(quoted from post at 09:06:00 11/28/12) For some farmers who have their bills paid, its just good buisness to trade every year. New machine 300,000. Trade in used one season 250,000. Boot difference 50,000. Divided by acres harvested of 3,500 = cost of 14.3 dollars per acre or 2.5 bu of corn. You can't hire it done for that. You can take fast depreciation on the boot, you have no maintainance costs, no repair costs, and biggest benefit for these guys, no down time.
Second biggest benefit is less hired labor which in todays world is huge. We're easily harvesting with one machine what we used to do with three just a couple decades ago. Good farm help is near non existant in some areas. Other benefits are you get the latest technology, latest in fuel efficiency, latest in gps/computer/auto-steer/mapping software, latest in options like tracks, folding unload augers, electric folding bin extensions, fridge, heated seats etc.
Some of this sounds over the top but remember these guys run sun up to sun down and longer just like the little farmers. Harvest is harvest and the crop needs to be in the bin no matter the size of your farm. Its all comes down to the most acres harvested for the least amount of money.