Measure grain loss behind your header and walker. Calculate losses in kg/ha and dollars per hectare. Small losses add up to big money.
A 0.1m² frame behind a harvester contains 50 wheat grains. 100 grains weigh 3.5g. Wheat price $300/t. Expected yield 5 t/ha.
At 3.5% loss, this grower is losing $52.50 per hectare. On 500 hectares, that's $26,250 left in the paddock.
Use a 0.1m² frame. Count loose grains on the ground after the header passes. Sample behind the machine. Weigh or count grains to calculate kg/ha loss.
Total loss below 1-2% is acceptable. Header front loss under 0.5%. Walker/rotor loss under 1%. At $300/t, 2% loss costs $6 per tonne.
Weigh grains in a 0.25m² frame, multiply by 40,000 to get kg/ha. Or count grains: 200 grains per 0.25m² = 40,000 grains per hectare.
Slow down in high-yielding areas. Check header front height. Maintain cutterbar and reel speed. Check concave clearance. Sample behind the machine and adjust settings.