Maïsharvesters

A maïsharvester, also known as a corn harvester or combine harvester when adapted for corn, is a specialized agricultural machine designed to efficiently harvest corn. These machines typically combine several operations into one pass through the field, including cutting the corn stalks, removing the ears of corn from the stalks, and threshing the kernels from the cobs.

Modern maïsharvesters are complex pieces of equipment, often featuring a harvesting head at the front that can be equipped with row units or a cutting bar depending on the corn's growth habit and the farmer's preference. These heads are responsible for gathering the corn stalks and feeding them into the machine. Inside the maïsharvester, mechanisms strip the ears from the stalks and then separate the kernels from the cobs. The separated kernels are then typically stored in a large onboard grain tank, which can be unloaded into a truck or grain cart while the harvester is still in motion.

The stalks and husks are usually processed by a chopper or mulcher within the machine, which chops them into smaller pieces and distributes them back onto the field as residue. This residue helps to return organic matter to the soil. Maïsharvesters are powered by a diesel engine and operated by a driver from a cab, which often includes advanced controls and monitoring systems to optimize harvesting efficiency and grain quality. The development of the maïsharvester has significantly increased the speed and reduced the labor required for corn harvesting, making large-scale corn production economically viable.