This sheet-metal panel is the straw deflector, mounted at the rear of the combine’s straw chopper. It guides the chopped straw stream downward and rearward, controlling the spread pattern behind the machine. The deflector interacts with the chopper rotor and the rear hood; its angle and position determine how evenly the material is distributed across the stubble. A bent or missing deflector allows straw to pile unevenly, which can interfere with subsequent tillage or baling operations. The panel is formed from stamped sheet metal to match the original contour of the chopper housing, ensuring the airflow path and mounting hole locations align without modification. When reinstalling, check that all fasteners are torqued to specification and that the deflector does not contact the rotor tips.