Calibrating Your Combine

Yield maps and the data behind them are the foundation for EVERYTHING we do here. We try and have the most accurate and consistent yield data possible which means calibrations are key for all our farmers, no matter the brand of their equipment. Luckily, nearly all the combine and aftermarket brands have similar yield monitoring systems, and they have the same basic components and calibrations that are required. A grain cart, weigh wagon, or truck scale is needed to do most yield calibrations and making sure those are calibrated before harvest is always a good idea as well.

Mass Flow Sensor - this one requires someone to climb into the grain tank and look at the poly impact plate near the top of the clean grain elevator. No matter the brand, you want the plate to be complete. No holes worn in it or any missing corners. Clean any dried mud or debris away from behind the plate so nothing is there to interfere with the force readings.

Moisture Sensor - most are found on the side of the clean grain elevator and accessed from the ground, but some machines can have the sensor in the grain tank. Most of them have an access door where you can inspect and clean the small auger or plunger area. As long as it's clean, these are usually pretty reliable. If a machine isn't calibrated well, or right away for some reason, we can post-calibrate the data afterwards but usually that's a last resort. We can also post-calibrate for growers if they have scale tickets for everything

The other common combine calibrations that need to be done are vibration, temperature, header height on/off, and others. If you have any questions, ask us! Whether you've owned the combine for 5 years or it’s new to you, we can help. We also have calibration guides and cards with screenshots of what to push on the screens. Our contact info is at the bottom of every one of these and we also have a "Technology Support" phone number that rings to the whole team if you have questions with GPS, steering, displays, yield calibration, activations, etc. Technology Support Line: 641-433-4774 Give us a call. We’re here to help.