1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

How does a combine harvester work? A combine harvester is used for harvesting cereal crops. At the front, a rotating pickup reel forces the crop against the cutter bar. A rotating screw feeder carries the cut grain onto an elevator, which carries it to the fast-spinning threshing cylinder. This separates the grain from the straw. The grain is off-loaded into a truck and the straw is ejected from the back of the harvester on to the ground. Plant scientists have developed strains of short-stemmed wheat that are easy to reap using combine harvesters.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Fishing and Agriculture