Editing Combine harvester (section)

==Instrumentation==
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2024}}
While the principles of basic threshing have changed little over the years, modern advancements in electronics and monitoring technology has continued to develop.  Whereas older machines required the operator to rely on machine knowledge, frequent inspection and monitoring, and a keen ear to listen for subtle sound changes, newer machines have replaced many of those duties with instrumentation.

===Shaft monitors===
Early combine harvesters used '''simple magnetic pickups''' to monitor the rotation of critical shafts, providing a warning when the shaft’s speed deviated beyond preset limits. These magnetic sensors would send a signal to the operator or the onboard diagnostic system if the shaft rotation became irregular, potentially indicating mechanical issues. Over time, '''temperature sensors''' were integrated into combine harvesters to monitor bearing temperatures, helping to detect overheating caused by insufficient lubrication. Overheated bearings, if undetected, can lead to catastrophic failures, including '''combine fires''', making the integration of these sensors crucial for both safety and performance.

===Loss monitors===
In traditional harvesting methods, operators had to inspect the rear of the combine to check how much grain was being lost by the thresher and being discharged along with the chaff and straw. However, modern '''loss monitors''' have significantly improved this process. These monitors work by measuring the amount of grain being wasted through the '''discharge system''' using sensors that detect the presence of grain in the chaff and straw. The '''yield monitors''' often work like microphones, registering an electrical impulse when grains impact a plate. This signal is then converted into a loss measurement that can be displayed on a meter in the operator’s cab, showing the relative amount of grain loss in relation to the speed of the machine. This technology allows the operator to make real-time adjustments to minimize grain loss, improving overall efficiency.

===Yield monitoring===
'''Yield monitoring''' is increasingly critical in modern agriculture, especially with the integration of real-time data. This system measures the amount of grain harvested and calculates the '''yield per unit area''' (e.g., bushels per acre or tonnes per hectare). By utilizing '''sensors''' that measure the amount of grain passing through the combine, yield monitoring systems provide real-time data, allowing farmers to identify areas within the field that are more or less productive. These variations in yield can be addressed with '''variable crop inputs''', such as fertilizers or irrigation, tailored to the specific needs of different areas of the field. Yield is typically determined by comparing the amount of grain harvested with the area covered, offering valuable insights into field performance and allowing for more precise agricultural practices.

===Cameras===
[[File:SS851422.JPG|thumb|John Deere combine harvesters being transported by railway on [[Goods wagon|flat car]]s in [[Tyrone, Pennsylvania]], in the United States]]
'''Cameras''' placed at strategic points on the combine harvester are becoming increasingly common and help eliminate much of the guesswork for the operator. By providing real-time visual feedback on the machine’s operation, cameras assist in monitoring key areas such as the grain tank, augers, and chopper systems. This visibility allows the operator to make informed decisions about maintenance, crop flow, and overall machine performance, all while staying in the safety of the operator's cab. '''Cameras for blind spot monitoring''' are also commonly used to enhance safety, allowing operators to safely navigate around obstacles and work in tight spaces, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

===Field mapping===
The advent of [[GPS]] and [[GIS]] technologies has made it possible to create field maps, which can assist in navigation, and in the preparation of yield maps, which show which parts of the field are more productive.