Changing Combine Headers Can Be Dangerous, NDSU Farm Safety Specialist Says

The weight and size of combines and headers combine to make changing headers an especially dangerous task, according to an agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University.

"The danger is compounded because the job of changing combine headers is usually done only once or twice a year," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "There is a high probability of making mistakes on jobs that are done infrequently."

Maher says a key to completing the job safely is to make sure both headers are resting securely on well-placed blocks or stands. "When removing a header, be sure it is parked in a well-blocked position so it will be safe for reattaching the next time. Simply backing the combine away from it and letting it fall where it may is hard on the machinery and is not safe," he says.

A header that is wobbly or not aligned correctly is difficult and dangerous to attach. Maher advises adding support with blocks and stands. "You may get by with slipping and sliding it into position, but is an accident and injury worth the small amount of time saved?" he asks.

After the combine has been carefully driven into position for attaching the header, the engine should be turned off and the ignition key removed. Put the key in your pocket so the machine cannot be started while you are working under it.

Maher says operators should think the process through ahead of time. "Locate the pinching and crushing points where you might get hurt before you start the actual process of inserting connecting pins and bolts. Knowing where these dangerous places are will reduce the chance of getting hurt. And never, ever poke a finger through the holes to check the alignment before putting in the pin. It's a shortcut guaranteed to shorten the workday, and your finger," he says..

If any prying has to be done, use the longest pry bar possible, and be sure it won’t slip. A longer pry bar will give you more leverage and keep you further from pinch and crush points.

Before moving the combine be certain that all connections are secure. Moving the combine and a partially attached header with the goal of getting a better alignment is very dangerous. "The worker who stays under the machinery to insert the final pin or bolt as the holes line up is the one who has the best chance of not being able to work the next day," he says.

After the last pin is securely in place and hydraulic connections are checked to be good, it is then safe to remove the header stands and any blocking or jacks. To be sure the work will be safer the next time, store the blocking materials where you will know where they are, in an orderly fashion. Just tossing blocks, stands and jacks in the weeds only makes it more difficult to do a safe job the next time, Maher says.

Just because a different header is on the combine doesn’t mean the job is done. Be sure to replace all missing shields on the combine after headers have been changed. "Also, a change of headers on the combine may require a change in the ballasting of the combine for safe operation. If you are unsure, always check the operator’s manual. A heavier header on the combine may require adding weight to the rear. Front-heavy combines tip easily and may dig into the soil when traveling down hill or stopping quickly. This can cause injury to the operator, even in the cab. Always wear the seat belt," Maher says.

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