In order to identify the maize excellent varieties that are resistant to the dense planting and adapt to mechanized harvesting in the Dongting Lake area, a field experiment was conducted in 2018, with six tested varieties (Zhengdan 958, Yudan 9953, Xiangnongyu 27, Jingnongke 728, Qian 779, Fuyu 10) used as the material. A randomized block experiment design was adopted to compare the yield and actual mechanical harvest performance indexes of different varieties. The results showed that the growth period of the six varieties tested was 101-110 d, Yudan 9953 and Jingnongke 728 had the shortest growth period (101 d). There was no significant difference in yield among the tested varieties, and Yudan 9953(8 214.51 kg/hm2), Jingnongke 728(8 174.13 kg/hm2), Fuyu 10(8 065.61 kg/hm2) had higher yields. The regression equation of yield(y) and number of rows(x1), kernel row number(x2), grain weight(x3) are y=–8 146.84+ 284.505x1+255.274x2+157.759x3; all three independent variables had positive effects on yield. There were differences in the moisture content of grains(16.05%-30.16%) of the tested varieties during the harvest period. The total loss rate of the mechanical harvest was 2.58%-4.85%, and the average value was 3.49%. Some varieties showed significant differences in the grain breakage rate, loss rate and impurities. The grain moisture content of the tested varieties was positively correlated with the grain loss rate, ear loss rate and total loss rate. The grain moisture content was positively correlated with the grain breakage rate, and had a very significant positive correlation with the impurity content. Comprehensive growth period, yield traits and mechanical harvest traits, it is Yudan 9953 and the Jingnongke 728 can be used for demonstration and promotion of dense-tolerant and suitable machine- harvested summer maize varieties in Dongting Lake area.