Combines, also called combine harvesters, are used to harvest grain crops. The agricultural industry has depended on these vehicles for years to boost production and keep harvests properly maintained. Prior to the introduction of the harvester, there were three parts to harvesting grain: reaping, threshing, and then winnowing. Today, the combine harvester is able to integrate all three steps into one seamless process. As a result, harvesting grains is made easier, more efficient, and helps to encourage the mass production of many different types of grain crops.
Using a combine or harvester on a farming field entails the process of leaving waste straw (the remaining dried stems and leaves) on the field behind. As such, the remaining waste straw holds a limited amount of nutrients and are typically chopped and spread across the field or, in some cases, these straws are baled in order for livestock to feed on and use as bedding. The most commonly harvested types of grains are as follows:
- Barely
- Corn
- Flax
- Oats
- Rye
- Soybeans
- Wheat
With the introduction of a variety of advancements in machinery and technology, combine harvesters have developed tremendously. In addition, the electronic development has enabled the harvester operators to optimize their ground speed as well as other operational elements, all of which help to achieve improved grain yields and increase total productivity. Georgia residents will recognize harvester combines throughout the state. These vehicles now travel along the roads and highways of Georgia and sadly lead to quite a few harvester accidents.
Harvester Accidents
Harvesters are important to the overall production in the agricultural industry in the United States. Unfortunately, however, harvester accidents continue to be an issue in every state, particularly in the state of Georgia. There are many hazards and dangers associated with harvester vehicles for both the users of them and anyone in close proximity to the large machinery. Contrary to popular belief, harvester accidents occur rather frequently. Even worse, these are often the most catastrophic accidents, with serious injuries and even life-threatening damage. As such, anyone working near or around harvesters is encouraged to exercise extreme caution.
Due to the many large moving parts involved in a harvester, accident generally surround a mishap with one of the larger mechanisms. Those who work with harvesters must be incredibly alert and aware at all times, as even the slightest error can cause a fatal accident. The following are the most severe dangers linked to harvester accidents:
- Straw chopper or spreader part at the rear of the harvester is used improperly
- User is tangled with the leveling in the grain tank or the discharge
- Harvester runs someone over
- Cutting feature pulls in user
- Contact with the knife, reel, or stripper rotor
- Automatic sensor operations injure the user or trap them
- Header falls from the transport trailer and causes injury
Clearly, there are many hazards associated with the use of these machines and harvester accidents are certainly a potential problem. Those Georgia residents who work in close proximity to them are encouraged to be as careful as possible at all times. If you or a loved one has been injured by a harvester, the Eichholz Law Firm is prepared to take on your case today.