Corn harvest means hard work in the field, maximum strain on people and machines, and precise planning despite unpredictable weather. The key factors are well-prepared technology, reliable lubricants and strong partnerships, ensuring that operations run smoothly and customers are satisfied – even when time is tight.
What does a typical day during the corn harvest look like for you and your team?
On fine days, the workday usually begins early in the morning. The team then spreads out across the seven different corn balers. As a rule, we set up our own harvesting chain, consisting of a forage harvester, transport units, and a baler. In this way, we fulfill customer orders while also harvesting our own corn.
How do you plan the corn harvest operations – from field ripeness to optimal silaging?
The biggest challenge is staffing, since our work depends heavily on the weather. Many drivers take vacation or unpaid leave to support us for two to three weeks, sometimes even up to two months. It is therefore crucial to have enough people available during peak season. Once the staff is in place, the machines must be optimally prepared. Further scheduling is usually done at short notice – some fixed appointments exist with various contractors, but most planning is done with a lead time of only one or two days.
What are the differences in operation between a forage harvester and a baler – particulary regarding wear and tear and technical demands?
It is essential to thoroughly prepare the machines over winter. Both are operated for long days under tough conditions – breakdowns are simply not an option. Preparations are therefore particularly intensive. Of course, something can still break down. In such cases, what matters are short distances, many helping hands, a strong network, and a large spare parts inventory.
Which components of you machines are particularly stressed during the harvest and require top lubricant performance?
In corn balers, it is primarily the bearings that are exposed to high pressures. For these, we use the high-performance grease FETT 3000. But other components are also under heavy stress – in particular the bearings of the hydraulic motors as well as other wear parts that are subjected to high forces during the harvest.
How does MOTOREX support you concretly during the season's stress – through product quality, logistics or technical consulting?
We also feel very well supported in the area of consulting. If a problem arises, we can call our regional manager, Bernhard Küffer, at any time. He recommends suitable products for us to test – and this works reliably. From inquiry to delivery usually takes very little time. Especially when it came to grease, the challenge of long lubrication lines and central lubrication was crucial. We received a product that not only offers excellent lubrication properties, but also a high delivery rate.
What does a smooth harvest mean to you personally – also regarding customer satisfaction?
For us, this is a very important point. Something can always happen – but it becomes critical when the corn baler comes to a standstill: 6–7 people immediately wait until the machine is running again. That is why we place the greatest importance on ensuring that our machines are always optimally maintained and quickly repaired in the event of a problem. Together with the high pressing quality, we ensure customer satisfaction – both for the end customer, the farmer, and for the agricultural contractor. Time is always limited, especially in bad weather. That is precisely why we rely on reliable partnerships.
Lehmann AgroForst AG – efficiency in contract agricultural work
Lehmann AgroForst AG is a Swiss agricultural contracting company. Its services include wood chipping for the production of wood chips, harvesting with combine harvesters, the restoration of natural paths, maize ensiling and baling, pipeline construction for district heating networks, workshop services, stump grinding, as well as natural weed control using hot water. Throughout the year, a team equivalent to 4.5 full-time positions ensures operations, workshop activities, and administration. During the harvest season, the team expands to up to 15 specialists in order to reliably handle the demanding fieldwork tasks. With modern machinery and flexible structures, the company offers efficient solutions for farmers, municipalities, district heating networks, land and forest cooperatives, private customers, and agricultural contractors – built on partnership and strong performance.
More about MOTOREX FARMER LINE.