Talked to local JD owner 20 years ago about the first combines.  He said the first ones he remembered only had a 3 or maybe a 5 ft cutting bar width.  It might take you a week or 2 to do your 3-40 acres, but the selling point was you did not have to help the neighbors with their wheat harvest.  This was back when they still made bundles, hauled them in, ect.

Located in SE Nebr.