The used combine market is starting to show signs of life after a long slumber. While there are still challenges, grain producers can find opportunities in this lower-cost equipment segment. When searching for a good deal, verify engine and separator hours. Also, pay close attention to the cab. Sit in it and tinker with the controls to see how well they work.
Check the Separator Hours
When buying a combine, whether from a dealership or a private seller, examining every detail of the machine is essential. It’s one of the most significant long-term capital investments an arable farm can make, and you want to avoid ending up with a lemon. Look for signs of wear and tear on more giant belts, chains, and sprockets. If these parts are worn, it could indicate that the previous owner was overworked or did not perform routine maintenance. Also, chaff collected around bearings or behind shields is a bad sign. The rotor/cylinder bars should also be inspected for wear and tear. Regardless of the crop type, a combine must be appropriately adjusted to operate at peak capacity. To accomplish this, the cutting platform, header, and feeder house must collaborate to separate grain from straw and threshing and then clean and distribute it efficiently. A poorly adjusted combine may waste grain or cause damage to the machine. A used combine can save farmers over the cost of a new model, but farmers must take the time and carefully inspect every part of the machine before making a purchase. See inspection reports and service records to determine whether significant problems would affect the combine’s value or reliability. Used combines for sale provide farmers with cost-effective options and offer diverse equipment tailored to specific agricultural needs. This approach allows businesses to efficiently enhance their farming operations with reliable machinery while optimizing their budget.
Check the Engine Hours
A combine’s age and total working hours are two of the most important indicators of how well it will perform. Most sellers will openly disclose these numbers, but it’s worth asking for them if they don’t. Engine hours indicate how long the machine’s engine has been running, while separator hours tell you how many times it’s been used to separate grain. A combine will continue functioning efficiently for about 3,000 engine and 2,000 separator hours, but this can vary depending on climate, terrain, and maintenance habits. It’s also important to note that a combine will experience more wear and tear during the harvesting process than when it is sitting idle. Pay attention to sounds like screeching or knocking during a test drive, which may indicate mechanical issues. It would help if you also asked to see the rotors and straw walker bearings, as these can show signs of poor maintenance.
Check the Tires
Modern combines are highly technical, powerful machines that cut, thresh, and winnow grain from the chaff. They’re often the single most significant long-term capital investment an arable farmer will make, so it pays to spend a little time scrutinizing second-hand ones before buying one. In this case, look for signs of wear and tear on the tires and rims. If the combine has tracks, check for damage and a general level of wear. If the combine has front tires, examine them for general wear and tear and look specifically at their sidewalls. If they’re damaged, it could mean the combine has been used to cut more abrasive crops like maize, which can wear a machine’s key components five times as fast as wheat. When assessing the quality of a used harvester, be aware of the number of hours it has on its engine and separator. While this is essential, a low-hours machine that has yet to be well maintained can have just as many problems as a high-hours one. Be wary of equipment that undercuts its condition with excessive 2, and always ask for documentation if possible. This will help you avoid the trap of a lemon.
Check the Cab
Even brand-new equipment can require maintenance, so before you purchase a combine, give it a good visual inspection. Look for any signs of wear and tear, particularly around the bearings, shields, and frame. Also, look for trash collected around the paths and behind shields, which can indicate poor maintenance. Also, ensure that all fittings for lubrication are in place and that the grease is up to date. Lastly, check that all displays are turned on and functioning correctly and that activations are correct. If a combine has a yield monitor, ensure it is calibrated perfectly. This is often done using weight data from a grain cart or wagon.
Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that any existing yield monitor can connect to and communicate with your GPS. As one of the most expensive pieces of equipment on your farm, it’s crucial that you carefully assess used combines before buying. These five factors can help you find a suitable machine for your operation.