Collector & Processor
The Collector & Processor is used for combine capacity testing - measuring grain loss versus combine feed rate. The Collector is a trailer towed behind the combine being tested and the Processor is a modified combine that collects and extracts the grain remaining in the discharged material.
A test sequence begins with harvesting at a steady rate for a period of time. Once the collection sequence is initiated, the Collector continues for a half-belt revolution to ensure the material on the belts is from the ideal steady state operation. Once the half-belt revolution is completed, the Collector hitch extends (telescopes) to separate away from the combine, and the main conveyor belts stop. The combine operator brings the combine to a stop. A sample of the Material Other than Grain (MOG) and grain loss has been collected from a known area harvested over a measured period of time, and the MOG is then weighed. With the combine and Collector stationary, the Processor docks behind the Collector and the samples are unloaded for processing. The Processor separates the grain loss from the MOG to measure the four components of grain loss. This entire process takes about six minutes.