Description
Operate and control combine harvesters to efficiently harvest grain and seed crops. Set and adjust cutting, threshing, separating, and cleaning systems; monitor crop flow, yield, and moisture; unload grain safely; and perform routine maintenance and minor repairs. May transport equipment and assist with post-harvest handling.
- • Inspect, adjust, and service combine harvesters, and report malfunctions to supervisors.
- • Observe and listen to engine, header, and separator systems to detect problems.
- • Set and adjust header height, reel speed, cutterbar angle, and crop dividers for field conditions.
- • Calibrate concave clearance, rotor or cylinder speed, fan speed, and sieve settings to minimize loss and protect grain quality.
- • Operate combines to harvest crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and canola.
- • Monitor grain loss sensors, yield monitors, and moisture sensors, and make on-the-go adjustments.
- • Manipulate controls to start, stop, and synchronize threshing, separating, and cleaning systems.
- • Attach, remove, and change headers or pickup platforms using proper tools and procedures.
- • Unload grain into trucks or grain carts with the unloading auger and coordinate with cart and truck drivers.
- • Record field names, acres, yields, moisture, and load counts in logs or digital systems.
- • Clear blockages and clean rock traps, sieves, and elevators following lockout and safety procedures.
- • Fuel, grease, and perform daily maintenance, including belt, chain, and bearing checks.
- • Transport combines and headers between fields and follow road safety rules and escort procedures.
- • Keep cabs, windows, cameras, and sensors clean to maintain visibility and performance.
- • Assist with post-harvest handling such as staging loads and operating grain conveyors or augers.
- • Follow harvest plans, GPS guidance lines, and headland patterns to maximize efficiency.
- • Direct or train seasonal crew on safe unloading, field traffic, and harvest procedures.
- • Inspect, adjust, and service combines before and during harvest; report malfunctions.
- • Monitor gauges, loss sensors, and machine sounds to detect issues.
- • Set header height, tilt, reel speed, and feeder settings for crop and conditions.
- • Adjust concave, rotor/cylinder, fan, and sieve/chaffer settings for grain quality and throughput.
- • Operate combine harvesters to cut, thresh, separate, and clean grain and seed crops.
- • Calibrate and monitor yield and moisture sensors; record acres, loads, and field data.
- • Unload grain via auger into carts or trucks; coordinate on-the-go unloading.
- • Attach, detach, and align headers and header trailers using pins and hand tools.
- • Clean radiators, screens, and grain tank; remove debris to reduce fire risk.
- • Lubricate, refuel, and replace wear parts such as belts, chains, guards, and sickle sections.
- • Clear blockages and adjust crop flow to minimize losses and downtime.
- • Road and field transport equipment; fold/unfold and follow transport safety rules.
- • Direct grain cart and truck movements to maintain continuous harvest.
- • Load, tarp, and move grain as needed; operate grain carts, semis, or transfer augers.
- • Set and manage residue spreaders or straw choppers to meet field requirements.
- • Follow safety and biosecurity procedures; use PPE and perform lockout/tagout for repairs.
- • Use GPS/autosteer and in-cab displays to hold cut lines and document operations.
- • Perform end-of-season cleanout, inspection, and storage prep for combines and headers.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
