Understanding the Key Factors When Comparing Combine for Sale Prices
Buying a combine can be one of a farmer’s most expensive purchases. For this reason, many buyers opt to purchase a used machine instead of a new model. When comparing devices for sale prices, it’s important to understand the key factors to consider. These include age, engine hours, and separator hours.
Age
The age of a combine for sale greatly impacts its price. Used combines are often much cheaper than their newer counterparts, largely due to the number of hours the machine has been on the field. In addition, the quality of a used combine can also play a role in its price. Despite these concerns, many farmers still choose to buy a new combination because of the efficiency and warranty considerations of a more recent model. Dealers took in a big slug of 2021 models after harvest, thanks to lease returns and trade-ins. This has created a shortage of combines that will take some time to work out. This gap in supply has led to an increase in demand and a significant jump in the prices of one-year-olds combined this season.
Engine Hours
Engine hours are an important part of any vehicle’s history. However, they aren’t the only factor when evaluating the quality and reliability of a combine. Ultimately, the maintenance history has the biggest impact on the machine’s quality and performance. The first step in looking at a combine’s service and maintenance history is to look at the monitor in the cab. This will typically be on the dashboard or instrument panel and operate similarly to an odometer in a car. Look at the total acreage, engine, and separator hours to see how hard it has worked. Also, check if the tracks have any damage or wear.
They can be expensive to replace if they are damaged, especially if the front tires are damaged. If the way is a drum style, the first thing to check is that it isn’t leaking oil or has excessive wear. Another big mistake people often make when comparing engine hours is to assume they are the same as miles. This is a common misconception because engine hours show how long the vehicle has been operating, while miles demonstrate the distance the car has traveled over its lifespan. Because of this, they cannot be used interchangeably. Mileage is a better indicator of a vehicle’s overall condition, but engine hours will still provide important details about its maintenance and performance.
Separator Hours
While a combined is one of the largest long-term capital investments any arable farm can make, buying second-hand can be an attractive option to save on the upfront cost. However, a used combine is still an expensive and complex machinery that requires careful examination to ensure you’re not buying a lemon. Aside from a thorough visual inspection, check the engine and separator hours on any used combine before purchasing. These will give you a sense of how hard the combine has worked and whether that tallies with how much grain it cuts.
If the engine hours are much higher than the separator, this is a sign of poor maintenance and overworking the machine. The cab should also be examined thoroughly for any obvious wear and tear, particularly the paddles on the clean grain elevator and returns elevator. If there are excessive signs of wear, this may indicate the combine was used to cut more abrasive crops that put a heavier strain on components than wheat. While a bigger combination with a higher production level might seem like the best choice, it’s important to remember that you must be able to transport the grain once harvested. If not, you risk having a combined seat (empty) while waiting for a pickup.
Condition
A well-maintained combine is a machine that will perform at its best, increasing yields and reducing the risk of damage. A combine’s condition can affect the price, so looking at a machine’s overall appearance is as important as ensuring everything is in good working order. While buying a used combine, it is worth taking the time to get inside and check out the operator’s area of the machine. Check for any signs of excessive wear, and make sure the controls work smoothly. Also, look for any rust on the cab and general evidence of regular servicing.
The cab of a combine is where the operator spends long hours, so it must be comfortable and ergonomically sound. A badly made cab can cause aches and pains during the harvest season, affecting the quality of the grain that is produced. If the cab feels cramped or uncomfortable, it may indicate that the machine needs to be maintained correctly. Also, check the seat for comfort and test the controls to ensure they operate smoothly. The last thing you want is a combine to break down during the harvest. It could cost you much money and put your crop at risk. This is why many farmers hire a combine rather than buy one outright.
