Soybean Threshing Reducing Crackage with Proper Concave Spacing
Soybean crackage is largely a preventable problem. The vast majority of mechanical seed damage originates from concave spacing that is set too tight — often because operators fear leaving unthreshed pods in the field more than they fear elevator dockage. In reality, the financial cost of crackage almost always exceeds the cost of a small amount of field loss. By understanding the relationship between concave clearance, rotor speed, crop moisture, and grain quality, operators can make informed, real-time adjustments that protect both the crop and the bottom line. Regular calibration, early morning harvesting, appropriate concave type selection, and continuous monitoring are the pillars of a low-crackage soybean harvest.
