Forage corn harvester
Corn is one of the most important sources of animal feed, which is widely used especially in livestock farms and large-scale agriculture. To harvest corn and convert it into animal feed, the use of a corn harvester or chopper is one of the most important and necessary steps. Harvesters are complex machines that are specially designed to harvest, chop, and transport forage materials to silos or trailers. These machines are not only highly efficient, but also help maintain the quality of animal feed and increase agricultural productivity.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the performance, features, benefits, types, and best manufacturers of forage corn harvesters.
Definition of Corn silage harvester
A forage corn harvester (sometimes called a chopper or forage harvester) is a self-propelled machine specifically designed for harvesting forage corn and other forage plants. These machines simultaneously harvest, chop, and convey the material, and can chop corn stalks and leaves into smaller pieces for further processing, such as silage or animal feed.
Main components of a forage corn harvester
- Pickup System: This system allows the machine to automatically pick up corn from the ground and direct it into the machine. The pickup system usually consists of a rotating device with special blades that transport the material into the machine.
- Cutterhead: This is where the corn is cut into smaller pieces. Many harvesters use different technologies to cut the corn, including serrated blades or special systems to improve the quality of the cut.
- Chute or Conveyor: After crushing, the material is directed to a trailer or silo by a conveying system such as a fan or conveyor. These systems are usually automated and maintain a continuous and optimal flow of material.
- Drive System: This system is usually powered by diesel engines or internal engines of the machine and provides movement of the machine and harvesting operations.
- Control System: Harvesters are usually equipped with advanced systems to automatically adjust cutting speed, height, and accuracy. These systems help the machine operate optimally according to field conditions.
Harvester performance for forage corn
- برداشت و تغذیه مواد: هاروستر با استفاده از سیستم برداشت خودکار، ذرتهای بالغ را از زمین برداشت میکند. این ذرتها به داخل دستگاه هدایت میشوند تا در مراحل بعدی عملیات پردازش شوند.
- Corn crushing: After being transferred into the machine, the corn is crushed using a special cutting system. Depending on the needs, the size of the crushed pieces may vary.
- انتقال مواد به تریلر یا سیلو: مواد خرد شده بهوسیله سیستم انتقال مانند نوار نقاله یا فن به تریلرها یا سیلوهای ذخیرهسازی منتقل میشود. این فرآیند بهطور خودکار انجام میشود تا از هدررفت و کاهش کیفیت جلوگیری شود.
- Maintaining feed quality: Some models use technologies to maintain feed quality. For example, some machines have the ability to chop more finely, which helps reduce waste and improve the ensiling process.
Features of forage corn harvesters
- High engine power: Harvesters usually operate with powerful diesel engines, which allows them to perform harvesting operations in various conditions.
- Fast and efficient operation: These machines are typically capable of harvesting large amounts of forage corn in a short time, which helps increase productivity.
- Intelligent and digital systems: Many advanced harvesters use digital systems to control and fine-tune the operation of the machines. These systems help in fine-tuning the speed, weight, cutting height, etc.
- Robust and durable design: Harvesters are usually designed to work in harsh field conditions, including muddy and rocky terrain, and have a long lifespan.
- Fuel economy: Some models have fuel efficiency systems that help reduce operating costs.
Benefits of using a forage corn harvester
- Increased harvesting speed and efficiency: Harvesters are able to perform harvesting operations simultaneously with crushing and transporting materials, which significantly increases the speed and efficiency of the harvesting process.
- High quality animal feed: High-precision crushing of forage corn preserves the nutritional value and quality of the forage. This improves animal nutrition.
- Savings in labor costs: Due to the use of automated technologies, less labor is required to perform harvesting operations.
- Increased land productivity: Harvesters are able to harvest large areas quickly and with high precision, which optimizes the use of agricultural land.
- Waste reduction: These devices are designed to minimize material waste and prevent wastage of resources.
Top manufacturers of forage corn harvesters
CLAAS – Germany
CLAAS Class: One of the leading brands in the production of self-propelled harvesters with the popular Jaguar series. These machines are well known for their high power, fuel efficiency and advanced technologies.

John Deere (جان دیر) – آمریکا
John Deere: John Deere harvesters use high-powered 8000 and 9000 models and intelligent systems to measure forage quality and adjust cutting speed.

Krone (کرونه) – آلمان
Krone: A German brand known for its Big X 1180 model. This machine is one of the most powerful harvesters with 1156 horsepower.
New Holland (نیوهلند) – ایتالیا/آمریکا
New Holland: A well-known brand that produces FR machines that are designed using advanced technologies to optimize fuel consumption and material transfer to silos.
Fendt – Germany
The brand specifically focuses on fuel consumption and material shredding quality, and the Katana 65 & 85 models offer high power and advanced capabilities.
Conclusion
Forage corn harvesters are a vital piece of equipment in large-scale agriculture and livestock operations, harvesting, crushing and conveying materials simultaneously. By increasing speed, reducing waste and maintaining the quality of animal feed, these machines help farmers and ranchers increase the productivity and efficiency of their operations. Choosing the right harvester for your farm’s specific needs can have a major impact on crop quality and reduced operating costs.
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Golmehr Sanat Valiasr Company, manufacturer of corn fodder packaging machines