In order to operate a combine harvester at the optimum conditions and maximum performance, a forward speed control system(FSCS) was designed and develped. The FSCS consisted of engine, continuously variable V-belt transmission, threshing unit, traveling unit, detecting unit, and controller. Each components of the system were mathematically modeled. By a computer simulation, the effects of control parameters such as hydraulic piston speed, speed ratio, dead band of engine speed on the system performance were analysed, and the optimum control conditions were identified. The system appeared to be the most stable at the hydraulic piston speed of 10.6mm/s and the speed ratio of 0.4. The proper dead band of engine speed appeared to be 30rpm through the simulation and verification tests.