The operation of corn harvesters must adhere to strict operational procedures to ensure work safety, minimize losses, and extend the service life of the machinery. The following precautions cover key aspects such as pre-operation preparation, trial operation, field operation, and special condition responses.

1. Pre-operation Preparation and Inspection

Before operation, a comprehensive inspection must be conducted, including verifying fuel, engine oil, lubricating oil, and coolant levels.

Check the tension of V-belts and chains to ensure no tools or debris remain on working parts, and all protective covers are securely fastened.

Focus on inspecting the installation status of bearings and high-speed rotating components (such as the stalk chopping device), as well as the free travel of the clutch and brake pedals.

Additionally, assess field conditions, level ridges and furrows, mark obstacles, and clear standing water to ensure operational safety.

2. Trial Operation and Adjustment

New machines or those post-maintenance require no-load trial operation: first disengage the engine clutch, start the engine at low speed, gradually increase to rated speed, and check the hydraulic system's sealing, braking performance, and component tightness.

Every 20 minutes, disengage the clutch to inspect bearing temperature and transmission component conditions. Trial operation time should not be less than 3 hours (no-load).

After trial operation, replace the gearbox lubricating oil and conduct a thorough inspection of assembly tightness.

Before formal operation, conduct a trial harvest. Adjust the header height and ear spacing based on the results of a 30–50-meter trial to ensure a loss rate below 0.5%.

3. Field Operation Procedures

During operation, smoothly engage the working component clutch, and gradually increase the throttle from low to rated speed before harvesting.

Regularly check cutting quality and stubble height, and adjust the header accordingly.

Every 1–2 minutes of operation, briefly idle to clear residues and prevent clogging. If clogging occurs, stop the machine to clean and avoid component damage.

When turning or encountering wet areas, raise the header to the transport position and operate along the furrow direction.

Pay attention to audible safety alerts during operation and avoid proximity to machine dead zones.

4. Special Condition Responses

For lodged corn harvesting, use models with longer headers and smaller tilt angles, or install stalk lifters. For lodging angles exceeding 60°, auxiliary feeding devices are required.

In wet fields, prioritize track-type harvesters, avoid repeated compaction of the same area, and use micro-operation steering levers for slow movement to prevent machine tipping or header insertion into soil.

Maintain moderate header height during operation. In wet fields, lift the front when moving forward and prevent header contact with the ground when reversing.

5. Safety and Maintenance Key Points

Do not touch the machine or perform maintenance while the engine is running.

For short stops, apply the parking brake; for prolonged stops, turn off the engine.

Regularly inspect wear-prone parts, stock common tools and spare parts, and promptly address field malfunctions.