Gleaner L/M: How many hours is "too many"

All, as some of you may already know, I am in the market for a new combine and it WILL be a silver one. My question is in regards to the L2, M2, and even the F2's. What are some things to look at, serial # breaks, hydro vs gear, and (the big one) how many hours are in these machines. I see a lot of Ls with 4,000+ hours on them. Is that too much or will these things live forever :lol: ?

Nothing lasts forever. Maintenance and timely repair influence how long anything lasts, so there is no fast rule. Some crops are harder on machines as well.

Regarding hydro vs gear drive....hydro has so many advantages. On an F2, sn 39201 and up would be the long shoe- more separating capacity than earlier F2 or F.

The lasting forever was intended as a joke . I guess what am I asking is where are the major wear pints on these machines and how easy are they to replace/repair? Is it uncommon for these machines to last beyond 4,000+ hours or are they pretty much toast at that point regardless of maintenance program? In terms of the hydro vs gear question: what should I look for in terms of wear/maintenance of each? Life expectancy of each?

If you are buying one, get the latest model of that series---it will have all the updates and should have any weak spots strengthend by the manufacturer. Weak spots---check the transition area from the bin floor into the auger---if the machine has done a lot of beans, that area will wear through. The false floor on the separator raddle may "belly' or sag slightly after years of use and will pinch cobs between the slats and the floor, either stopping/plugging the raddle or breaking a slat. In the L/M series, get the 426 engine---it is a better engine than the 301 and will give a much better power reserve. Check behind the overhead console and behind the side console under the gauges for mice damage---wiring harness is very expensive. A bit more work to adjust cylinder height, but the electric over hydraulic controls are nice and give very little trouble.
Hours? Nearly every component can be rebuilt or replaced; it comes down to the cost to do so. A machine with 4000 plus hours will need (or will have had) the cylinder/concaves rebuilt; will need belts,tires, elevator chains and likely A/C work. Engines/hydros (for ease of operation, don't get a gear drive) probably still have 2000 hours in them with a history of good maintenance; if not a rebuild should be factored in.

Good machines, I put over 1000 hours on my M3 now reads 3200 with less than a grand spent on parts, and more than that on an F2. Again, the previous owner(s) will have had the most impact on the machines dependability.

Good Luck and enjoy your new machine!
Ben

Ben,

Awesome information here!!! Thank you very much! When you say everything can be rebuilt, does that include the separator raddle bottom? Stupid question probably, the only combine I have run/worked on has been my Massey 540. Nice combine, but under built in my opinion. A good example of this is the walker crank bearings that are mounted on sheet metal....no reinforcement!! From what I see on the Gleaners, it looks like all of the bearings are mounted on thick steel, none of this doubled up sheet metal stuff that likes to collect moisture and rust.

Yes, it can be replaced but it sure isn't a simple task. We replaced one on a K years ago, lots of crawling around inside with most of the combine's inners removed. bear in mind that any used one may not be much better. Maybe someone on here has rebuilt/repaired one. Once it is out, it shouldn't be too hard to re-inforce it and then put it back in.
Ben