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How to Use Combine Advisor on John Deere S700 Series Combines

Optimize Performance, HarvestSmart & Active Terrain Adjust

John Deere's S700 Series combines come equipped with Combine Advisor, an integrated set of automation features designed to make harvesting easier and more efficient. This article provides a step-by-step guide to using Combine Advisor—including Optimize Performance, HarvestSmart, and Active Terrain Adjust—to help you get the best results in the field, reduce grain loss, and save time.

 

What is Combine Advisor?

Combine Advisor is an advanced system built into S700 Series combines that assists operators with adjusting machine settings and automating performance. It includes features that help optimize grain quality, minimize loss, and adapt seamlessly to changing field conditions.

Getting Started with Combine Advisor

Locate the Combine Advisor

  • Access from the Customized Run Page—look for the Combine Advisor section.

  • Use the status icon in the shortcut menu to quickly check the system and jump into settings.

Step 1: Optimize Performance

To get the most out of Combine Advisor, first optimize your machine settings so you're satisfied with your grain loss and grain quality.

  • Manual Adjustment: Make changes yourself until the sample meets your expectations.

  • Machine-Assisted Optimization:

    • Choose your harvest priorities (e.g., grain loss, broken grain).

    • Rank priorities by moving them up/down the list.

    • Select areas of difficulty (you can select more than one problem).

    • The system will ask you to specify the problem (e.g., straw pieces, cob in tank).

    • Combine Advisor will recommend adjustments (e.g., decrease chaffer opening, increase threshing clearance).

    • Choose to apply the recommended setting or cycle through alternatives.

    • The combine will make real-time adjustments and use onboard cameras to monitor changes in grain quality.

    • Continue to provide feedback to the system on whether the adjustment resolved the issue.

Tip: If an optimization session is open and not completed, you cannot set a performance target.

Step 2: Choose Automation Features

After optimizing settings, select which automation features to use:

HarvestSmart

  • Purpose: Automates combine ground speed based on grain loss and target rotor pressure.

  • Settings:

    • Set maximum engine power (adjust for field variability; 100–103% is common).

    • Set a ground speed limit for areas where crop material is low, preventing excessive speed.

    • Adjust system aggressiveness—start with zero for the ideal balance.

Active Terrain Adjust

  • Purpose: Adjusts fan speed, chaffer, and sieve settings as the combine ascends or descends hills to keep more grain inside and cut losses.

  • How it works:

    • Going uphill: reduces fan speed, opens chaffer/sieve.

    • Going downhill: increases fan speed, tightens chaffer/sieve.

  • Settings:

    • Tune uphill and downhill sensitivity (from 0 to ±100).

    • Set millimeter adjustment step size (default is 2mm; options are 1mm, 2mm, or 3mm).

    • Decide which elements (chaffer, sieve, fan) are included in automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems can Combine Advisor help solve?

  • Reducing grain loss

  • Improving grain quality

  • Automating performance targets

  • Adapting combine settings for terrain changes

Do I need technical knowledge to use Combine Advisor?

No. The interface allows you to select problems and priorities easily; the system recommends and applies adjustments for you.

How do I know if adjustments are improving the results?

The system uses cameras to monitor in real time and asks for your feedback to fine-tune its recommendations.

Where can I get further support?

For expert help, contact your nearest Koenig Equipment location and speak with an Optimization Specialist.

Example Scenario

Suppose you're harvesting corn and notice pieces of straw and cob in the grain tank:

  1. Use the Optimize Performance feature.

  2. Select "Grain Quality" as your priority and describe your issue.

  3. The system suggests decreasing the chaffer opening by 4mm—press "Apply."

  4. Watch as the combine makes the adjustment and uses cameras to check tank quality.

  5. Give feedback to the system whether the adjustment worked.