Abstract

To study the effect of operational factors on combine performance, a maize combine with snap roll header was tested at feed rates levels of 69.94 Mg h^-1, 85.48 Mg h^-1, 124.33 Mg h^-1 and moisture content levels of 24.45%, 26.03%, 28.90% respectively. Pre harvest losses increased from 1 to 4% as the maize crop were sun dried from a grain moisture level of 28.90% to 24.45% because the ear shank became weak with decrease in moisture content. The shelling efficiency varied from 96.81% to 98.13%, cleaning efficiency varied from 95.20% to 95.80%, minimum grain damage obtained was 2.1% and minimum total loss obtained was 9.96%. The optimum values of feed rate and moisture content (w.b.) were 85.48 Mg h^-1 (forward speed of 1.10 km h^-1) and 26.03%, respectively. The corresponding data obtained for shelling efficiency, cleaning efficiency, grain damage and total loss by combine were 98.13%, 95.80%, 2.10% and 10.23%, respectively. The energy involved in maize harvesting for maize dehusker cum sheller and maize combine with snap roll header were 2152.26 and 2633.25 MJ ha^-1, respectively. The Solar energy is crucial for gaining optimum moisture for maize harvesting and reducing losses. Maize with low global warming potential is a viable energy crop and leftover corn stover is also a viable alternative to fossil fuels which can be used for bioethanol, silage production and also as domestic fuel in rural, hilly areas. However optimum harvesting stage is crucial to minimize energy involved during maize harvesting, grain storage and alternative uses.

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