Leikkuupuimurit

Leikkuupuimurit, commonly known as combine harvesters in English, are agricultural machines that harvest grain crops. They perform the three harvesting functions: reaping, threshing, and winnowing, in one operation. The name "combine" is derived from the fact that they combine these distinct harvesting processes.

The basic principle of a combine harvester involves a cutting mechanism at the front that severs the crop stalks. These cut stalks are then fed into a threshing drum, which beats the grain from the stalks. Following the threshing, the mixture of grain, chaff, and straw moves to a separation system, typically sieves, that separates the grain from the lighter chaff and straw. Finally, the grain is collected in a tank, while the straw and chaff are usually expelled from the rear of the machine.

Modern combine harvesters are highly sophisticated machines, often featuring sophisticated electronic monitoring systems that allow operators to optimize performance for different crops and conditions. They are essential for efficient large-scale grain production, significantly reducing the labor and time required for harvesting compared to older methods. Various sizes and types of combine harvesters exist, tailored to different farm sizes and crop types, from small family farms to vast agricultural enterprises. The development of the combine harvester has been a pivotal innovation in agricultural mechanization.