staff A combine is one of the most significant purchases a farmer can make, so it’s worth carefully inspecting a used machine. It’s essential to fire it up and check the monitor for signs of error. Start by checking the feeder house and removing shields to locate concaves and sieves. Next, examine the tires.
Reliability
While most people focus on power when shopping for combines for sale, it’s important to consider reliability. This is the ability of a machine to perform consistently and reliably throughout an entire cropping season. A reliable combine will produce high yields, complete fieldwork quickly and accurately, and handle all crops without damage or breakdowns.
Look for fluid leaks, metal cracks, or welds, and check for signs of wear on more giant belts, chains, and sprockets. If a combine has been used extensively, you should also pay close attention to the number of engine and separator hours. Purchasing a combine with low engine and separator hours will allow you to be confident that it will remain in good condition.
Many combines are fitted with rubber tires or tracks, and inspecting both options for damage, tread depth, and wear is critical. Ensuring the tracks run squarely is also recommended, as they can quickly become damaged if not properly maintained. Inspecting the tires will also give you an idea of the combine’s load-carrying capability, mobility, ride, and traction.
Power
One of the most important things to consider when buying a combine is its power. You must ensure it has the power and cleaning shoe area needed for your operation. To do that, you will need to determine its class. The higher the class, the more influential the machine is. However, each manufacturer tends to categorize their machines differently. And some will even create models that don’t fit neatly into any existing class.
It’s also important to look at the drive train and check for signs of wear. This includes more giant belts, chains, and sprockets. If these are worn, it may indicate that the previous owner overworked the equipment.
Also, check the rotor and cylinder bars to ensure they are in good condition. In addition, be sure to consider how you will transport your combine at harvest time. The ability to haul your combine with a header trailer will help ensure you don’t have a bottleneck come pickup time. Lastly, you should be aware of the maximum capacity of your grain bins and unloading capabilities.
Performance
A combine is one of the most significant long-term capital investments an arable farm will make, so it must deliver the proper performance. A thorough physical inspection of the combine, including engine, rotor, and concave hours, is crucial. A comprehensive monitor check also ensures it lights up correctly and doesn’t display unexpected warning signs or errors.
When assessing the combine, you should pay particular attention to its capacity. If the combine is too large for its acreage, it will be a wasted investment. It’s also a good idea to consider the resources and infrastructure to transport the grain once it’s harvested.
If you’re purchasing a combine from a private seller, it’s worth asking about their background and examining their records. Dealerships are licensed resellers of brand products and are better equipped to help you select a model type that suits your needs. They’ll also be able to offer warranties and other protections that private sellers can’t.
Flexibility
The investment into procuring a combine is serious, so it pays to take the time to assess what you want from this vital piece of machinery. For example, a farmer may rent a combine daily or weekly rather than purchasing it outright. This can be an excellent option for those unsure whether the machine fits their needs and can also absolve them of any maintenance or repair costs.
For those interested in a used combine, verify the equipment’s year, make, and model through its serial number. Also, examine the grain tank for wear and tear. Check for damage to the feeder house by removing shields and examining the condition of the sieves, concaves, and hydraulic hoses.
Comfort
A combine is one of the most significant long-term capital investments an arable farm can make. It’s worth spending a little time examining the finer details of any second-hand machine you are considering. Check tires for damage (look for cracking or abrasion on the sidewalls). Tires are essential as they carry a combined weight, sometimes over 30 tonnes.
The tire type will impact the machine’s mobility, ride quality, traction, and stubble wear resistance. Sit in the cab and tinker with the controls to get a feel for the comfort of the operator station. It must be comfortable over a long harvesting season, so look for extras such as storage and entertainment options.
Requesting a test drive and observing how the combine performs under actual operating conditions is best. This will also allow you to listen for mechanical problems, such as clunking and screeching, that could indicate impending failure.
