A Brief Guide to Buying a Used Combine Harvester

Combine harvesters can be expensive so it is good that buying second hand is an option to greatly reduce the price without impairing quality. Many farmers now go for this as an option when replacing a combine harvester, often going for a New Holland second hand combines or similar vehicle.

If you’re in the market for a second hand combine what should you look for? Read on to find out.

Buying a Used Combine Harvester

As your combine is going to be one of the most expensive capital investments you’ll make for your farm so it is important to do your research. The last thing you want is a big outlay on a vehicle that is unreliable and expensive.

So check the following to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

Check the Cutterbar

A good indication of how well a combine harvester has been looked after is the condition of the header and more specifically the cutterbar. Some wear and tear here is inevitable but look for signs that it has been put to work on stony or flinty ground. A lot of dents and cracks are a sign of poor use.

If there is a lot of evidence of stony interaction, it could be the last operator hasn’t taken care with the cutting height and there could well be more stones and flint through the machine.

Ideally, you want a combie that’s been put to use on marsh, fen, or stone-free soil.

If the drum door is bent, this is a no-no as it is a sign that hard solid objects have found their way into the machine.

In addition, check the elevator chains and bars for dents together with inside the elevator itself.

Finally, check the reel bars are straight.

Check for Seizures

Another big factor in combie inspection is to look for signs of overheating and machinery seizure. Here, you’ll need to check:

• The slip clutchand the concave, drum and beaters. If you feel there is a problem, switch on the machine and you’ll probably hear that something isn’t right.
• The belt drives.Check that the pulleys aren’t stuck and look for signs of burning especially the drum drive belt.

If you see a blue-black discoloration of pulley steel, this is a sure sign of a seizure history.

Sieves

To check the sieves it is a good idea to bring a torch. You’re going to have to climb up the back of the machine and older combine harvesters may not have maintenance lights.

When expecting the sieves, check:

• The sieve segmentsare firm and tight and aren’t cracked.
• General damage to the straw walker bearings. Good ones will be tight and in good condition.

In addition, listen for excessive noise when you switch the machine on. Unusual whining or oil leaks from the gearbox mean it has been worked hard and may die on you in the field.

There is a lot to consider when buying a second hand combie, make sure you inspect them thoroughly.