Sunflower and Corn Headers: How to Choose the Right Attachment for Your Crop

Choosing a header is one of the most important decisions before the harvesting season. An incorrectly selected attachment increases grain losses, raises fuel consumption, and slows down the harvesting pace. A proper header, on the other hand, allows you to cover the field quickly and with minimal losses, even under challenging conditions. In this article, we will break down the types of headers, how they differ, and how to choose the optimal option for your crop and combine model.

Why It Is Important to Choose a Header for a Specific Crop

Different Crops — Different Designs

Sunflower and corn have fundamentally different stem structures, plant heights, and ear or head placements. This means that a header that handles sunflower perfectly is not suitable for efficient corn harvesting — and vice versa.

Using an unsuitable attachment leads to:

• Increased grain losses due to an uneven cut
• Stem damage and clogging of the threshing mechanism
• Reduced overall combine productivity
• Unnecessary fuel consumption and extra time per pass

That is why Agris Group headers are developed separately for each crop, taking into account their agrotechnical characteristics.

Sunflower Harvesting Headers

Design Features

Sunflower headers are equipped with special tray or finger lifters that grab the stem and cut the head without damaging it. The key task of such a header is to minimize seed shattering during cutting and transport to the threshing cylinder.

Key Selection Parameters

When choosing a sunflower header, pay attention to:

• Working width — depends on your combine's productivity and the acreage to be harvested per season
• Row spacing — the header must match the planting pattern (usually 70 cm)
• Cutting height — an adjustable cutting unit allows adaptation to varying plant heights
• Combine attachment type — ensure compatibility with your specific model

When Do You Need a New Sunflower Header?

If you notice significant head shattering, an uneven cut, or constant clogging of the cutting unit during harvest, these are signs that the attachment is worn out or was incorrectly chosen from the start. Timely replacement can save up to 5–8% of the crop that would otherwise be left in the field.

Corn Harvesting Headers

Design Features

Corn headers have a completely different design: they are equipped with row dividers and snapping rolls that pull the ear off the stem without letting a large amount of stalk mass into the threshing unit. This fundamentally reduces the load on the combine and increases the cleanliness of the output grain.

Key Selection Parameters

When choosing a corn header, it is important to consider:

• Number of rows — from 4 to 8 or more, depending on the power and productivity of the combine
• Row spacing — the standard is 70 cm, but models for 75 cm and 80 cm are also available
• Stubble chopping — the presence of a stalk chopper simplifies subsequent field cultivation
• Ear gathering type — harvesting losses directly depend on the quality of this component

When Do You Need a New Corn Header?

Worn snapping rolls, deformed dividers, or worn drive chains are clear signs that the attachment requires either a major overhaul or replacement. If repair costs approach 40–50% of the price of a new header, purchasing a new unit becomes more cost-effective.

How to Match a Header to Your Combine

Combine Compatibility — The Primary Criterion

Even the best header won't deliver results if it is incompatible with your combine regarding attachment type, working width, or drive capacity. Before buying, be sure to clarify:

• The combine model and year of manufacture
• The type of adapter plate and mounting standard
• The maximum allowable working width for your combine
• The capacity of the header's hydraulic drive

Our managers will help you select a compatible unit — contact us or call +38 (050) 74 57 555.

Agris Group Headers and Spare Parts

Full Support from Purchase to Harvest Season

In addition to complete headers, Agris Group offers custom-manufactured spare parts for unit maintenance and repair. This allows you to keep your machinery operational throughout the entire season without lengthy waiting times for parts.

If your header needs pre-season repairs, browse the Agris Group spare parts catalog and order the required components with delivery across Ukraine.

Purchase Terms and Delivery

All Agris Group headers qualify for the 25% state compensation program, significantly lowering the actual purchase cost. Read more about the terms of purchase and delivery on the delivery and payment page.

Pickup is available from our warehouse in Ternopil, 20 Promyslova St. Working hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00.

The right header is not just an attachment, but a tool that directly impacts the profitability of your season. Choose your header based on the specific crop, ensure combine compatibility, and don't leave your seasonal preparations until the last minute.

Browse the full Agris Group header catalog and choose the unit that perfectly fits your farm. If you need a consultation, our specialists are always ready to help.