sorums

Sorums are a type of agricultural machine used for harvesting grain crops. They are designed to combine multiple harvesting operations into a single pass, significantly increasing efficiency compared to older methods. The primary functions of a sorum include cutting the crop, threshing (separating the grain from the stalk), and winnowing (removing chaff and other debris from the grain). Modern sorums are typically self-propelled, featuring an engine, a cutting header, a threshing drum, and a grain tank.

The cutting header is responsible for cutting the standing crop and feeding it into the machine. This is followed by the threshing mechanism, where the grain is beaten and separated from the straw. The straw is usually expelled from the rear of the machine, while the grain, along with chaff, is sent to the cleaning system. The winnowing process uses sieves and a fan to separate the heavier grain from the lighter chaff. The clean grain is then stored in the onboard tank or directed to an accompanying vehicle.

Sorums have evolved considerably since their invention. Early prototypes were animal-drawn and required significant manual labor. The development of the internal combustion engine in the early 20th century led to the creation of self-propelled sorums, revolutionizing farming practices. Various types of sorums exist, adapted for different crop types and field conditions, such as combine harvesters for cereals, corn heads for maize, and pickup headers for windrowed crops. The term "sorum" is less common in contemporary English-language agricultural contexts, with "combine harvester" or simply "combine" being the prevalent terminology.