Harvest season is the busiest—and often most stressful—time of year for farmers. Your combine is about to run long hours in tough conditions, so a pre-harvest inspection is more than just routine maintenance—it’s essential for safety and efficiency.
Before you hit the field, take time to prepare your John Deere combine so it runs reliably and keeps you safe from start to finish.
- Perform a Full Pre-Season Inspection
A thorough inspection can prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Check belts, chains, and pulleys for wear or fraying.
- Inspect guards and shields to ensure they’re secure and in place.
- Look for hydraulic leaks that could cause machine failure or fire hazards.
- Calibrate using Bushel Plus
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule a Greenway Equipment combine inspection so our certified techs can catch issues you might miss.
Pre-Harvest Uptime Inspection specials end August 31, 2025.
- Clean to Prevent Fires
Combines generate significant heat during operation. Excess crop residue and dust can ignite quickly.
- Blow out dust and debris from the engine compartment and around belts.
- Remove chaff buildup from hot surfaces and electrical components.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher mounted and easily accessible in the cab.
- Check Safety Features
Your combine’s safety systems are there for a reason—make sure they’re ready to work when you need them.
- Test all lights, beacons, and turn signals for visibility during road travel.
- Verify that emergency shut-off switches function correctly.
- Ensure handrails and steps are sturdy and slip-resistant.
- Inspect Tires or Tracks
Tires and tracks carry the entire weight of your machine and crop.
- Check for cracks, cuts, or uneven wear.
- Maintain proper inflation pressure to improve stability and fuel efficiency.
- On track systems, check track tension and alignment.
- Lubricate Moving Parts
Friction isn’t just hard on your equipment—it can create dangerous heat buildup.
- Grease all fittings per your combine’s maintenance schedule.
- Pay special attention to bearings and chains.
- Use manufacturer-recommended lubricants for best performance.
- Stay Safe in the Cab
Long hours mean you’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver’s seat.
- Keep the cab clean and clutter-free to prevent tripping or distraction.
- Adjust mirrors and seat position for comfort and visibility.
- Keep water and snacks on hand to stay alert.
- Train Your Harvest Crew
Safety is a team effort. Make sure anyone operating or working near the combine knows:
- How to stop the machine in an emergency
- Safe distances to keep from moving parts
- The importance of wearing protective gear
Harvest Safer with Greenway Equipment
From John Deere combine inspections to safety equipment, your local Greenway team is here to help you start the season with confidence. Schedule your pre-harvest check today so you can focus on getting your crop in—safely and efficiently.
