Header for corn and sunflower: how to choose and not make a mistake

Choosing a header is one of the most important decisions before the harvest season. On the correctly selected equipment directly depends the amount of harvested crop, grain losses in the field and the operational productivity of the combine per shift. In this article, we will analyze the key parameters for choosing a header for the two most common crops in Ukraine — corn and sunflower.

Why a universal header is not always the best solution

Many farms try to save money and buy a single header for multiple crops. In practice, this often leads to increased harvesting losses — especially for sunflower and corn, which have fundamentally different stalk and ear structures. A specialized header allows you to adjust the operating mode precisely for a specific crop and reduce losses by 2-5% of the total yield. When calculated across the season's hectares, this is a significant difference in revenue.

Sunflower Headers: What to Look For

Sunflower is a crop with a large and heavy head, which requires a special header design for the cutting mechanism and auger. When choosing a sunflower header it is important to consider the following.

Working width. For farms with a sunflower area of over 200 hectares, the optimal width is 6 to 9 meters. A smaller width reduces productivity, while a larger one requires a more powerful combine.

Compatibility with the combine brand. Headers are manufactured for specific brands and adapters — John Deere, Claas, New Holland, Case IH. Before purchasing, be sure to clarify compatibility with your model.

Condition of cutting knives and fingers. Worn knives increase seed losses during harvesting. The availability of spare parts from the manufacturer is an important criterion when choosing a supplier.

Corn Headers: Key Parameters

A corn header differs from a grain header structurally — it has individual row units for each ear and vertical cutting rollers for severing the stalk. When choosing a corn header, pay attention to the following.

Number of rows. The most common models are 4, 6, and 8-row units. The choice depends on the row spacing in your field and the power of the combine.

Stalk chopping system. A high-quality corn header chops stalks directly in the field, which simplifies soil preparation for the next season and reduces tillage costs.

Height adjustment. The ability to adjust the cutting height allows adaptation to uneven field terrain and reduces the risk of hitting stones.

Attachments: How to Complement the Header

A header is just one element of the harvesting complex. For full-scale operations on the farm, auxiliary attachments attachments are also required for moving grain, bales, and big bags. Bale grabs, big bag lifting hooks, and silage grabs allow using a tractor equipped with a front-end loader for dozens of operations on the farm throughout the entire year — from harvest to winter livestock feeding.

Front-End Loader in the Harvest Season

While the combine operates in the field, a tractor with a front-end loader handles logistics — moving grain from the combine to the grain warehouse, transporting big bags and bales. The HT loader series from Agris Group covers models from 500 to 2300 kg in lifting capacity and is suitable for tractors from 30 to 150+ hp.

Spare Parts: Plan Ahead

Any equipment requires maintenance and replacement of worn parts. This is especially critical at the peak of the season — downtime of a header or loader costs hours of lost harvest. Agris Group manufactures its own spare parts for the entire line of equipment and keeps them in stock at the warehouse in Ternopil. Shipping across Ukraine on the day of order.

Conclusion

A correctly selected header is an investment that pays off in the very first season due to reduced losses and increased harvesting productivity. It is equally important to take care of spare parts and auxiliary equipment for the tractor in advance.

Contact Agris Group managers at +38 (050) 74 57 555 or on the website — we will help you select a header and a loader for your specific combine and tractor model. All products qualify for the state compensation program covering 25% of the cost.