ANSI/ASAE S343.

3 APR1990 (R2009)
Terminology for Combines and Grain Harvesting

S
T ASABE is a professional and technical organization, of members worldwide, who are dedicated to advancement of

A
engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. ASABE Standards are consensus documents
developed and adopted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers to meet standardization
needs within the scope of the Society; principally agricultural eld equipment, farmstead equipment, structures, soil
and water resource management, turf and landscape equipment, forest engineering, food and process engineering,
electric power applications, plant and animal environment, and waste management.

N
NOTE: ASABE Standards, Engineering Practices, and Data are informational and advisory only. Their use by
anyone engaged in industry or trade is entirely voluntary. The ASABE assumes no responsibility for results attrib-
utable to the application of ASABE Standards, Engineering Practices, and Data. Conformity does not ensure
compliance with applicable ordinances, laws and regulations. Prospective users are responsible for protecting

D
themselves against liability for infringement of patents.

ASABE Standards, Engineering Practices, and Data initially approved prior to the society name change in July of
2005 are designated as ASAE, regardless of the revision approval date. Newly developed Standards, Engineering
Practices and Data approved after July of 2005 are designated as ASABE.

A
Standards designated as ANSI are American National Standards as are all ISO adoptions published by ASABE.
Adoption as an American National Standard requires verication by ANSI that the requirements for due process,
consensus, and other criteria for approval have been met by ASABE.

R
Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial agreement has
been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a simple
majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a
concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

D
CAUTION NOTICE: ASABE and ANSI standards may be revised or withdrawn at any time. Additionally, procedures
of ASABE require that action be taken periodically to reafrm, revise, or withdraw each standard.

Copyright American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. All rights reserved.

ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA ph. 269-429-0300, fax 269-429-3852, hq@asabe.org
ANSI/ASAE S343.3 APR1990 (R2009)
Revision approved January 1991; reaffirmed February 2009 as an American National Standard

Terminology for Combines and Grain Harvesting

Developed by the ASAE Grain Harvesting Committee; approved by the 2.4.1 The maximum and minimum dimensions shall be in the highest
Power and Machinery Division Standards Committee; adopted by ASAE point and the lowest point to which the cutterbar can be raised or lowered
as a Tentative Standard February 1971; reclassified as a full Standard with the standard lift mechanism.
December 1971; reconfirmed December 1977; revised April 1981; 2.4.2 Tire and wheel equipment shall be stated, and tires shall be
reconfirmed December 1985; revised March 1988; approved as an inflated to the field operating pressures recommended by the combine
American National Standard August 1988; revised April 1990; revision manufacturer.
approved by ANSI January 1991; revised editorially March 1991;
reaffirmed by ASAE December 1994; revised editorially February 1995; 2.4.3 The plane on which the combine is standing shall be substantially
reaffirmed by ASAE December 1995, December 1996; reaffirmed by level.
ANSI March 1998; reaffirmed by ASAE December 2001, February 2004; 2.4.4 The header installed at the time of measuring shall be stated.
reaffirmed by ANSI March 2004; reaffirmed by ASABE and ANSI 2.4.5 The grain tank shall be effectively empty in accordance with
February 2009. American National Standard ANSI/ASAE S312, Capacity Designations
and Unloading Performance for Combine Grain Tank Systems.
Keywords: Combines, Grain, Harvesting, Terminology
2.5 Rotating threshing or separating elements
1 Purpose and scope 2.5.1 Threshing cylinder: A rotating element, which in conjunction with
a stationary element adjacent to it, is fitted primarily to promote threshing.
1.1 The purpose of this Standard is to establish terminology pertinent to The crop being threshed is contained between rotating and stationary
grain combine design and performance. It is intended to improve elements for less than 360 deg.
communication among engineers and researchers and to provide a basis
for comparative listing of machine specifications. 2.5.2 Threshing rotor: A rotating element similar to a threshing cylinder
except that the crop is contained for 360 deg and may pass around the
rotor axis one or more times.
2 Combine components
2.5.3 Separating cylinder or rotor: Defined as for threshing cylinder or
2.1 Header: The portion of the combine comprising the mechanisms for
rotor, except that the terms separating and separated replace
gathering the crop.
threshing and threshed.
2.1.1 Gathering width: The distance between the centerlines of the
2.5.4 Rotary separator: An alternative term for a rotary device, similar
outermost divider points; expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
to a cylinder, which is fitted to promote separation only.
Where adjustable dividers are used the maximum and minimum
dimensions shall be stated. 2.5.5 Cylinder or rotor threshing or separating diameter: The
diameter of the circle generated by the outermost point of the appropriate
2.1.2 Grain header width: The distance between the side sheets of the
rotating element as it rotates about its own axis, dimension D, Figs. 1, 2,
header measured immediately above the forward tips of the sickle
3, and 4, expressed in millimeters.
sections; expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.5.6 Cylinder or rotor threshing or separating length: The length of
2.1.3 Maize (ear corn) header width: The average distance between
the cylindrical volume generated by the outermost points of the cylinder
the centerlines of adjacent picking units multiplied by the number of units.
or rotor elements, as the cylinder or rotor rotates about its own axis, and
Where the header width is adjustable, maximum and minimum distances
as appropriate to its threshing or separating section, dimension L, Fig. 2,
between centerlines shall be stated, expressed in centimeters to the
expressed in millimeters.
nearest whole centimeter. The maximum and minimum header widths
shall then be expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth, and the 2.5.7 Single or multiple cylinders or rotors may be disposed laterally (see
number of picking units shall be stated. Fig. 3) or longitudinally (see Fig. 4) within the combine. If multiple
cylinders or rotors are used, the number shall be stated and the
2.2 Cutting mechanism: That device on the header for severing the
dimensions given as in Figs. 3 and 4.
plant stalks. May include reciprocating, rotary, continuous, scissor-type,
or other mechanisms for severing. 2.6 Concave: A concave-shaped stationary element adjacent to the
threshing cylinder or rotor fitted primarily to promote threshing. In the
2.2.1 Sickle: A cutting mechanism which uses a reciprocating cutter.
2.2.1.1 Sickle frequency: The number of cycles which the sickle makes
in a given period of time. One cycle is the full movement of the sickle in
one direction and its return to the starting point. Frequency shall be
expressed in hertz.
2.2.1.2 Sickle stroke: The distance that a point on the sickle travels with
respect to the centerline of a guard in one half cycle; expressed in
millimeters.
2.3 Pickup: A device for gathering a crop from a windrow.
2.3.1 Pickup width: The minimum distance including the width of the
outermost conveying elements but not including the gather of flared side
sheets; expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.4 Cutting mechanism height: The height of the forward tip of any
cutting blade or sickle section above the plane on which the machine is
standing, measured under the following conditions and expressed in
centimeters: Figure 1 Cylinder or rotor diameter

194 ANSIASAE S343.3 APR1990 R2009 ASABE STANDARDS 2009


Figure 2 Cylinder, rotor, and concave dimensions
case of a concave that is permeable to grain flow, either in whole or in
part, there is the secondary important function of primary separation.
2.6.1 Concave width or length: The outside dimension of the concave,
measured parallel to the axis of its associated threshing cylinder or rotor,
dimension W, Fig. 2, expressed in millimeters.
2.6.2 Concave are length: The arc length dimension of the concave,
including the first and last bars. This shall be measured in a plane
perpendicular to the axis of its associated cylinder or rotor and around
the contour formed by the inner surfaces of the concave bars, dimension
A, Fig. 5. Concave arc length shall be expressed in millimeters.
2.6.3 Concave arc: A common alternative way of defining arc length in
degrees. It shall be measured from the outside of the first bar to the
outside of the last bar in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the
associated cylinder or rotor, dimension a, Fig. 5.
NOTE: When using this means of defining the arc length of the
concave, it is essential that the diameter of the associated cylinder or
rotor be quoted also (see Fig. 1).
2.6.4 Concave area: The product of the concave width, or length, and
arc length, expressed in square meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.6.5 If more than one concave is used, this shall be so stated, and the
dimensions and areas shall be given separately.
2.6.6 Concave grate: That portion of the concave which is permeable
for separation.
2.6.7 Concave grate width: As for concave width, W, Fig. 2, expressed
in millimeters.
2.6.8 Concave grate length: Dimension dA, Fig. 6, expressed in
millimeters.
2.6.9 Concave grate arc: That portion of the concave arc that
corresponds to the concave grate length, dimension da, Fig. 6.
Figure 3 Laterally-disposed cylinders or rotors
ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S343.3 APR1990 R2009
Figure 4 Longitudinally-disposed cylinders or rotors, viewed from rear
2.6.10 Concave grate area: The product of concave grate width, W, Fig.
2, and length, dA, Fig. 6, expressed in square meters to the nearest
hundredth.
2.7 Concave grate extension: A permeable element, approximately
concentric to the associated cylinder or rotor and generally forming an
extension to concave, Fig. 4. This may exist merely as a gap between
the concave and the transition grate shown as dimension G in Fig. 7.
2.7.1 Concave extension width: As for concave width, W, Fig. 2,
measured in millimeters.
2.7.2 Concave extension length: Dimension G, Fig. 7, measured in
millimeters.
2.7.3 Concave grate extension area: The product of the concave
width, W, Fig. 2, and the concave grate extension length G, Fig. 7,
measured in square meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.8 Transition grate: A permeable element that provides transition from
the concave grate extension to the next separating device.
2.8.1 Transition grate width: As for concave width, W, Fig. 2, measured
in millimeters.
2.8.2 Transition grate length: The contour length of the upper surface
of the transition grate, dimension B, Fig. 7, expressed in millimeters.
2.8.3 Transition grate area: Product of transition grate width, W, Fig. 2,
and length, B, Fig. 7, expressed in square meters to the nearest
hundredth.
2.9 Rotary or axial-rotor concave. These concaves are similar to the
concaves described in paragraph 2.6 except that they may be longer,
wider and/or oriented longitudinally within the combine (see Fig. 8). The
dimensions are shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Areas are calculated in the same
manner as described in paragraphs 2.6.4, 2.6.10, 2.7.3 and 2.8.3.
2.10 Further separating devices
2.10.1 Straw walker: Multiple, permeable platforms mounted on rotating
cranks which together fill the width of the separating body of the
combine, dimension R, Fig. 9, expressed in meters to the nearest
hundredth. These platforms shake and transport the straw rearward in
the combine, separating the grain from the straw or plant.
2.10.1.1 Straw walker length: The distance from the front to the rear of
Figure 5 Concave arc
195
 Figure 6 Concave grate arc length
the walker, dimension P, Fig. 7, expressed in meters to the nearest
hundredth. If there are adjustable sections at the rear of the walkers, they
should be in the fully extended position.
2.10.1.2 Straw walker area: The product of the width of the straw
walker body, dimension R, Fig. 9, and the length of an individual walker,
dimension P, Fig. 7, expressed in square meters to the nearest
hundredth.
2.10.2 Axial or other rotary separating grates: The rear or final
portion of these grates are designed to separate grain from the material-
other-than-grain, MOG, by centrifugal force (see Fig. 2).
2.10.2.1 Separating grate length: Dimension Ls, Fig. 2, expressed in
millimeters. Where there is more than one rotor and associated grate,
this shall be noted.
2.10.2.2 Separating grate arc length: Dimension A, Fig. 5. The method
used to measure the concave arc length (see paragraph 2.6.2 and Fig.
5) shall be used to measure the separating grate arc length.
2.10.2.3 Separating grate area: The product of separating grate length
and arc length expressed in square meters to the nearest hundredth. If
there is more than one rotor with associated threshing and separating
grates, this shall be stated. The threshing grate areas are additive as are
the separating grate areas.
NOTE: The area that results from this calculation shall not be
Figure 7 Typical walker type combine: (1) Cylinder, (2) Concave, (3)
Beater, (4) Transition Grate, (5) Walkers, (6) Shoe
196 ANSIASAE S343.3 APR1990 R2009
Figure 8 Combine side view: (A) Rotor; (B) Threshing Concaves (Lt); (C)
Separating Concaves (Ls); (D) Back Beater; (E) Shoe; (F) Tailings Return
compared to the separating area that might be associated with a
walker-type combine. The factors that cause separation to take place
are radically different in the two systems, and presently there is no
generally accepted factor, either empirical or theoretical, that can be
used to relate the two.
2.10.3 Auxiliary separating devices: All devices such as rotors, forks,
fingers, etc., that purport to augment the separating process may be
mentioned but may not be used in calculating the walker or separating
area of a combine.
2.10.4 Conveying devices: Devices that only convey material within the
combine (e.g., grain pans, augers, paddles and other nonpermeable
conveyors) may contribute to good separation by stratifying the material,
but they do no actual separating of grain from MOG. Their areas may not
be classified as separating areas or added to the other separating areas
as described in paragraphs 2.6.4, 2.6.10, 2.7.3 and 2.8.3.
2.11 Cleaning devices: The main cleaning device is often referred to as
the shoe. It is usually an oscillating mechanism, containing a number of
adjustable and/or fixed sieves which, together with an air supply
constitute the cleaning apparatus of a combine.
2.11.1 Pneumatic cleaning area: Where chaff and other MOG are
removed by aerodynamic means only, pneumatic cleaning area shall be
calculated as the product of the width and depth of the air stream at the
point of contact of air with the crop material. The area plane shall be
normal to the mean direction of the air stream, and shall be expressed
in square meters to the nearest hundredth. The location of the place
where true pneumatic cleaning takes place is normally at the front of the
shoe, prior to the point where the crop hits the top (or chaffer) sieve.
2.11.2 Cleaning sieve area: The area of each sieve shall be the product
of its length and exposed width, measured in square meters to the
nearest hundredth. These areas shall be additive to give the total
cleaning sieve area of a combine.
2.11.3 Other cleaning areas: Dirt screens, recleaners, and other
auxiliary cleaning devices provide cleaning areas. Permeable surfaces
Figure 9 Width of straw walkers
ASABE STANDARDS 2009
and pneumatic cleaning areas shall be calculated and expressed as
specified in paragraphs 2.11.1 and 2.11.2.
2.11.4 For purposes of reporting combine specifications, the areas
defined in paragraphs 2.6.4, 2.6.10, 2.7.3, 2.8.3, 2.10.1.2, 2.10.2.3,
2.11.1, 2.11.2, and 2.11.3 shall be listed separately and individually.
Areas should not be used singly or in combination as a measure of a
combines capacity, performance or value.
2.12 Combine residue spreading and chopping devices
2.12.1 Straw spreader: Device for spreading the material discharged
from the separator without further cutting.
2.12.2 Straw chopper: Device for cutting material discharged from the
separator. A straw chopper may or may not spread the material.
2.12.3 Chaff spreader: Device for spreading material discharged from
the cleaning device.
2.12.4 Straw and chaff (total harvest residue) spreader: Device(s) for
spreading material from both the separator and cleaning device.
2.13 Engine power: The corrected gross, rated, brake power in
accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J816, Engine
Test CodeSpark Ignition and Diesel, at the governed engine RPM
which shall be stated. Where particular markets require the use of a
different test code for determining engine power, the engine test code
shall be stated.
2.14 Engine displacement: Engine displacement shall be expressed in
liters to the nearest hundredth.
2.15 Turning radius: The distance from the turning center to the center
of tire contact of the wheel describing the largest circle while the vehicle
is executing its shortest turn without turning brakes in operation. The
wheel base and guide wheel tread width shall be stated. Turning radius
shall be expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.16 Clearance radius: The distance from the turning center to the
outermost point of the combine executing its shortest turn without brakes
in operation. If equipment options or attachments affect this dimension,
such equipment shall be specified. The wheel base and guide wheel
tread width shall be the same as in paragraph 2.15. Clearance radius
shall be expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.17 Combine weight: The weight of a combine with the header
removed, with the grain tank empty and with the fuel tank empty (or
deduct weight of fuel). All accessories fitted, e.g., chopper, second
cleaner, etc., shall be identified and their weight stated.
2.18 Combine length: The overall dimension from the foremost point to
the rearmost point of the combine equipped for field operation measured
parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the combine. The header installed
shall be stated, and if other equipment options or attachments affect the
length, such equipment shall be specified. Combine length shall be
expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.19 Combine height: The vertical distance from the plane on which the
combine is standing to the highest point on the combine. The height shall
be measured under the conditions specified in paragraphs 2.4.2, 2.4.3,
Figure 10 Grain tank unloader specifications
ASABE STANDARDS 2009 ANSIASAE S343.3 APR1990 R2009
2.4.4, and 2.4.5. The height with all components in position for transport
and the height with all components in position for field operation shall be
specified. Combine height shall be expressed in meters to the nearest
hundredth.
2.20 Discharge height of unloader: The vertical distance from the
plane on which the combine is standing to the lowest rigid point of the
discharge opening with the unloader in operating position as shown in
Fig. 10. The height shall be measured under conditions specified in
paragraphs 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, and 2.4.5. Discharge height shall be
expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.21 Clearance height of unloader: The vertical distance from the
plane on which the combine is standing to a point on the underside of the
unloader located at a horizontal distance of 1 m (3.3 ft) from the lowest
point of the discharge opening as shown in Fig. 10. This height shall be
measured under the conditions specified in paragraph 2.19, and
expressed in meters to the nearest hundredth.
2.22 Reach of unloader: The horizontal distance measured
perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the combine, from the
lowest point of the unloader discharge opening to the outermost point of
the header on the unloader side as shown in Fig. 10. The reach shall be
measured under conditions specified in paragraph 2.19, and expressed
in meters to the nearest hundredth.
3 Crop terminology
3.1 For the purposes of this Standard, the term grain shall be taken as
the general term of reference for the whole range of grains, seeds,
legumes and fruits which are capable of being recovered from crops by
a combine harvester.
3.2 Grain damage: For the purposes of this Standard, grain damage
refers only to that attributable to the machine. It shall be expressed as
the percentage by weight, to the nearest one-tenth, of damaged kernels
in the sample.
3.2.1 Visible grain damage: Kernel damage where the seed coat
appears broken to the naked eye.
3.2.2 Invisible grain damage: Kernel damage which requires
instrumentation or special procedures for determination.
3.2.3 The applicable grain standard for the United States is Official
United States Standards for Grain #810 published by the United States
Department of Agriculture. Similar standards may apply in other
countries.
3.3 Unthreshed heads: Any head, pod, cob, or part of same from which
all or part of the seed has not been detached.
3.4 Returns: The material from the grain cleaning mechanism which is
recirculated for reprocessing.
3.5 Material-other-than-grain, MOG, to grain ratio: The total weight of
material-other-than-grain, MOG, divided by the total weight of grain in a
sample.
3.6 Moisture content: Moisture content of the crop shall be expressed
on the wet basis. The percentage moisture of the grain shall be
determined from samples taken from the grain flow into the grain tank
during the test runs. The MOG samples shall be taken from the swath
behind the combine applicable to a test run just made. Both samples
shall be sealed in air-tight containers.
3.7 Plant length: The length of the plant from its base at ground level
to its tip when the plant is straightened, expressed in millimeters.
3.8 Stubble length: The length of the straightened plant stalk still
attached to the ground after the crop has been harvested expressed in
millimeters. Where the stubble is lying flat, both its length and the height
at which it was cut should be reported.
3.9 Harvest residue: Material-other-than-grain discharged from the
combine including weed seed.
3.9.1 Chaff: Chaff is the harvest residue discharged from the cleaning
device(s).
197
3.9.2 Straw: Straw is the harvest residue discharged from the Table 1 Crops and conditions for capacity testing
separating device(s).
Range of moisture Process-
Acceptable range of content, percent ing loss
mog level,
4 Combine performance Crop to grain ratio Grain Mog percent
4.1 Threshing: The detaching of seed from the head, cob or pod.
4.2 Separating: The isolating of detached seed, small debris, and Wheat 0.61.2 1020 625 1
unthreshed material from the bulk. Barley 0.61.2 1020 625 3
Rice 1.02.4 1528 2060 3
4.3 Cleaning: The isolating of desired seed from chaff, small debris and
Sorghum 0.40.8 1017 1540 3
unthreshed material. The various stages in the cleaning process are
Corn/Maize 0.40.8 1035 1040 1
listed in the order in which they occur.
Rape/Canola 1.03.0 820 1030 3
4.3.1 Chaffing: The process of separating the grain from chaff and other Soybeans 0.51.5 1015 1020 1
MOG on the top sieve by a combination of pneumatic and mechanical
means. Note: If crop and/or climatic conditions do not permit test data to be obtained to
4.3.2 Sieving: The isolation of desired seed by a mechanical device the above standards, the circumstances shall be reported, and the actual results
where the desired seed penetrates the device and the undesired material shall be recorded.
is carried over the device. Sieving is usually done on a lower sieve and Because the functional characteristics of the conventional walker-type combines
may include the use of air. are so different from those of the axial, rotary, tangential-flow, or other non-
4.3.3 Screening: The isolating of desired seed by a mechanical device, conventional combines, no attempt shall be made to equate areas of these
where the desired seed is carried over the device and the undesired functional components from the one type of combine to another.
material passes through it. This function is not employed in modern This is particularly dangerous when there is intent to use these areas to indicate,
combines, except where rotary second cleaners and dirt/weed screens or imply, differences in capacity between combines of similar size.
are used in elevators, grain pans, and auger troughs.
4.4 Feed rates 4.5.3 Leakage loss: Any involuntary loss of grain from the combine,
other than those described above, expressed as a percent of the grain
4.4.1 Grain feed rate: The weight of grain, including processing loss,
feed rate.
passing through the combine per unit of time expressed in metric tons
per hour (include leakage loss, if measured). 4.6 Capacity
4.4.2 Material-other-than-grain, MOG, feed rate: The weight of 4.6.1 Combine capacity: The maximum sustained MOG feed rate at
material-other-than-grain passing through the combine per unit of time which the processing loss level, with the combine in field operation on
expressed in metric tons per hour. level ground, is as stated in Table 1. Capacity shall be expressed in
metric tons per hour. Tests for determining combine capacity shall be
4.4.3 Total feed rate: The sum of grain feed rate and material-other-
conducted in accordance with American National Standard ANSI/ASAE
than-grain feed rate expressed in metric tons per hour.
S396, Combine Capacity and Performance Test Procedure.
4.5 Grain losses. Grain losses shall be classified according to their
4.6.2 Grain output capacity: The maximum sustained rate of grain
source, and shall include all losses attributable to the combine.
discharged from the combines clean grain elevator at which the
4.5.1 Gathering loss: The weight of grain and unthreshed grain that has processing loss level, with the combine in field operation on level ground,
been missed or dropped by the header or pick-up expressed as a is as stated in Table 1. Capacity shall be expressed in metric tons per
percent of the sum of the grain feed rate and gathering loss feed rate. hour.
Care shall be exercised that natural losses caused by weather, birds,
Cited Standards:
etc., prior to the harvesting of the crop, are not included in the gathering
loss. ANSI/ASAE S312, Capacity Designations and Unloading Performance
4.5.2 Processing loss: The weight of threshed and unthreshed grain for Combine Grain Tank Systems
remaining in the material-other-than-grain, after the completion of the ANSI/ASAE S396, Combine Capacity and Performance Test Procedure
threshing, separation, and cleaning processes expressed as a percent of SAE J816, Engine Test CodeSpark Ignition and Diesel
the grain feed rate. USDA 810, Official United States Standards for Grain

198 ANSIASAE S343.3 APR1990 R2009 ASABE STANDARDS 2009