combine fires are responsible for millions of dollars of loss each year. Fires usually start near the engine where dust and dry crop debris accumulate. Fires can also start when heat is introduced by bearings or gearboxes that have failed. From 1984 to 2000, 695 major grain combine fires were reported to U.S. local fire departments. Dragging chains to reduce static electricity was one method employed for preventing harvester fires, but it is not yet clear what if any role static electricity plays in causing harvester fires. The application of the appropriate synthetic greases will reduce the friction experienced at crucial points, i.e. chains, sprockets and gear boxes, compared to petroleum based lubricants. Engines with synthetic lubricants will also remain significantly cooler during operation. See also Agricultural machinery Combine Demolition Derby Custom harvesting Museum of Scottish Country Life Largest collection of Combine Harvesters in Europe. References Notes Bibliography External links Worldwide Agricultural Machinery and Farm Equipment Directory "Gold Harvest Feeds The World" page 90 Popular Mechanics, July 1949, cutaway illustration of the John Deere open cab one-man self-propelled combine of the type common for decades after World War Two Pictures of combines with corn and wheat heads History of Sunshine Harvesters – Museum Victoria, Australia The Birth of the Australian Stripping Combine Harvester Pictures of Gleaner levelling combines The Combine Talk Forums – A Website with more information and pictures Washington State University film of horse-drawn combine in 1938 Agricultural machinery Harvesters Vehicles introduced in 1834 Grain production