A while back I posted a thread about harvesting costs and also another one asking about the differences between a 1680 and an 8820 . I've decided that I'm still interested in getting my feet wet, but I'm thinking about a lower risk approach. A 1480 can be had much cheaper. If the logistics work in a poorer manner than I anticipate, I can just pull out and let the custom harvesters finish up. Same if it breaks down. I'm planning on only harvesting 215 acres for the first harvest with it at the most. The harvesters will cut the vast majority.

What kind of questions should I be asking people when I call them about their 1480?

What kind of a corn head would be good to find for a 1480? How does it handle an 8 row (30") head? (guessing maybe 130 bushel corn this year on that field). I wouldn't mind running a 4 row I guess (would I be running corn over with the tires?) if it can't handle an 8. 6 really isn't a very good option for a 16 row planter although we planted with RTK so I guess it would be bearable.

What is it's capacity in bu/hour in corn?

What is it's capacity in bu/hour in wheat?

Does the standard unloading auger have enough length on it to unload onto a graincart with a 20' header on the go comfortably? How big of a graincart would I be able to fit under it? I was thinking along the lines of a Kinze 840 or 1040. Overkill, but we would use it at other times of the year for other things as well.

Does anyone know of someone that does good maintenance that would be interested in getting rid of theirs? Has anyone recently traded one off that they took care of and know which dealer lot it's sitting on?

If you have any other thoughts on the 1480, I'd appreciate them as well. Thanks.