A complex agricultural machine designed to harvest grain crops efficiently. As it drives through a field, a front header cuts the standing crop and feeds it into a rotating threshing drum that separates the grain from the stalks. The internal sieves and fans then blow away the chaff, collecting clean grain in a holding tank while dropping the straw out the back.
The wheat is finally dry enough, so get the combine harvester fueled up and greased for the morning.
Also heard as
- combine
Related terms
Thresher
A machine that separates grain or seeds from the stalks and husks of a crop.
Concave
A curved, grated metal surface inside a combine harvester that helps thresh grain.
Chaffer
The upper adjustable sieve in a combine harvester that separates grain from heavier plant debris.
Binder
A historic harvesting machine that cuts grain stalks and ties them into sheaves.