Equipment Inspections Help Farmers Prevent Dangerous Combine Fires
Dry harvest conditions can create serious fire risks for farm equipment, especially combines working through dry and drought stressed crops. Dust, chaff, crop residue and high equipment temperatures can create conditions where fires start and spread quickly.
The Team at North Dakota State University Extension encourages farmers to make fire prevention part of their regular harvest routine. Dry plant material can collect around hot engine parts, bearings and other equipment areas, increasing the chance of ignition during fieldwork.
Cleaning combines regularly is an important safety step. Farmers should remove dust, chaff, dirt, and crop material from engines, belts, moving parts, and other areas where residue can be collected. Compressed air or a leaf blower can help with cleaning.
Equipment should always be turned off and cooled before cleaning, and farmers should use appropriate protective equipment.
Electrical and hydraulic systems also require careful attention. Farmers should look for damaged wires, loose connections, worn hoses, and areas where wires may rub against moving parts.
Hydraulic leaks can create oily surfaces that may ignite when combined with dry crop residue. Bearings should be checked for excessive heat, unusual sounds, or other warning signs.
An infrared thermometer can help identify hot bearings before they become a larger problem. Warning lights and blown fuses should also be investigated before equipment returns to the field.
Fire extinguishers should remain easily accessible during harvest. Each combine should have two fully charged 20-pound ABC fire extinguishers, with one stored inside the cab and another positioned outside the machine - check with your state regulations to ensure you are compliant.
Farmers should also monitor weather and fire danger before harvesting. Hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can cause fires to spread rapidly. Equipment should be parked away from dry vegetation and allowed to cool before being stored indoors.
“If your combine is on fire, shut off the machine and call your fire department right away,” says Johnson.
FAQs
- How often should combines be cleaned?
Combines should be cleaned daily during harvest and checked before fieldwork begins.
- What equipment parts need inspection?
Check wires, hoses, bearings, hydraulic systems, electrical connections, and moving parts.
- What should farmers do during a combine fire?
Shut down the machine, move to a safe location, and contact the fire department immediately.
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