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wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/6/2016 17:45 (#5225909)
Subject: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

What would be the best combine for a small guy starting out? Would cover maybe 170 acres a year and don't really want to spend over 15,000 for it. Does that seem possible? Would be fine with a 6 row head and 15' platform. I grow corn, soybeans, and wheat, and trying rye for grain this year as well. Would like to have a walker machine over rotary because of baling straw. 150-200 bushel corn and 50 bushel beans on average it would cover.
Thanks!

hinfarm

Posted 4/6/2016 17:50 (#5225914 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Amherst WI

1460

wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/6/2016 18:23 (#5225978 - in reply to #5225914)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

We have John Deere, case, and Massey dealers all within an hour of the farm and all have great service. Have had someone custom combine for me the past few years just seems like they don't care all that much about the job they do, more focused on covering as many acres as possible, this past year they finished my last 30 acres of beans in the rain just so they didn't have to finish them the next day..... I feel as if the losses out of their combine is unacceptable, and most of it coming from the head but just shrug it off when I point it out.
Work full time along with crop farming and having livestock as well and feel like I can get my crops off at a more optimum time rather than "we will get to it when we get to it". Just getting frustrated also playing the guessing game of when they will finally get to me then getting a call some morning saying they are moving over to me now and to find some trucks which you guys can imagine how easy that is to line up mid harvest. With work I have a pretty flexible schedule of being able to take time off when need be which would go good if I did my own combining. Also would most likely just be combining for myself, hope to grow to maybe 400-500 acres eventually but most all my neighbors are farming 1-8,000 acres and have their own combines.

hinfarm

Posted 4/6/2016 18:28 (#5225988 - in reply to #5225978)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Amherst WI

I still have the same answer. You can build 1/2 a 1460 out of the Shoup catalogue, bone yards and Messicks can ship the rest to your door.

You can buy heads and and machine and still be several thousand under budget and have enough capacity for several hundred acres more than you currently have.

wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/6/2016 18:33 (#5226003 - in reply to #5225988)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

Hinfarm, is there any years to try and get or stay away from for the 1460's?

XIX

Posted 4/6/2016 18:55 (#5226064 - in reply to #5226003)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

I was where you are a couple years ago. 1460 was the best decision I made that year. Simple, efficient, cheap. You should be able to pick up a good one with heads under 10k. Look for a late model with electric over hydraulic control. If you have more money to spend jump up to a 16 series. I have green equipment, but the red combines of that era cannot be beat.

hinfarm

Posted 4/6/2016 18:55 (#5226065 - in reply to #5226003)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Amherst WI

I think they are allgood but the later ones with the electric over hyd controls are more user friendly in corn, the twin stick might be better in beans ( no electrical issues with the auto header).

I had one for 5 years. It came with 5500 hours and left with 6500. I had the dealer out once since I couldn't figure out how to get at a bearing. After he took it apart it was a duh moment! I'd run 800-1000 acres a year through it. I figured my cost per acre to run it a little while ago and it was around $12/Ac. That included fuel!

I wish I never sold it.

a4t-1600

Posted 4/6/2016 18:59 (#5226072 - in reply to #5225978)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Dearfield Co.

The only thing I will say is if he wants to bail then any IHC isn't the answer. I have had tons of people tell me they do it but its a waste. The straw out the back is broken up bad enough a chopper wasn't needed. If you need a walker machine for bailing the straw it will prob need to be a 6620 or 7720 deere. Or even a Gleaner.

The IHC is as good of machine as any I mentioned except to bail behind--------if you want to dick with one of those little drag behind trailer and dump when its full the IHC would work.

Dave7060

Posted 4/6/2016 19:06 (#5226088 - in reply to #5226072)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

F2, F3, M2 or M3, wouldn't consider anything else. By far the simplest, easiest to work on and reliable with decent preventative maintenance than anything else that age. Wouldn't turn down an L2 or L3 either but probably won't find one for the price you want and it would be pretty big for you.

Brian sepa

Posted 4/6/2016 19:28 (#5226144 - in reply to #5226072)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Lancaster County, Pa.

I've been baling behind an axial flow for 25 years
Yes, sometmes the straw gets a little fine but not often. I think it's significant that the op is from pa and you are from Colorado. We have enough humidity that it keeps the straw from getting bone dry like you guys experience. I didn't know what dry was till I came out west to run harvest.
To tho op.....I second the motion for an 1440 or 1460. Or if you can find one in the budget go with a 1640-60.

a4t-1600

Posted 4/6/2016 19:55 (#5226218 - in reply to #5226144)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Dearfield Co.

I have ran one in MO is as far east as I have been granted there is a difference like you say but if you still have a occasion that it gets fine a better all around job could be done with a walker machine.

Mark (EC,IN)

Posted 4/6/2016 20:10 (#5226251 - in reply to #5225914)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana

1460, maybe even with the current prices a 1660 would be under budget also

Ken

Posted 4/6/2016 17:52 (#5225919 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central Ia

Just depends on how old you want, how good of shape it's in and the dealers in your area, JD 6620, 9400, IH or Case Ih 1420,1440, 1620,1640, Gleaners F2 or 3, M2 or 3, N5 or 6. Just a lot of variables can you get some one to custom combine or do you want to do it your self?

Fred

Posted 4/6/2016 17:53 (#5225921 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

south east SD

Your best closest dealer. Then buy what he sells. You have trouble then not far to go for help.

topdollar farm

Posted 4/6/2016 18:06 (#5225947 - in reply to #5225921)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

iowa

your neighbors . trust me . 170 acres is about 3 good days running then it will set for 361 days find a neighbor or friend and help back and forth during harvest.

jtpfarm

Posted 4/6/2016 18:18 (#5225973 - in reply to #5225947)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

topdollar farm - 4/6/2016 18:06

your neighbors . trust me . 170 acres is about 3 good days running then it will set for 361 days find a neighbor or friend and help back and forth during harvest.

+1

With the cost of parts (and labor if you are in a bind or don't have the skills) one breakdown could end up costing more than hiring custom harvest. With the depreciation, parts, and labor costs on combines today, its hard to justify owning a combine right now on small acres.

Personally, I would offer to help the neighbor in full or partial exchange for harvest.

If you are set on buying, the 20 series Deere or the IH in that same era should fit your price and needs.

jedeka

Posted 4/6/2016 18:29 (#5225989 - in reply to #5225973)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Boone, Iowa

+2. My neighbor went thru similar situation last fall. He has a full-time job and an older line of equipment . I decided it was cheaper for me to combine his 170 acres than for him to take off work, do maintainance and repairs on the equipment and combine the crops. He ended up getting away for the weekend to visit his daughter in college. He told me today to plan on planting his crops this spring.

Edited by jedeka 4/6/2016 18:33

HeyhayJCM

Posted 4/6/2016 18:35 (#5226013 - in reply to #5225989)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central ohio..between Springville and Millbrook.

I think it's the perfect time to buy a combine. There are some great deals out there on older machines that have been really taken care of. If you spend 15k and get through 3 years without any major breakdowns it will be paid for. Then you can harvest at your own pace and don't have to worry about a customer guy showing up late or not at all.

Dan Loehr

Posted 4/6/2016 18:35 (#5226011 - in reply to #5225973)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Holland, Indiana (SW IN)

Buy a Case rotor 1640, 1460 a lot of those built, simple cheap parts and works good- last time hired some one to do anything for us was the last time. If you want to expand in the future you need a line of equipment.

On an opinion possibly worth what it costs Dan

Edit just re read your post bailing straw may be a problem -but most walker machines - prob going to P some one off but IMO POS.

Edited by Dan Loehr 4/6/2016 18:40

4010

Posted 4/6/2016 19:11 (#5226103 - in reply to #5226011)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

i would buy a 1660 turbo charged motor lots of hp with 466 ih and fuel pump turned up

jdbob8100

Posted 4/6/2016 18:41 (#5226027 - in reply to #5225973)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Since your wanting a walker for dropping straw a JD 7720 would be a good buy, or a MF 750 would be cheaper if you have a good AGCO dealer[that is if parts for these older combines if they are still in their system], or a Gleaner walker-not sure on parts for them as well, there is always some cream puff combines in any ones area. Put a want ad in your local papers. Custom rates in this part of the world are from $25 to 40/acre, at 40 they usually provide trucks but at 40 you could afford a combine in not too much time -even with repairs.

Big brother

Posted 4/6/2016 18:49 (#5226047 - in reply to #5225921)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

southern ontario

Gotta ask have you looked at your custom guys own fields ? Or someone else's ,I'm sure you have but guys wanting to combine should take the trucks with them if they have half a brain and want to keep combines rolling ,not up to you imho ! Maybe you could work with another guy also cause your gonna need wagons and someone to haul them to keep combine going too

wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/6/2016 18:58 (#5226070 - in reply to #5226047)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

Yes I have seen other fields he has done and they all look about the same as far as grain loss, some a little worse than others. He complains every year about losing yet another customer that either finds someone else or buys their own machine. Trucks are not hard to line up as long as you can call ahead of time and schedule them, one local co-op runs 3 tri-axles every fall for farmers hauling grain, most of mine is either hauled 8 miles one way or 40 the other.

WItitan2

Posted 4/6/2016 20:34 (#5226332 - in reply to #5226070)
Subject: think big!

Pierce county WI

I have always had my own combine, even when I only farmed 170. Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have field size in common. So these guys out west don't run in the same conditions as a farmer from pa. Here's how I figure it: it's not cheaper to own a combine. It's not anymore expensive. But, if you're like me, and drying it yourself, it takes time. A custom guy wants to do it all in one shot. I will guarantee this, it's way cheaper to dry your own. Then there's the issue of beans. I've seen guys wait for a long time to get they're beans combined, because of mother nature not cooperating. There was a perfect window to harvest and the custom guy was doing someone else's. And on the flip side, I've seen beans drop moisture in two days that could pay for the combining of you couldve cut them at the ideal moisture. You must like machinery, I think that's half the reason some of us farm. Anyhow, as far as a combine, I had good luck with my 4400, 6620, and 7720 titan 2. The parts availability for older Deere combines around here is second to none. However, I'm going to say skip the 7720 and go for a 9500. I bet you could buy a decent one somewhere for not much more than 15k. I traded the 7720t2 on a 9510 last fall, and it's frickin sweet! Probably more combine than I need to combine 250 acres, but it works for my farm. Good luck, at least combine shopping is a fun job.

DB Tracks

Posted 4/6/2016 21:33 (#5226545 - in reply to #5226332)
Subject: RE: think big!

Camp Douglas Wi. 40miles nw of wi. dells

Well said Ryan, we have 9770 for our varsity combine, and 9510 for our JV combine, we use the 9510 in wheat (100 acres or so) we get more straw, then we use both combines in soybeans, do all the corn with 9770. Dan

WItitan2

Posted 4/6/2016 21:41 (#5226558 - in reply to #5226545)
Subject: RE: think big!

Pierce county WI

I've got a neighbor that makes pretty good money doing grain in the summer for people that sell the straw. You use the 9510, he custom cuts with a 9500. Pretty funny, the one guy he combines for has a newer cr new holland, and theres that old 9500 running around combining small grains. I bet you're not getting rid of that 9510 or at least a conventional for a long time. Sure is a different world where we all farm. Us in Wisconsin have to put the baler away when the sun goes down! Unless you're making baleage. We still gotta see that ol tigger.

DB Tracks

Posted 4/7/2016 06:23 (#5226946 - in reply to #5226558)
Subject: RE: think big!

Camp Douglas Wi. 40miles nw of wi. dells

Posting pictures is on my bucket list. Dan

Edit- you are correct, 9510 is here to stay.

Edited by DB Tracks 4/7/2016 06:31

Tnfarmer

Posted 4/6/2016 18:47 (#5226038 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

tennessee

I will have 305 acres this year and I work full time off farm. I've always had my own combine. Can't imagine waiting on someone to finish their crop while mine is wasting away in the field. I started with a gleaner f2 then a IH 1460 and now a IH 1660. Can't say much bad about the ih's but the f2 was not my favorite. I'd go 1660 if I were you then you can grow and not need another machine for a while. You can get them cheap right now. My 2 cts.

Jmo1999

Posted 4/6/2016 18:48 (#5226042 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Here

I'm about the same as you, town job, 200 ac. I hired a guy the first couple yrs. then I bought a nice older 1460, about 5 yrs. ago, bought for $9000 with 6 row and 17.5 head. Sent it throught the shop in town to have them ck it out. spent $1500 for them to fix a couple things and last yr. I replaced 1 chain, $65 preventive maintenance. Easiest machine to work on, and adjust, except for the new ones that you can adjust everything in the cab! I would buy any brand of tractor, but I will only buy a IH combine, theres a reason others have copied it, but can't beat it.

wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/6/2016 18:54 (#5226062 - in reply to #5226042)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

Sounds like most everyone reccomends to get a case combine! Yes the custom guy has been raising his rates every year by $2 an acre for everyone, is at $38 a acre for this year which seems awful high to me, that's for just a combine, no trucking of any means. I am not afraid of having any breakdowns as I can usually tackle and fix about any problem since I hate paying for someone else to fix something I can do myself. So I guess I will try and keep my eye out for a good looking 1460-1660 to hopefully snag by wheat time this summer. How much fuel does one of these combines typically burn per acre?

Tnfarmer

Posted 4/6/2016 19:08 (#5226095 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

tennessee

I don't know exactly how much fuel per acre but the cummins engine will use more fuel than the ih 466 if u go the 1660 route. I have no problem with the ih motor but some love the Cummins.

Big brother

Posted 4/6/2016 19:19 (#5226122 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

southern ontario

Probably be 8 to 10 an acre for fuel and if your filling trailers might need a cart to load to

hinfarm

Posted 4/6/2016 21:44 (#5226570 - in reply to #5226122)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Amherst WI

I think you mean gallons per hour, not acre.

jdbob8100

Posted 4/6/2016 19:35 (#5226162 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

None of the rotor guys likes them in wheat around here but you probably don't have too many acres. Get a IH with reversor on the feederhouse-other wise you'll be using a bar-what fun. IH 1440-1460-1480 as far as I know does not have feederhouse reversor-its hard to believe all the IH lovers love backing a feeder house out by hand, muscle & a long bar. On Deere the reversor has been standard equipment since 1979 & what a great feature that is & benefit to combining & the lighter rear ends that break off must be fun for all the IH farmers to spend quality time fixing. I have combined with my brother in-law in beans & they do good but that engine running out at 3000 rpm its good its in back.

Mark (EC,IN)

Posted 4/6/2016 20:14 (#5226270 - in reply to #5226162)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana

jdbob8100 - 4/6/2016 19:35

None of the rotor guys likes them in wheat around here but you probably don't have too many acres. Get a IH with reversor on the feederhouse-other wise you'll be using a bar-what fun. IH 1440-1460-1480 as far as I know does not have feederhouse reversor-its hard to believe all the IH lovers love backing a feeder house out by hand, muscle & a long bar. On Deere the reversor has been standard equipment since 1979 & what a great feature that is & benefit to combining & the lighter rear ends that break off must be fun for all the IH farmers to spend quality time fixing. I have combined with my brother in-law in beans & they do good but that engine running out at 3000 rpm its good its in back.

My 1460 has a chopper, grain loss monitor, yield monitor, and a feeder house reverser, and runs about 2500 rpm under load.

How many pair of green and yellow underwear you own? (-:

Edited by Mark (EC,IN) 4/6/2016 20:17

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bigpappa9485

Posted 4/7/2016 10:18 (#5227550 - in reply to #5226270)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Nice rig!

redblooded

Posted 4/6/2016 21:18 (#5226491 - in reply to #5226162)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Shelburne Ontario Canada

JD8100)) Have yet to see a axial flow with no feeder reverse .

School Of Hard Knock

Posted 4/6/2016 21:32 (#5226544 - in reply to #5226491)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Central ND

redblooded - 4/6/2016 20:18

JD8100)) Have yet to see a axial flow with no feeder reverse .

Red axial flow? 1440 1460 didn't have them and I believe that the 1480 was an option on the newer models with the electric starter type reverser. Mine has no reverser on it.(I cuss it for not having it too)

Mark (EC,IN)

Posted 4/6/2016 21:44 (#5226569 - in reply to #5226544)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana

School Of Hard Knock - 4/6/2016 21:32

redblooded - 4/6/2016 20:18

JD8100)) Have yet to see a axial flow with no feeder reverse .

The electric starter type reverser is what my 1460 has.

School Of Hard Knock

Posted 4/6/2016 23:27 (#5226756 - in reply to #5226569)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Central ND

Interesting. I didn't realize they had them? A reverser around here was hit and miss on the 1480's in my area to my knowledge, but there definitely were all 3 of those machines produced without them as well. Last fall I took to looking for a used one in salvage yards and there were more machines by far with none than with them at Petes tractorsalvage.Also there were a couple with aftermarket ones added on.

Edited by School Of Hard Knock 4/6/2016 23:28

Mark (EC,IN)

Posted 4/7/2016 05:18 (#5226868 - in reply to #5226756)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana

School Of Hard Knock - 4/6/2016 23:27

Interesting. I didn't realize they had them? A reverser around here was hit and miss on the 1480's in my area to my knowledge, but there definitely were all 3 of those machines produced without them as well. Last fall I took to looking for a used one in salvage yards and there were more machines by far with none than with them at Petes tractorsalvage.Also there were a couple with aftermarket ones added on.

Most didn't have them. Mine is one of the last built, it says CASE IH on it. It had several other things most didn't have like a chopper and the for and aft hydraulic circuit/outlet for the 1020 heads.

jd-tom

Posted 4/7/2016 10:10 (#5227532 - in reply to #5226868)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

SW Minnesota

Mark (EC,IN) - 4/7/2016 04:18

Most didn't have them. Mine is one of the last built, it says CASE IH on it. It had several other things most didn't have like a chopper and the for and aft hydraulic circuit/outlet for the 1020 heads.

You have a rare bird there - not many 1400 series CASE-IH combines out there...

To the OP:

Now, I'm a (mostly) green guy and I do have a JD 9560 Walker combine because I do a fair amount of small grain and I want to bale the straw. With that being said, I worked at a Case-IH dealer many years ago and for simplicity of servicing, the Axial-Flow combine wins hands down. For the budget you have set for yourself, the majority of the responders here are offering good advice. There are plenty 1440/1460 and 1640/1660 combines out there as well as the headers for them. Take your time, look them over carefully and get the one that you think is the best deal for the money. The cheapest machine probably isn't the best deal. Stay away from the 820 Series flex heads - you should be able to get a nice 1020 header for not a lot of money and its a WAY better header.

Now as far as baling straw behind one, it kinda depends on how much you actually are baling. If 10-20 acres of your 170 acres are small grain, don't get a walker machine just because of that. Search thru past posts here on NAT - there are several things you can do to an Axial-Flow to tweak it to do a better job with your straw. You probably will have to get a machine without a straw chopper for the best results. But if half or more of your acres are for straw, then you might want to get a walker machine...

Jmo1999

Posted 4/6/2016 19:51 (#5226204 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Here

6 yrs. ago when I hired a guy for like $4000 for 200 ac. plus fuel, he brought his 2 brent 540 wagons along for that price. As far as fuel an IH engine is more fuel efficient then a cummins. I would guess that I burn 450 gals. of fuel for 200 ac. beans and corn. I know the tank holds 60 gal. and I can run all day on it doing corn, about 8,000 bu. shelled.

sandfarmer

Posted 4/6/2016 20:03 (#5226241 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

SW Indiana

I have a 1460 that I'm thinking of selling. Email in my profile is good if you want details and southern Indiana isn't too far away.

Mike

OlsonKrist

Posted 4/7/2016 00:50 (#5226804 - in reply to #5226062)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

nw MN

Went from an 8820 to a Jd rotor this year. I would have gone red but had to spend a little extra money on the Deere to get a decent dealer. Everyone says you need a walker to bale behind but once you experience all the benefits the rotor gives you, straw quality seems like a non issue. If you want super premium straw get a stripper head and swath it afterwards.

sj3788

Posted 4/6/2016 19:21 (#5226127 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

swohio

I'll add mine take in here. 1460/1660. Is the straw for you, or do you sell it? Yes the rotor will chew it up more, but if you are using it for bedding yourself, I liked it. I have had a 1460 now for 16 years. One great machine. Mine is a 84. Electric over hyr. started I think in 81, maybe 82. I would look for that. Only had a few minor issues with header height. Lots of these made, you can update almost anything on it. Mine burns maybe about 1 1/2 gal/hr. You very easily could find a good 1660 also in your price range. Have seen some very cheap combines this winter. I run a 863 corn head and a 1020 20' platform. I went out last year and bought a 1680 to run corn and kept the 1460 to run beans. I think 1460 one of the best combines every made.

yakpenoose

Posted 4/6/2016 19:23 (#5226131 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

i farm 235 acres- use a 3200 engine hour 6 cylinder standard trans massey 860- purchase price $2500 at auction , probably have put $2000 into it after using it 2 years. also use a 2500 engine hour massey 750, paid $2000 for it and havent really spent any thing on it yet....
i'd look for something at auction for up to 5000 and spend a bit to fix it up and put the rest in your pocket for that low of acres-

KRM

Posted 4/6/2016 20:17 (#5226279 - in reply to #5226131)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

NC Kansas

Man I know those massey's are dirt cheap and cut a good sample when they run but...and this is our 550 experience talking....just don't settle for a Massey of that era. Just. Don't.

DanR

Posted 4/10/2016 23:36 (#5235771 - in reply to #5226279)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

SW Sask

From a little local discussion and a lot of NewAgTalk, I believe that the 550 Massey redefined the low range of product quality that you could sell without setting off outright revolts.

750 and 850/860 were quite a bit better. I would even suggest that if you find one that is operational, it has already proven that it is of the better ones.

I'm from PT combine country, and about the best we had was a MF 851. Pretty good capacity for small grains, tended to struggle to thresh small kernels, but one of the tell-tale green stripes that were common the spring after you'd harvest with a Deere. (when you're only growing 25 to 30 bu/ac wheat, you sure don't want to throw over enough to leave stripes....)

Anyway, I was also going to suggest 850/860 if you have a dealer. For the money you have in mind, you could get a decent one, and keep an eye out for a second. Get them both ready in the off-season, and you have a turn-key backup at critical harvest time.

danr

Hayhauler

Posted 4/6/2016 19:40 (#5226175 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Northeast CO

I bale 1000's of big squares behind IH rotaries every year, don't have too many problems as long as I bale at night. They'll turn to mush if you bale during the day.

Tiredoffarming

Posted 4/6/2016 20:38 (#5226347 - in reply to #5226175)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

I sold wheat straw too a dairy farmer that was combine with a 2577 chewed the straw up fine. Had a friend bale it with a caseih big square baler & it picked up all the straw in the middle of the day no troubles. The only buy's rotary ih straw he dumps the straw in with his Tmr mixer & uses it for feed. I would not be afraid of Ih combines 14-16 series they are dam good combines and simple too work on and set.

J,ReinkeFarms

Posted 4/6/2016 20:46 (#5226377 - in reply to #5226347)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the straw itself. Everyone has their own opinion on that. I have a 7720 and the neighbor has a 1660. We were both cutting wheat in the same field side by side same height and both with 20' heads. The windrow out of the 7720 was easily double the size if not more. When we baled it there were significantly more bales in the rows from the Deere. But, both machines worked great, both did a really good job shelling and cleaning. The Case does have a chopper in it, the knives were out but you still have the ones on the discharge drum you can't do much about. Only difference I noticed. Oh, and his was quieter and cleaner inside the cab.

redblooded

Posted 4/6/2016 20:58 (#5226417 - in reply to #5226377)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Shelburne Ontario Canada

Wen u go custom combine u have to have a walker so u dont loose straw . If u trying to sell straw u have to have rotor so it beds nice.

J,ReinkeFarms

Posted 4/6/2016 19:58 (#5226226 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

If you are serious about baling get a 7720/8820. If not that serious get a 1460/1660. Any of the 4 were good machines. Case is a little simpler. The Deere you won't miss too much (especially lifting the seat for everything) when you upgrade.

Of course for that price I would sell my 7720.

Edited by J,ReinkeFarms 4/6/2016 20:42

Badger

Posted 4/6/2016 20:19 (#5226282 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Huntley Montana

IF you were 2000 miles closer I have a neighbor with a nice shedded 7720 & 24' wheat head for about $14-15000,, or less.

Lotta good small machines can be had REASONABLE at auctions.

SWMOWHEATFARMER

Posted 4/6/2016 20:24 (#5226297 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

SW MO

I honestly don't know why no one has mentioned the 4400 or 4420 john deere.

tkoppel

Posted 4/6/2016 20:40 (#5226361 - in reply to #5226297)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Sanilac Co. Michigan

I'll be the odd guy. For what you want to do, an R40 or R50 Gleaner will do a wonderful job for you. Lots of capacity, simple as a bicycle, and does a pretty good job with straw if you use an impeller or at the least drop the chopper concave teeth....at least the guy who buys and bales my oat and wheat straw thinks so!

centralillinois

Posted 4/6/2016 20:34 (#5226331 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: for a little more money, maybe a 9500?

Most guys who sell wheat straw don't want anything to do with red combines around here. Keep your eyes open for a 9500. It's slightly out of your price range but you'll keep it longer than anything else. The twenty series were good combines but take a ride in one and you'll know why the previous owners are deaf. When Deere copied case and sent the motor to the back of the combine the decibels dropped immediately. The 9500 will get more if you sell it than a twenty series. I've always had red combines but I've run the green ones. I've combined wheat with the red one and the straw doesn't survive the trip through the rotor.

commissioner

Posted 4/6/2016 20:40 (#5226355 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

southern Illinois

wannabe full-timer - 4/6/2016 16:45

What would be the best combine for a small guy starting out? Would cover maybe 170 acres a year and don't really want to spend over 15,000 for it. Does that seem possible? Would be fine with a 6 row head and 15' platform. I grow corn, soybeans, and wheat, and trying rye for grain this year as well. Would like to have a walker machine over rotary because of baling straw. 150-200 bushel corn and 50 bushel beans on average it would cover.
Thanks!

could you send me an email, I don't see email for you in your profile. I know where a good combine is up in your part of the world.

730diesel

Posted 4/6/2016 20:48 (#5226386 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

NE ND

JD 105. $1000 will get you a nice one.

Farminhard1985

Posted 4/6/2016 21:02 (#5226426 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

1660 or 1680 some are pretty cheap and not much to go wrong

Jmo1999

Posted 4/6/2016 21:13 (#5226468 - in reply to #5226426)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Here

The guy at the elevator dump says that he could tell the JD combines to the IH. He asked if I had a red one, I said yes, and asked why? he said that my corn and beans were really clean and the guys with JD are dirtier, mow he is meaning 9500 and older. I started to take notice and could tell for myself once it was pointed out to me.

Angus8335

Posted 4/6/2016 21:16 (#5226483 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Galena IL

I would buy a 6620 or 7720 and a 643. Watching auctiontime last week saw really nice 7720 $4500 643 $3800. They can say what they want about red combines but a 30 yr old corn head Deere wins hands down... Dennis

GM Guy

Posted 4/7/2016 01:39 (#5226820 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

NW KS/ SC ID

For nice fluffy straw, nothing beats a Walker machine.

I would recommend a Gleaner F2/3 M2/3 or L2/3 They are all excellent combines that are easy to maintain.

Parts are still plentiful, and Agco supports them quite well.

Out of any option in the era, they are the easiest to work on. No gearboxes to go out like on IH, and just about everything is ground serviceable on a Gleaner, not so on the IH. Transmission is smooth and quiet, final drives are strong and robust, cannot say the same on IH.

I have worked for guys who ran IHs, and they are a good combine, but IMO not a great combine, they are still far superior to any poorly designed machine with the cab offset and the engine up front. (JD and MF) but I think a Gleaner would be a better fit. with low commodity prices, a guy needs to look at how cheap a combine runs, and for the cheapest out there per acre, IMO nothing beats the F2/3, and the M2/3 and L2/3 are not far behind.

wannabe full-timer

Posted 4/7/2016 03:47 (#5226846 - in reply to #5226820)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

central PA

Thanks a lot guys, I will be sending a couple of you emails here sometime over the next couple days when I get the chance. As far as color I am not tied to any specific color, I just buy whatever I have heard the most good things about and for the budget I give myself for it, I was the first one in my family to ever buy a piece of John Deere equipment which was a corn planter, but I have all different brands of equipment and like them all equally. As far as importance of straw I am somewhat undecided on how much I would prefer a walker over rotary, I sell all my straw as it's cheaper just to bale some corn stalks with how expensive straw is around here but wheat wouldn't be an every year for sure thing either, mostly only when I can get my beans off early enough to get it planted, and if I would get any planted would be anywhere from 16-30 acres. Custom guy has a late model case with a 30' head and it just seemed like there is a decent amount of straw still laying on the ground after you take the baler across the field from the straw being ground up. Are the ih 1460-1660 and John Deere 6620,7720 all able to fill trucks or would I have to have wagons and an auger for some of those models?

Deerfield

Posted 4/7/2016 05:14 (#5226864 - in reply to #5226846)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Nw ohio

They deere's will fill the trucks don't know about those other ones

dvswia

Posted 4/7/2016 06:39 (#5226972 - in reply to #5226846)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

sw corner ia.

listen to WItitan2.. a walker machine has very few extra moving parts than a rotary. The 9500 is a fine machine that as WItitan said will now cost you probably less than $20K at a sale. I love mine, it has been very reliable. almost no computer junk as well. parts for these are extremely easy to get and most repairs are easy to perform.

best of luck.

lgreiff

Posted 4/7/2016 08:16 (#5227233 - in reply to #5226846)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

juniata co. Pennsylvania

Wanna be sounds like you got crappie combine operate with no respect on others crop . I didn't read other post you have someone else in area that does better job ..

Must say I do custom combing if I did a field it looked like you described I'd be embarrassed to say I did the job

Mark (EC,IN)

Posted 4/7/2016 10:17 (#5227547 - in reply to #5226846)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Schlegel Farms, Hagerstown Indiana

wannabe full-timer - 4/7/2016 03:47

Are the ih 1460-1660 and John Deere 6620,7720 all able to fill trucks or would I have to have wagons and an auger for some of those models?

This is a pretty tall truck, it has 64" sides and my 1460 has no problem filling it.

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WTF2014

Posted 4/7/2016 10:28 (#5227568 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

CIL

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but one I'd stay away from is a 9400 with the 359 engine. A lot of problems with the crankshaft and harmonic balancer on them. Deere later switched to the 414 engine in them. That seemed to solve the problem. I would agree and decent 1460, 6620, 7720 are good machines. I would be partial to a deere corn head. Plenty of guys running green heads on red combines. Also since deere made a ton more 9500 I'd look at pricing a decent used one before going with a 9400, but that's likely to be over your budget.

cih1660

Posted 4/7/2016 10:36 (#5227580 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Put me down as another vote for an axial flow. Parts availability has never been a problem. They are simple to run and, service.

EarlJay

Posted 4/7/2016 12:59 (#5227856 - in reply to #5225909)
Subject: RE: Best combine for a small guy?

Southern Ohio

My situation was nearly identical to yours (except no small grains) but you do have more acreage than me. I had my mind made up on a 1460 but found a local 4400 for a deal I couldn't refuse. Everything went good for me, a flat tire and two hydraulic lines were the only breakdowns. It went slow in beans but corn did great.

The biggest thing I need to improve is my storage and that is my advice to you, but you may have that taken care of. I have no bins yet and basically only had a hopper bottoms capacity in wagons so a few times, I would be full and waiting on the truck and couldn't run. I was able to start a little earlier than most but also finished later due to lack of storage. I finally settled in to a weekly routine of coming home from work, eating dinner, spend time with the kids until bed time and then run a few hours at night and would basically be ready to load the truck on the weekend and then start over.

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