Pre-Harvest Wear Parts Checklist: Get Field Ready Before the Rush
Harvest puts long hours and heavy demands on equipment. A worn part that seems minor in the shop can quickly become an expensive delay once the machine reaches the field.
Before the season begins, take time to inspect the high-wear components on your tillage tools, corn head, bean head and supporting equipment.
Always shut equipment down, remove the key, secure raised components and follow the manufacturer’s safety and maintenance instructions before inspecting or servicing machinery.
1. SHANKS AND MOUNTING HARDWARE
Look for bent or cracked shanks, worn mounting holes, loose hardware and differences in position from one shank to the next. Uneven shanks can affect working depth and create inconsistent performance across the machine.
2. SWEEPS AND GROUND-ENGAGING POINTS
Compare the width and length of sweeps across the tool. Rounded points, narrowed wings and uneven wear are signs that a sweep may no longer provide the intended coverage or soil movement.
3. COULTER BLADES AND HUBS
Inspect coulter blades for chips, cracks, excessive diameter loss and uneven wear. Spin each blade and check for wobble, endplay or rough bearings. A blade that does not run straight can wear prematurely and affect performance.
4. STALK DEVASTATORS AND RESIDUE COMPONENTS
Check rollers, arms, springs, bearings and mounting hardware. Make sure every row moves freely and maintains the correct position. Replace damaged or missing hardware before the unit enters heavy residue.
5. CORN AND BEAN HEAD WEAR PARTS
Inspect gathering chains, sprockets, stalk rolls, knives, deck plates, sickle sections, guards, hold-downs and reel components. Look for loose parts, uneven wear and anything that could interfere with smooth crop flow.
6. CHAINS, BEARINGS AND DRIVE COMPONENTS
Check chain tension, sprocket wear, bearing movement and lubrication points. Replace cracked belts and chains with stiff links. Verify that guards are properly installed before operation.
7. HOSES, FITTINGS AND SAFETY ITEMS
Look for abrasion, cracks, leaks, damaged fittings and loose clamps. Replace faded or missing safety decals and make sure shields and guards are secure.
KEEP COMMON PARTS CLOSE
Once the inspection is complete, build a short list of the parts most likely to be needed during harvest. Keeping common wear parts and hardware on hand can prevent a small repair from becoming an extended delay.
Need help identifying the right replacement? Contact Jenner Depot with the equipment model, serial number and part number when available.