Good management is the key to maximizing the productivity and efficiency of cotton harvesters. Management decisions made at planting time and continuing through harvest determine how productive and efficient the cotton harvester will be. Proper planting methods, use of chemicals during the season, proper defoliation, machine maintenance, handling of seed cotton, and operator expertise all are important factors in determining overall harvester productivity. Cotton quality, machine life and ultimately, bottom line profit are directly determined by these critical management decisions. Understanding the exact function of the harvester and knowing what must be done to make it operate at its highest efficiency should be the prime goal of every cotton producer.