University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Agripedia
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Combine

A combine harvests wheat, above.
Also called a grain combine or harvester, a combine is a farm machine that is used for harvesting grain crops. The combine cuts the entire stalk, separates the grain from the stalk and discards the debris out the back of the machine while storing the grain in the top.


A corn header, left, or a grain table, right, are attached to the front of the combine for harvest.


The head can be changed to a grain table for harvesting small grains such as wheat and soybeans while typically a corn header is used for corn, etc.

Brief History of the Combine
1836 - The first successful combine built was in the United States
1880s - The first harvesters were hauled by team of up to 40 mules
1912 - Gas powered engines began replacing steam and horses
1938 - Self-propelled combine was developed

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