Hydraulic cylinders for harvesters：Core components for improving harvesting efficiency

hydraulic cylinders for harvesters：Core components for improving harvesting efficiency

In crop harvesting operations, hydraulic cylinders for harvesters control key processes such as cutting platform elevation, conveyor operation, and grain bin unloading through stable extension and retraction movements, ensuring a continuous and efficient harvesting process. They are an important component in enabling modern harvesters to perform automated operations.

1. Adjusting the header height to accommodate differences in crop height

There are significant differences in plant height among different crops and growth conditions. At maturity, wheat plants are approximately 80–100 cm tall, while corn plants can reach 1.5–2.5 m. Hydraulic cylinders can precisely adjust the header height, typically within a range of 20 cm to 150 cm. When harvesting wheat, the cylinder lowers the cutting platform to 30 centimeters above the ground to prevent the cutting blades from cutting into the soil. When harvesting corn, the cylinder is extended to raise the cutting platform to 80 centimeters, precisely targeting the middle to upper part of the stalks for cutting.

On uneven terrain, the cylinder can adjust the cutting platform height in real time. When encountering low-lying areas, the hydraulic cylinder automatically retracts to lower the cutting platform; when passing over elevated areas, it extends to raise the platform, ensuring the relative height between the cutting blades and crops remains stable. The cutting residue flatness error can be controlled within 3 centimeters, reducing grain loss. Actual operational data shows that harvesters equipped with hydraulic cylinders achieve a grain loss rate 8%-12% lower than traditional machinery.

2. Drive the conveying device to ensure smooth material flow.

The operation of the conveying chain, auger, and other components of the harvester is powered by hydraulic cylinders. The cylinders drive the conveying system to operate at a fixed frequency through a push-pull linkage mechanism, transporting the cut crops to the threshing system. When harvesting moist crops, the cylinders can adjust the extension speed to reduce the conveying frequency and prevent material blockages; when harvesting dry crops, the speed is increased to enhance conveying efficiency, adapting to the physical characteristics of different crops.

Large combine harvesters typically feature multiple conveying cylinders, each controlling specific stages such as header conveying, bridge conveying, and cleaning conveying. These cylinders work in tandem to process 5–8 tons of crops per hour, equivalent to the output of 20 manual workers. When minor blockages occur in the conveying channels, the cylinders can reverse their motion to rotate the components and clear the blockage autonomously, minimizing downtime for manual intervention.

3. Control grain bin unloading to improve operational continuity.  

When the combine harvester's grain bin is full, the hydraulic cylinder controls the lifting and rotation of the unloading chute. During unloading, the cylinder pushes the chute out and adjusts its angle to align with the transport vehicle's hopper, preventing grain spillage during unloading. After unloading is complete, the cylinder retracts the chute back to its original position, allowing the combine harvester to continue moving forward. The entire unloading process takes only 2–3 minutes, saving 5–8 minutes compared to traditional manual unloading, and increasing effective working time by 1–2 hours per day.

When no transport vehicle is available, the hydraulic cylinder can control the opening of the unloading door panel at the bottom of the grain bin to achieve precise pile placement. By adjusting the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder, the opening angle of the unloading door panel can be controlled to adjust the unloading speed, meeting different pile placement requirements. Usage records from a certain farm show that harvesters equipped with automatic unloading hydraulic cylinders achieve a 15%-20% increase in daily working area compared to manual unloading models.

4. Easy maintenance, suitable for complex working environments

The daily maintenance of hydraulic cylinders for harvesters is relatively simple. After each operation, check the surface of the piston rod for any crop residue and clean it thoroughly. Check the hydraulic oil level once a week to ensure it is within the specified range on the dipstick. Replace the hydraulic oil filter every 200 hours of operation to prevent impurities from entering the cylinder.

The cylinder body is made of impact-resistant cast iron, and the piston rod surface undergoes wear-resistant treatment, enabling it to withstand friction and impact from crop residues. The seals are made of oil-resistant and temperature-resistant materials, maintaining good sealing performance in environments ranging from -15°C to 60°C, suitable for different seasonal operating temperatures such as summer and autumn harvests. Under normal maintenance conditions, the cylinder's service life can reach 3,000–4,000 hours, meeting the operational requirements for 3–4 years.

Today, hydraulic cylinders have become a critical component for achieving efficient harvesting operations. By providing precise control and stable power output, they reduce manual labor intensity, enhance harvesting efficiency, and improve grain recovery rates, offering reliable assurance for timely crop harvesting and minimizing losses. They play a significant role in the advancement of agricultural mechanization.

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