SAAB, Otavio J. G. AbI.; WATANABE, Fábio S.; FONSECA, Inês C. B.; RALISCH, Ricardo.; BALAN, Marcelo G.
Résumé:
A poorly mechanized crop is capable of causing extensive losses on production. This
work aims to evaluate the influence of several aspects on combines losses, such as cereal combines
operator coaching, operator schooling, and combine age. The parameter was winter corn crop losses.
Twenty five samples were collected across Paraná State. Operators were interviewed and a loss index
was calculated. A rectangular frame 0.5 m long was used, extending over the entire width of the
machine’s platform. Grains collected within that frame were weighted. A volumetric method was
employed to calculate losses on the spike. Schooling had a stronger influence on loss reduction than
coaching. In spite of the expectation, the oldest machines brought smallest losses. The larger the
farming productivity, the smaller the percentage lost.
