used increases with the size, leading to higher maintenance costs. Although mostly imported, there are Straw Choppers available for combined attachment.

How to Choose a Straw Chopper

When selecting a Straw Chopper model, it is crucial to confirm compatibility with the horsepower of the tractor you own. While larger sizes offer better efficiency, they require tractors with more horsepower.

Considering the high cost, caution must be exercised to avoid overinvestment during the introduction of this equipment.

How to Use a Straw Chopper

The Straw Chopper is connected to the tractor’s universal joint and utilizes the tractor’s power for operation. By simply driving over the area to be cut, it cleanly shreds weeds and green manure.

Since it is designed to throw the shredded material backward, approaching the rear of the operating machine is dangerous. Additionally, when performing maintenance on the equipment, it is imperative to stop the tractor’s engine before proceeding.

Operating the machine during work carries a high risk of severe accidents due to entanglement and similar incidents.

What Is a Skid Plate?

A Skid Plate is a component attached to agricultural machinery to maintain a specific clearance from the ground. By installing it on the bottom of implements, the Skid Plate prevents equipment such as harvesters from getting too close to the ground.

The primary purpose of maintaining a certain distance from the ground with the Skid Plate is to prevent situations where harvesting equipment may unintentionally cut into the ground or crop beyond necessity, aiming to enhance efficiency. It serves to prevent the inclusion of unwanted materials like soil or stones, thereby reducing wear and tear on the harvesting machinery.

While some Skid Plates are made of metal, others are crafted from plastic to prevent wear. The choice of material depends on the intended use. Skid Plates come in various shapes, including block-like structures to maintain height for defensive purposes and sled-shaped ones that cover a specific area to increase harvest. Different parts are available based on the application and load requirements.

Uses of Skid Plate

The primary purpose of a Skid Plate is to maintain clearance from the ground. Ensuring that the Skid Plate is in contact with the ground, prevents harvesting machinery from getting too close to the ground. Even in the presence of uneven terrain, the Skid Plate allows operations without unnecessary cutting, ensuring safety.

As the Skid Plate maintains a consistent height, it is also used in high-cutting applications. Referred to as a High Skid Plate, it is employed to leave the base of the crops intact during harvesting. When only one Skid Plate is used, it may get lodged in depressions, failing to maintain the desired height. Multiple attachments can be installed to secure the required clearance.

In addition to ensuring a gap from the ground, Skid Plates facilitate efficient collection of harvested crops. Beyond merely providing clearance, creating space from the ground helps avoid incorporating dirt into the feed during harvesting.

What Is a Subsoiler?

A Subsoiler, also known as a subsoil plow, is a machine designed to break up the hardpan layer, called the plow pan, located beneath the cultivated soil in paddy fields or the compacted soil layer approximately 30cm below the surface.

It is also referred to as a subsoil fracture machine. The implementation of a subsoiler enhances the permeability of water into the soil, leading to improved soil structure with increased air content. This, in turn, enhances the oxygen supply to crops.

Regular subsoiling adjustments regulate soil moisture and oxygen levels, improving soil aeration and drainage. Subsoilers can be applied to address both excessively wet and dry conditions in paddy fields and fields.

While its effectiveness is realized through attachment to and towing by a tractor, the selection of subsoilers with features such as blades for increased effectiveness or those suitable for low-horsepower tractors is recommended based on the conditions of the paddy field or field.

Uses of Subsoiler

Subsoilers are employed when breaking up plow layers, including the plow pan and hardpan. Creating crucial furrows in the field enhances air circulation and water drainage. However, subsoiler application alone does not solve all soil-related issues. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to conduct subsoiling alongside the installation of subsurface drainage systems.

Subsoilers come in vibrating and non-vibrating types. Vibrating types can achieve deep cultivation even with low-horsepower tractors. Non-vibrating types require larger tractors with greater pulling power. Vibrating subsoilers can also be used in greenhouses.

Non-vibrating subsoilers need 20-70 horsepower tractors for cultivation at a depth of 40cm, depending on the number of knives. Subsoilers are valuable when there is a need to improve drainage, increase oxygen supply to crops, boost crop yield, or expand the variety of cultivable crops.

Features of Subsoiler

Advantages

• Improved drainage enhances water permeability.
• Improved soil structure facilitates easier oxygen delivery to crops.
• Increased oxygen supply and soil improvement contribute to higher crop yields.
• Enhanced soil conditions allow for the cultivation of a wider variety of crops.
• Once purchased, subsoilers can be used for an extended period.

Disadvantages

In addition to advantages, subsoilers have disadvantages. Being aware of the following points ensures optimal utilization:

• Less effective in fields where subsurface drainage has not been implemented.
• Subsoiler effectiveness is inferior to that of chisel plows and plow subsoilers.
• Adequate tractor horsepower is required for deep cultivation.

Types of Subsoilers

Subsoilers are classified based on the number of knives. The number of knives and cultivation depth are crucial factors influenced by the tractor’s horsepower.

As a general guideline, for cultivation at a depth of 40cm, a subsoiler with one knife requires approximately 20 horsepower, two knives require 30-40 horsepower, and three knives require 50-70 horsepower. Ideal horsepower varies based on factors such as field conditions, so it is recommended to verify with the manufacturer when making a purchase.

How to Choose a Subsoiler

To achieve the most efficient subsoiling, it is crucial to select a subsoiler based on the size of the field and the horsepower of the tractor owned. A higher number of knives leads to shorter working times, making it suitable for larger fields. However, if the tractor’s horsepower does not meet the criteria, a subsoiler with fewer knives should be used.

For fields without subsurface drainage, it is advisable to choose a subsoiler with an attachment called a bullet. The bullet attachment allows for the creation of a simple subsurface drainage system. The subsoiler’s effectiveness can be realized even in fields without established drainage systems.

How to Use a Subsoiler

For non-vibrating subsoilers that do not use PTO shaft power, the depth of knife insertion is adjusted, and the subsoiler is driven across the field with the knives in the soil. Vibrating subsoilers, which use PTO shaft power, require adjustments to the PTO, and excessive PTO power can lead to increased tractor load. Following the manual’s instructions is crucial.

When creating a bullet subsurface, start by digging a hole at the departure point. Insert the subsoiler with the bullet attached into the hole and drive the tractor across the field.

To maintain an optimal field, subsoiling should be performed regularly. It is common to conduct subsoiling once or twice a year, typically before planting or after harvest.

What Is a Silo?

A Silo refers to a manufacturing and storage facility commonly seen on farms for animal feed.

Compared to conventional warehouses, silos offer a higher storage capacity per installation area, allowing for efficient grain storage. Besides serving as storage for animal feed, silos are also utilized in industrial settings for storing materials.

Uses of Silo

Silos are primarily used as warehouses for storing grains. They are often employed for long-term storage, and some silos come equipped with features for temperature and humidity control.

While commonly used for storing animal feed, silos are not limited to grain storage. They find applications in industries for storing materials like coal, gravel, and cement, among others.

Features of Silo

Advantages

• One of the advantages of silos is their ability to store large quantities of grains. The larger the scale of the farm, the more efficient silos contribute to livestock production.
• Some silos have facilities for adjusting temperature and humidity, allowing for the storage of feed in an environment suitable for preserving its quality.

Disadvantages

• The main disadvantage of silos is the cost associated with them. Tower silos, common silo types, are large-scale structures, leading to substantial initial costs, especially during installation.
• Additionally, the cost recovery for silo facilities is more feasible for large-scale farms, making it challenging for small and medium-sized agricultural operations.

Types of Silos

Silos come in various types based on shape, material, and purpose. Representative types include:

1. Tower Silo

Made of reinforced concrete, tower silos have a circular or square shape. They are used not only for storing crops but also in facilities such as water treatment plants and power plants. Tower silos are significantly large structures and are well-suited for large-scale industrial operations.

2. Bunker Silo

Constructed with large steel plates, bunker silos have a rectangular box-like shape and are used for storing crops and animal feed. Some bunker silos are buried underground. Bunker silos allow for cost-effective establishment compared to tower silos.

3. Bag Silo

Bag silos involve filling plastic bags with crops, and stacking these bags to create a silo. This type is commonly used by small-scale farmers or those with lower crop yields.

With low implementation costs, bag silos are an optimal storage method for small-scale farmers. They completely seal out air, inhibiting secondary fermentation or mold growth.

4. Dome Silo

Made of reinforced concrete or steel plates, dome silos have a semi-spherical dome shape. They are used for storing grains, coal, and cement, and are primarily utilized in industrial rather than agricultural settings.

5. Hydro Silo

Hydro silos are used for water storage and have a cylindrical shape made of steel plates or concrete. They are mainly employed for agricultural and industrial water storage facilities.

How to Choose a Silo

Due to the various types of silos, it is essential to pay attention to the following points when choosing one:

1. Facility Material

There are various materials used for silo facilities, with concrete and steel plates being common. Since stored grains are susceptible to temperature and humidity, materials that effectively seal out external conditions are preferred.

As costs vary significantly based on the material, understanding the cost aspect is crucial.

2. Size

Silos come in various sizes, and selecting a size based on the scale of the operation is crucial. As silo installation generally requires ample space, securing appropriate land is indispensable.

Some silos, such as bag silos, do not require vast areas, so choosing according to the business situation is advisable.

3. Purpose of Use

Silos are used in various fields such as industry and agriculture. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a silo that suits its intended purpose. Confirm the intended use of the silo before making a selection.

What Is a Sizer?

A Sizer refers to a machine or apparatus used to sort the shape and size of harvested and shipped crops.

Also known as a vegetable sorting machine, it is spelled as “sizer” in English. By using a sizer, crops with variations in size can be shipped according to standardized sizes, allowing for pricing based on the size. Farmers who ship crops nationwide in cardboard boxes or standardized bags find it more advantageous. Additionally, uniform sizing enhances the appearance and contributes to the improvement of crop quality.

Sizers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. The basic structure includes a hopper where crops are placed at the end, connected to a sorting area via conveyors.

Containers for receiving crops sorted by size are installed underneath the sorting area. Some sorting machines are equipped with sensors for quality and sugar content selection. As sizers focus solely on size sorting, their structure is simple, resulting in cost-effective implementation.

Uses of Sizer

There are two main purposes for using a sizer.

1. Labor Savings in Sorting Operations

The first purpose of using a sizer is to automate the sorting operation of crops, saving labor. Sorting crops by size manually requires a significant amount of labor, but with a sizer, this task can be efficiently replaced by machinery. This not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes significantly to alleviating labor shortages.

2. Reducing Losses Due to Size Variations

The second purpose of using a sizer is to reduce losses caused by variations in crop sizes during the sorting process. When sorting is done manually, size variations inevitably occur, leading to situations where the specified number of crops does not fit into standardized cardboard boxes or bags.

As sizers maintain a consistent sorting standard, there is no size deviation. Therefore, sizers are employed to reduce losses caused by size discrepancies during shipment.

Features of Sizer

Advantages

• Automates the labor-intensive sorting operation of crops.
• Facilitates smooth packing adjustments for shipment by sorting and aligning sizes.
• The simple structure of the sorting machine allows for maintenance without specialized knowledge.
• Low-cost implementation of sorting machines.

Disadvantages

• Relies on electricity as a power source, limiting the work location to areas with available power sources.
• Requires a certain amount of space, making installation challenging in limited spaces.
• As a machine, there is a risk of deterioration and breakdown.

Types of Sizers

Sizers can be broadly categorized based on their shape.

1. Rotating Drum Type

Rotating drum-type sizers operate by allowing crops to roll over drums with holes corresponding to each standard. The structure of the sorting section consists of drums with different-sized holes arranged side by side, rotating during the sorting process.

Crops progress from smaller-sized holes to larger ones, sorting them by size. This type is suitable for crops like potatoes and onions, which have spherical shapes and are harvested collectively, or for relatively tough-skinned crops like lemons and avocados.

2. Roller Type

Roller-type sizers operate by having crops roll through gradually widening gaps. The sorting section consists of two rollers gradually expanding in width.

Due to the incline of these rollers, crops roll, and smaller-sized crops are sorted first. This type is suitable for smaller crops such as cherry tomatoes and strawberries.

What Is a Combine Harvester?

A combine harvester is an agricultural machine used for harvesting crops such as rice, wheat, and grains. It can simultaneously perform the tasks of cutting, threshing, and sorting during the harvest.

The machine can also cut and trim grass and stems during the harvest, allowing it to maintain fields or rice paddies in a clean condition even after use. The combine harvester significantly contributes to reducing labor and shortening the operation time, making it an indispensable agricultural machine for harvesting.

The term “combine” comes from the English word “combine,” which means to join together. It is named as such because the combine harvester combines multiple operations into one machine. In Japan, it is commonly referred to as a “combine harvester.”

Uses of Combine Harvester

Combine harvesters are primarily used for harvesting crops like rice, wheat, and grains. While tractors are also used in grain cultivation, the two machines serve different purposes. The cultivation process for grains can be broadly divided into three steps: plowing, planting, and harvesting. Tractors handle plowing, while combine harvesters are responsible for harvesting.

Features of Combine Harvester

Advantages

The primary advantage of a combine harvester is its ability to perform cutting, threshing, and sorting operations simultaneously. This allows a single combine harvester to handle the entire process from cutting to sorting, resulting in reduced labor, improved work efficiency, and shortened operation time.

Disadvantages

Due to its dual functions of cutting and threshing, the combine harvester is a complex machine with a high number of parts. This complexity leads to increased maintenance time and costs. Additionally, if the combine harvester experiences a malfunction, it cannot perform any of the tasks from cutting to sorting.

Types of Combine Harvester

There are two types of combine harvesters: “Self-Propelled Combine” and “Conventional Combine,” which are chosen based on the type of crop and the size of the farm.

1. Self-Propelled Combine

Self-propelled combines are mainly used in Japan for harvesting rice and wheat. These combines offer high sorting capabilities, enabling precise operations. They are efficient for working in narrow paddies.

2. Conventional Combine

Conventional combines are commonly used in large farms in the United States and Europe. They are useful for harvesting crops such as rice, wheat, soybeans, azuki beans, seed harvesting, and miscellaneous grains. The ability to change the cutting parts allows conventional combines to handle various crops efficiently.

In Japan, they are widely used in large-scale field harvesting operations.

How to Choose a Combine Harvester

1. Self-Propelled Combine

If the main harvest operations are for rice or wheat, choosing a self-propelled combine is recommended. Selecting the size, horsepower, and cutting sections of the combine according to the field’s scale is crucial.

2. Conventional Combine

For large-scale harvesting operations of crops like soybeans and buckwheat in vast fields, choosing a conventional combine is ideal. It is necessary to select a combine with the appropriate functions and horsepower for the crops to be harvested.

Attachments can be exchanged to adapt to multiple crops, making conventional combines advantageous for crop rotation and diversified agriculture from a cost perspective.

Other Information on Combine Harvester

Driving License for Combine Harvester

When operating a combine harvester on public roads, a driving license is required.

1. Small Special License or Regular License

If the combine harvester meets the conditions of “length under 4.7m, width under 1.7m, height under 2.0m, and maximum speed under 15km/h,” it is considered a small special vehicle. A regular driver’s license allows one to operate a small special vehicle.

2. Large Special License

If the combine harvester exceeds any of the criteria for a small special vehicle, a large special license is required. Obtaining a large special license allows the operation of certain construction machines, not limited to combine harvesters.

What Is a Crate?

A crate refers to a plastic container used in agriculture and logistics. There are also wooden crates available, and they come in various types, such as those for vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Crates are widely sold and prove highly useful for transporting vegetables and fruits in smaller quantities, facilitating easy handling and sorting.

Shapes, colors, and sizes vary significantly, with common basket-type crates, container-type crates, and tray-type crates among the options.

In English, “crate” refers to a wooden frame or bamboo basket used for transporting items.

For logistics purposes, a standardized specification called “Food Crate Standard Type I and Type II” was established in 2007. This standardization has led to improved delivery efficiency, reduced production costs, and the centralization of recycling systems, among other benefits.

As a side note, a similar term, “crate,” is also used for transporting pet dogs.

Uses of Crate

Crates are primarily used in agriculture to facilitate easy sorting of produce. In logistics, the standardization of crate sizes has contributed to increased efficiency.

The standardization of crate sizes in logistics has notably led to a reduction in cardboard usage, unlike disposable cardboard boxes. Standard crates can be reused multiple times through cleaning, making them environmentally friendly.

Businesses have also reaped benefits, experiencing cost savings not only from reducing cardboard usage but also from the decreased labor costs of sorting personnel.

In this way, crates play a diverse role, starting from their function as baskets in agriculture to their role in transporting goods in logistics, covering a wide range of applications.