What is the primary harvesting machine used for row crops such as soybeans?

The primary harvesting machine used for row crops such as soybeans is the combine. Combines are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, including reaping (cutting the plants), threshing (separating the grain from the stalks), and winnowing (removing chaff from the grain). This efficiency makes combines particularly well-suited for harvesting crops that grow in rows, such as soybeans.

Other machines like seeders and planters are used for planting seeds into the ground, not for harvesting. While a harvester is a general term that can apply to various harvesting equipment, it does not specifically refer to the specialized function and design of a combine, which is tailored for the needs of row crop harvesting. Therefore, the combine is the most appropriate and efficient choice for harvesting soybeans.