Gleaner and IH

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member
Looking thru some old posts and other forums and continuing my research on the older Gleaners. I ran across a post about the F series and 200+ bushel corn. Obviously, it is my goal to have the best yield possible and I own very good farm land so, well, maybe I might see high yield corn once I get my legs under me. Point of the post was that the F3 might not be up to the task? One poster suggested the mid size M2 or M3 might be better suited or even an L2/3. Now I love everything about Gleaners. They are just great machines BUT one poster suggested a 1400 series axial flow IH might be a better option? Checking around and these seem a bit more pricey. You guys have been great with your advice. If anyone has any opinions on the above I would really like to hear them. Lot of auctions starting up here and I am going to try to find something that works for me.
 
Axial flow is a different class of combine. Compare the F2/M2 to older IH like 815/915. Heavier yielding corn just needs a ground speed adjustment to maintain throughput at full capacity, without overload.
 
Dave, I've been following most of your posts, and it seems its all about availability, price, then size where you are. I think you have to decide if you want conventional, or rotary. I doubt you'd regret either, as long as condition of machine is good. I have no experience or opinion on rotary Gleaners, but as for conventionals, you wouldn't regret a version of the M. You may wish for more with a F. Personally, I'd like a 403/715 IH over a F. You would love a 1440/1460 IH.
Here in No.Dak., they run similar prices in many cases. Another option here is a NH tr70. They are getting really cheap as many farmers are retiring. They would serve you well also.
 
I also agree with what the guys have said already. The R40 and R50 Gleaners are getting more affordable as well and there are a few updates that can help capacity and grain quality as well. The F series were great little combines but in corn with higher BPA you will have kernel cracking issues. With the M or L series you will have the grated concave and the option to go to a 6 row.
 
I have had a F2 and L2, now have a 1440. All were good machines. L2 with a 4 row head will take corn about as fast as you can drive. the 1440 operates easier and quieter. i really like it.
 
4 row wide? I didn't think you could fit an L combine down 4 row narrow? Or am I wrong on that?

How many acres of 200 bu corn are you covering? Will you have someone moving wagons for you or are you a true one man operation?

The F2/3 is good for 100-150 acres of good corn by yourself, more than that if you have help with the wagons and can just combine all day. This is all wildly speculative numbers tho, every situation is different of course.

Back in the day, they told us 2 row equipment was good for a 400 acre farm, 4 row equipment for up to 700 acres. That was assuming a good sized family and all your time was spent on farming, th harvester was running 8:00am to sundown with the kids taking care of the wagons and some tillage behind the harvester and yields were 1/2.

Now a days, its a different world. A friend of mine sold his 8 row planter and got a 12 row so he could get his 300 acres planted in time, just too slow with the 8 row...... Another friend with I think under 200 acres total got a JD 9600 combine because the 6620 was too slow in fall.....

Its a different world, if you are afraid of keeping up us old timers aren't where to get advice. ;)

Paul
 
The IH rotary will put out a better looking sample in corn when properly adjusted and the red corn head won't wear through the tin parts as soon. Jim
 
I can just combine all day. I have two kids, and believe it or not they are both daughters, who will work all day on the place without complaint. They love it more than I do. Even load bales for me. Maybe a little griping about the bales. :)
 
Appreciate all the input once again! I went ahead and found original sale literature for the Gleaner F3, M3, L3 as well as the IH 1400 series. Going to do some reading and put the manufacturers propaganda up alongside what you experienced folk tell me and see what I think fits best. Still really like Gleaners. They are what I think of when I think of a combine. Need what works best though.
 
I have no problem running 200 bu corn with my F2 and A430 head. Thinking there"s capacity for quite a bit more. Adjust your speed by how much is coming back through the return. You"re not going to set a speed record, but it"s very manageable for 100 acres or so. And I"ve never had a sample over 1% damage at the elevator.

If you have long fields, you will have to dump at both ends with an F. Over about 3/8ths of a mile and you"ll have to dump mid field.
 
I'm starting to wonder should I have bought that F3 in February-March at auction. The latest to come up locally are two Gleaner K2. I think if I am patient something will come up.
 

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