The OneAg team has been working on an exciting initiative to help farmers manage the risk of harvester and header fires. With hot, dry conditions setting in across many grain-growing regions, early detection has never been more important.
To tackle this challenge, OneAg has partnered with technology experts at Teledyne FLIR to explore an early fire-detection solution using advanced thermal-imaging sensor systems.
Harvester fires can be caused by several mechanical faults, including bearings, hydraulics, or brakes. Most often, fires begin in the engine bay, where dust and debris can be blown onto hot exhaust manifolds or turbos.
For grain growers, harvesters are among the most valuable and essential machines on the farm. Keeping a close eye on machine temperature and operating conditions can make all the difference in preventing damage and fire.
By using FLIR thermal cameras, operators can continuously monitor machinery heat levels. Built-in alarms detect potential fire risks before they escalate, helping protect a million-dollar investment.
FLIR thermal cameras are widely trusted across industries, including:
Wind turbine gearbox monitoring
Electrical substation protection
Industrial machinery inspections
Building energy audits
Their broad adoption underscores their reliability in detecting heat-related issues in critical assets.
Two cameras were installed on a customer’s harvester – one in the engine bay and one around the belt and bearings.
After three hours of operation, the heat map showed the engine bay reached 128 °C, demonstrating how thermal monitoring can provide early warning before heat levels reach critical points.
This project is currently a proof of concept. The OneAg team is working hard to develop a field-ready solution that reduces the risk of harvester and header fires.
Stay tuned for updates, and all the best for a safe and successful harvest season.
For further information on harvest fire safety, visit the Country Fire Authority’s guide.
Make sure your machinery is ready for the season with our pre-harvest tech checklist. It’s a handy guide to help you inspect equipment, monitor safety risks, and stay safe.
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