Machine types and operational mechanics
Combine harvesters are designed to operate across diverse terrain and moisture conditions.
Standard configurations include:
- Self-propelled wheeled combines: High-capacity multi-crop harvesters fitted with large pneumatic tires, ideal for dry cereal crops like wheat and soybean.
- Track combines (half-track or full-track): Equipped with continuous rubber crawler tracks that provide high flotation in wet, waterlogged paddy soils.
- Tractor-mounted combines: Demountable harvester units driven by high-horsepower tractors (55 HP and above), popular among small contractors.
Super Straw Management System (SMS)
To mitigate crop residue burning in cereal belts, modern combines operating in paddy fields are mandatorily fitted with Super SMS attachments.
SMS features:
- Chops loose paddy straw discharged from the threshing cylinder into small lengths.
- Spreads chopped straw uniformly across the field width.
- Facilitates direct sowing of subsequent wheat crops using Happy Seeders or Super Seeders without burning residue.
Maintenance routines and SMAM government subsidy
Operators must regularly inspect cutter bar knife sections, adjust threshing cylinder and concave clearances according to grain moisture, and lubricate elevator bearings. Subsidies for individual farmers, custom hiring centres (CHCs), and FPOs are available under SMAM and CRM guidelines on agrimachinery.nic.in.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What crops can be harvested with a multi-crop combine?
With appropriate cutter bar headers and cylinder adjustments, combines harvest wheat, paddy, soybean, mustard, barley, and gram.
What is the purpose of the Super Straw Management System (SMS)?
It cuts and spreads straw uniformly behind the combine, preventing stubble burning and allowing direct seed sowing with no-till implements.
Where can farmers apply for combine harvester subsidies?
On the central SMAM portal (agrimachinery.nic.in) or state agricultural engineering department portals.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Tractors & Farm Machinery guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.