Tips For Buying A Used Combine
Buying a combine can be a pretty steep investment for any farmer! These big, bulky pieces of equipment can handle a lot of the hard work during harvesting so you have more time to focus on productivity instead of toiling away. Because combines are pretty expensive and very handy, most farmers take very good care of their machines. This means that the used equipment market has a number of great models, and as long as you know what to look for, you’ll end up with a reliable and sturdy machine!
At SS Equipment, we know that when it comes to an important farm machine like a combine, it’s important that you select the right piece of equipment, both because of how much work you’ll expect out of it and for how much on an investment they tend to be. To help you get the right model, we’ve compiled some relevant information here for you. When you want to check out used combines for sale in Oregon or Washington, contact our sales department for further assistance. We’re proud to be your local used combine dealer!
Sized for You
To determine the size of the combine you need, think of the size of your operation. The more work you need to get done, the bigger the machine should be. However, if you don’t have the space for a big machine, you won’t be able to utilize it properly. You need the resources and infrastructure to deal with all that grain you harvest, too! It’s better to get a smaller combine that produces a steady load you can handle rather than a big machine waiting in the field for pickup. You might be tempted to select the biggest model you can find, but you should focus instead on what you need and can manage. Also, remember that a combine’s capacity shouldn’t be more than the gathering head can handle—otherwise, you risk wasting or damaging the harvest.
Hours, Not Acres
When checking out used combines remember that the number of acres it has harvested doesn’t matter. Instead, you should pay attention to the total hours on the engine and separator. The total hours will let you know the amount of time the engine has worked, while the separator hours show the time the combine spent threshing. High hours aren’t a problem, as long as the unit is in good condition. Without proper care, even low hour machines can have problems. If the engine hours are much higher than the separator, check the drivetrain for any wear and tear. Beware equipment with operation hours that way undercut the unit condition and always ask for documentation if available.
Combine Condition
Once you’ve selected a used combine model, it’s time for a thorough inspection. You’ll be looking for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear on any of the parts, paying special attention to larger belts, chains and sprockets. Also check rotor/cylinder bars. Lots of wear and tear can mean that the previous owner didn’t perform proper maintenance on the machine or that they overworked it. Another sign of poor maintenance is chaff collected around bearings or behind shields that’s been matted down and rained in place. Check for discolored paint on and in the engine compartment. Discolored or burned paint on the header covers or underneath the engine hood could mean the engine has overheated in the past. Inquire about engine condition to determine if it has been overhauled or worked on recently.
Ease of Operation
We’ve discussed getting the right used combine for all the work on your property, but now it’s time to talk about the machine being right for you! A combine is operated all day during the hot weather of harvestime, so you want to get one that’ll let you be as comfortable as possible. Simply get in a combine to test it out. Get comfy. Try stretching out, rearrange yourself, adjust the seats and test the controls. Turn the combine on if you can and check for any strange sounds or other clear operational issues.
With the right kind of research, inspection and dealer on your side, you should be able to get the right fit for your farm! If you’d like to learn more or are ready to check out quality used combines for sale in Oregon and Washington, get in touch with us at SS Equipment and we’ll show you our excellent selection!