maïsharvester

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 perform multiple operations in a single pass, including cutting the corn stalks, detaching the ears of corn from the stalks, and separating the kernels from the cobs. Modern maïsharvesters are typically self-propelled, equipped with engines, and controlled by an operator from a cab.

The harvesting process begins with the machine's header, which is designed to gather the corn stalks. Various header designs exist, often featuring gathering chains or snouts to guide the stalks into the machine. As the stalks enter, rotating cutters or knives sever them at the base. The cut stalks are then fed into the maïsharvester's internal mechanisms.

Inside the machine, specialized components called stalk rollers pull the stalks through. As the stalks pass, husking rolls or plates remove the husks and silks from the ears of corn. The ears are then directed to a threshing cylinder or rotor, where the kernels are separated from the cobs. The kernels are collected in a storage tank on the machine, and the remaining material, such as cobs and stalks, is typically chopped and spread back onto the field as residue. This residue can help replenish soil nutrients and organic matter. Maïsharvesters significantly increase the speed and efficiency of corn harvesting compared to manual methods, making large-scale corn production economically viable.