Wet Harvest – How to Avoid Getting Bogged Down

A wet harvest season can present serious challenges, from muddy fields to increased equipment wear. At Ziegler Ag, we’re dedicated to helping farmers stay productive, even when conditions are less than ideal. With the right strategies and reliable equipment from trusted brands like Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Brandt, and CAT, you can keep your harvest moving forward despite the mud. Here’s how to handle a wet harvest season and avoid getting bogged down.

1. Equip Yourself with the Right Tires and Tracks

In wet and muddy conditions, choosing the right tires or tracks is essential to prevent equipment from sinking or losing traction.

• Upgrade to Wider Tires or Duals: Wider tires and duals increase surface area, improving traction and stability in soft fields. Ziegler Ag offers a range of tire options for brands like Massey Ferguson and Fendt to help you handle challenging ground.
• Consider Tracks for Better Floatation: Tracked equipment distributes weight more evenly, reducing compaction and making it easier to traverse wet fields. Brandt and CAT track solutions provide the traction needed to navigate through muddy conditions without causing soil damage.
• Monitor Tire Pressure: Proper tire inflation is key in wet conditions. Lowering tire pressure can increase floatation and reduce soil compaction, helping your equipment stay on top of soft ground.

2. Avoid Overloading and Optimize Weight Distribution

Managing the weight of your equipment is crucial in wet conditions. Overloading can cause machines to sink into the ground, making it harder to maneuver.

• Distribute Weight Evenly: Keep loads balanced to avoid excessive weight on one side, which can increase the risk of getting stuck. Distributing weight effectively reduces strain on the ground, giving your tractor or combine more stability.
• Consider Grain Carts for Hauling: Using a grain cart with large tires or tracks can minimize soil compaction and allow for easier unloading. Ziegler Ag offers Brandt grain carts that are designed for optimal weight distribution, keeping your operation moving efficiently even in wet fields.
• Reduce Load Size: When fields are especially muddy, consider hauling smaller loads. This reduces the stress on your equipment and helps you avoid getting bogged down.

3. Maintain Clean Equipment to Prevent Mud Buildup

Mud and debris can build up quickly in wet fields, impacting performance and causing unnecessary wear on your equipment. Keeping machinery clean during harvest is essential for efficiency.

• Clear Mud from Tires and Tracks: Excess mud can reduce traction and put stress on the engine. Take time to clear tires and tracks periodically to maintain grip and avoid overheating.
• Clean Radiators and Air Intakes: Mud can clog radiators and air intakes, leading to engine overheating. Ziegler Ag’s expert technicians recommend regular cleaning of these components, especially during a wet harvest, to keep equipment running smoothly.
• Use Ziegler Ag’s Service Team for Maintenance: Regular inspections and cleanings help prevent buildup that can slow down your operation. Ziegler Ag’s service team is available to support you with in-field maintenance, ensuring your equipment performs reliably despite wet conditions.

4. Make Adjustments for Better Harvesting in Wet Fields

Certain adjustments to your combine and other harvesting equipment can improve performance and reduce the risk of getting stuck.

• Raise Harvesting Height: Raising your header height slightly can help you avoid picking up mud and debris, which reduces the load on your machine and prevents clogging.
• Adjust Speed According to Conditions: Wet fields often require slower operating speeds to maintain control and minimize wheel slippage. Reducing speed helps preserve traction and prevents soil damage.
• Optimize Your Combine Settings: Wet conditions may require adjustments to combine settings, such as fan speed and concave clearance. Consult Ziegler Ag’s service team for guidance on optimizing combine settings for maximum efficiency in wet conditions.

5. Plan Your Route Strategically

Having a plan for navigating your fields can make a significant difference in how efficiently you can harvest in muddy conditions.

• Harvest from the Driest Areas First: Begin harvesting in fields or sections that are less saturated to reduce the risk of equipment getting stuck. Work from the driest areas to the wettest, so you can complete as much as possible before conditions worsen.
• Use Established Paths: When possible, use existing tracks or paths created earlier in the season to minimize soil compaction and reduce the chance of getting bogged down.
• Leverage GPS Guidance: Ziegler Ag’s precision equipment from Fendt and Massey Ferguson allows for precise route planning, helping you make the most efficient use of your field paths and avoid difficult areas.

Rely on Ziegler Ag for Equipment and Support in Wet Conditions

A wet harvest can be tough, but with the right equipment and guidance, you can keep your operation running smoothly. At Ziegler Ag, we provide the high-quality machinery, parts, and service needed to tackle muddy fields with confidence.

• Top Equipment Brands: Our selection of Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Brandt, and CAT equipment is designed to handle tough conditions, from high-traction tires to powerful engines that keep you moving in wet fields.
• Expert Maintenance and Service: Our technicians are available for on-site service, maintenance, and inspections, helping you prevent and address issues that can arise in wet conditions.
• Ongoing Support You Can Trust: Ziegler Ag is dedicated to your success. With our Never Settle commitment to quality, we’re here to support you through every season and every challenge.

Contact Ziegler Ag for Reliable Support and Equipment

Whether you need maintenance for wet field conditions or equipment upgrades to handle challenging harvests, Ziegler Ag is here to help. Get in touch with our team to find the solutions that keep you moving forward.

• Explore Our Equipment for Challenging Conditions: Ziegler Ag Equipment
• Talk to a Ziegler Representative: Call 800-352-2812 for expert advice and support.
• Visit Your Nearest Ziegler Location: Ziegler Locations

With Ziegler Ag, you’ll have the tools and support you need to tackle a wet harvest season effectively and keep your operation running strong. Never Settle for anything less than the best in equipment and service.