«This year, 6,800 harvesters are involved. It is worth noting that 86.2% are domestic harvesters produced by Gomselmash, less than 1% are made by Lidagroprommash, and 13.4% are of foreign manufacture. The fleet of harvesters used on farms can objectively be divided into three classes based on throughput capacity: up to 10 kg per second, 10–12 kg per second, and over 12 kg per second. It is economically viable to use harvesters with a throughput capacity of up to 10 kg per second in fields with yields up to 40 c/ha, 10–12 kg per second for 40–60 c/ha, and over 12 kg per second for yields exceeding 60 c/ha. This ensures minimal losses and maximum productivity of this equipment,» Dmitry Komlach said.

Due to the introduction of new technologies, it is possible to equip modern harvesters with touch-screen on-board computers. These systems maximize the efficiency of the operator’s work, help manage and monitor in real time the condition and functional features of the harvester units, and control the operating components, engine, transmission, and the progress of working and maintenance operations, while also alerting about emergency situations. In addition, for the convenience of the machinery operator, a video system is installed in the cabin, which provides a video review of all hard-to-reach areas and allows the monitoring of processes without leaving the cab. «That is, comfortable working conditions for the operator have been created. This includes a climate control system and a precision driving system. So, the process has been made easier,» the scientist emphasized.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to monitor everything to prevent grain losses. «Smart systems do not provide timely cleaning, tuning, and adjustment of the harvester depending on specific conditions. In accordance with the regulatory requirements in force in the country, the permissible level of grain losses by harvesters should be no more than 0.5%, and in the case of good ripening, losses can be practically avoided. When harvesting lodged grain, losses can also be minimized to no more than 1.5%. With proper adjustment, lubrication, and cleaning of the machines, it is possible to harvest our crops practically without losses and with high quality,» the director general of the NASB scientific and practical center noted.