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Paddy Combine Harvester

A paddy combine harvester is a self-propelled field machine that reaps standing paddy, threshes the grain from the panicle, separates straw and chaff, and cleans the grain in a single continuous pass. Indian fleet is split between rubber-tracked machines optimised for wet, muddy paddy fields and wheeled machines used in drier conditions.

Function

A reciprocating cutter-bar at the header severs the stalks; a reel pulls them onto the auger, which delivers them to the threshing drum. Threshed grain falls through the concave to the cleaning shoe, where oscillating sieves and a fan separate grain from chaff. Clean grain is augered to a hopper and discharged through an unloading auger; straw exits through a rear spreader.

Design and specifications

Engine power ranges from 66 to 110 HP across the Indian market. Leading brands include Kubota (DC-70, DC-105X track types), Preet (849 and 987), Mahindra and ACE. The Preet 849 uses a 76 HP four-cylinder engine at 2,200 rpm with a 3.8 m header and a 3.43 m cutter-bar. Track-type machines from Kubota are specifically built for wet, low-bearing-capacity paddy fields.

Operation

Field efficiency depends on lodging, moisture content and field size. The header height, reel speed, ground speed and drum clearance are set to crop conditions to minimise grain loss. The combine replaces the sequential operations of reaping, bundling, threshing (Multi Crop Thresher) and winnowing; residual straw can be windrowed for a follow-up Scaleless Baler pass or shredded with a Tractor Slasher before tillage.

Subsidy and adoption

Combine harvester models marketed in India must hold a Commercial Test report from FMTTI Budni or a regional FMTTI (Hisar, Anantapur, Biswanath). A valid test report is mandatory for SMAM subsidy eligibility and for state procurement programmes. Custom-hire operation through CHCs (Agri Machinery Dealer Ecosystem) is the dominant access mode for smallholders.

See also: Multi Crop Thresher, Scaleless Baler, Tractor Slasher, Sesame Harvester Diy.

References

  1. ACE ACT-60 Track Combine Harvester - Commercial Test Report. FMTTI Budni.
  2. Best Combine Harvester in India. Tractorforeveryone.