FS25 Tutorial: Combine Harvester Tips and Tricks
In Farming Simulator 25, harvesting is an essential step in your crop cycle, and knowing how to do it efficiently will maximize your productivity and profits. This guide covers the essentials of using combine harvesters, headers, and storage options to get the most out of your harvest.
Getting Started with Harvesting
When your crops are ready to be harvested, follow these steps:
- Equip a Combine Harvester and Header: Ensure you have a combine harvester suited for your crop. Attach a compatible header for the crop type you are harvesting. Standard crops like wheat, barley, oats, canola, and sorghum require grain headers, while corn and sunflowers need corn headers.
- Unfold and Prepare the Harvester: Before starting, unfold the harvester and, if needed, unfold the header as well. Activate the harvester to begin collecting crops.
- Unload Your Harvest: Once your harvester is full, unload the crop into a trailer. From there, you can either:
– Store the harvest in a silo for later use or sale,
– Transport it to a selling point for immediate profit, or
– Deliver it to a production point for further processing.
Choosing the Right Combine Harvester
Farming Simulator 25 offers a variety of combine harvesters, each varying in size and power. While they all perform the same function, larger harvesters support bigger headers, allowing you to cover fields faster. Here are a few examples:
- Starting Harvester: A basic, cost-effective option suitable for small to medium fields.
- High-End Harvesters: Models from brands like John Deere and CLAAS, supporting headers up to 15 meters, are ideal for large fields and higher productivity.
Selecting and Using Headers
- Grain Headers: These can harvest standard crops like wheat, barley, oats, canola, and rice.
- Corn Headers: Essential for harvesting corn and sunflowers.
- Special Headers: Some headers specialize in specific crops (e.g., sunflowers or sorghum). Check header descriptions to ensure compatibility.
Transporting Headers
Large headers may need to be transported separately. If your header has transport wheels, you can hitch it directly to your harvester or a vehicle. For other headers, attach them to a dedicated header trailer to tow them safely across your farm.
Harvesting Process and Tips
- Enable Straw Swath (Optional): When harvesting crops like wheat or barley, you can choose to leave straw swath behind. This straw can be baled for animal bedding or sold for extra profit.
- Start Harvesting: Lower the header, activate the harvester, and start collecting the crops. Watch for rocks and obstacles, especially on uneven fields.
- Unload on the Go: If you’re working with a partner or using AI, try unloading directly into a trailer while continuing the harvest, which keeps your workflow smooth and uninterrupted.
Handling Different Crop Types
The process for harvesting various crops remains mostly similar, but some crops do not leave a straw swath, such as corn and canola. Keep in mind that other crop types, like grapes, olives, and sugarcane, require specialized harvesters not covered in this guide but essential for diversifying your farm.
Storing and Selling Your Crops
Once harvested, you have several options:
- Store in Silos: For crops you want to keep until prices peak, silos are your best option.
- Sell Immediately: If the market price is favorable, take your crops directly to a selling point for quick income.
- Process at Production Points: Certain crops can be transformed into more valuable products, like flour or oil, at designated facilities.
Advanced Harvesting Options
For advanced players, there are additional types of harvesting like forage, vegetable, and sugar beet harvesting, which require unique equipment and techniques. Exploring these options can further expand your farm’s profitability and complexity.
Final Thoughts
Harvesting is one of the most rewarding parts of Farming Simulator 25, giving you the literal fruits of your labor. By selecting the right equipment and using efficient harvesting techniques, you can keep your farm thriving season after season. Happy harvesting!
If this guide was helpful, consider checking out more tutorials to help you master all aspects of Farming Simulator 25.
