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.