What Is a Corn Shelling Machine?
A corn shelling machine, also known as a corn thresher, is designed for harvesting and shelling corn. Corn, an annual plant in the grass family, is a vital food source for humans and livestock feed. It is cultivated worldwide, with its harvesting season stretching from summer to fall. Beyond food, corn is also used for producing starch, oil, isomaltulose, and bioethanol.
The corn sheller plays a crucial role during harvest, with types varying from those combining harvesting and shelling, to those dedicated solely to shelling. These machines, which may also shell other crops like wheat and sunflowers, vary in size from large to small.
Uses of Corn Shelling Machine
Corn shelling machines are essential in corn farms. Smaller farms typically use manual picking and stationary shellers, while large-scale farms employ mechanized shellers, which may be towed or self-propelled, often with corn or reel headers for simultaneous harvesting and shelling.
Principle of Corn Shelling Machine
1. Harvesting
Machines designed for harvesting corn kernels often use a combine with a corn header for both harvesting and shelling. The corn header grasps the stalk, cuts the stem and leaves, and then separates the female ears for shelling.
2. Shelling
Shelling involves separating the kernels from the cob using a stainless steel cutter and airflow to remove debris, leaving clean corn.
Features of Corn Shelling Machine
1. Efficient Operation
These machines enable high-speed harvesting, with typical speeds ranging from 1 to 2 m/s, increasing efficiency.
2. High Precision Harvesting
They precisely separate female ears, minimizing loss and ensuring accurate separation.
3. Accommodates Lodging
The machines can harvest corn affected by wind or rain, capable of handling left-lodging, right-lodging, and opposite-lodging harvesting.
Types of Corn Shelling Machine
1. Classification by Mobility
- Self-Propelled: Combines with corn headers or reel headers, designed for simultaneous corn harvesting and shelling. Some use crawlers for movement.
- Towed: Wheeled machines towed by trailers, performing both harvesting and shelling, powered via PTO.
- Stationary: Designed for shelling manually harvested ears, these are often human-powered and smaller in size.
2. Classification by Header Type
Corn shelling machines use different headers, such as corn headers for efficient high-speed harvesting and reel headers for versatility but with more stalk lodging and ear loss.
Choosing a Corn Shelling Machine
1. Harvesting Capacity
Consider both the harvesting and drying capacity, especially since corn kernels have high moisture content and require drying to prevent mold or decay.
2. Cost
A corn shelling attachment to a combine can be cost-effective. For sweet corn, tractor-compatible attachments are available.
3. Harvesting Method
Choose between corn headers and reel headers based on the desired harvesting method, with corn headers being more efficient for high-speed processing.