Saving old combines .... What's the deal?

Since I happened to accidentally own a 1950 vintage Dearborn-Woods Bros (That was left sitting on a piece of property that I bought), I occasionally read over this site to see what, if anything there is in the way of collector interest.

I casually wonder if it is worth my time to advertise it for sale, or if I should just hang on to it to restore "someday", or if I should make my wife happy and haul it off for scrap (saving, of course, the Ford engine that would fit in one of my 8-N tractors).

I am aware that the last option rings of heresy ("SAVE THE COMBINES"), but can't help but think that the supply of old, unshedded combines outweighs the demand.

Despite generally appreciating old rusty stuff, I can think of a number of reasons why the demand and collector interest is not higher (the size, weight, transportation issues, restoration costs and subdued level of interest on the part of the general public), yet I notice some postings that seem much more optomistic about collector interest and value of these venerable veterans of farming history.

Can someone explain the optomism? Is it just a lobor of love, or do we really see a day when combine collectors drag their restored , vintage machines to a combine shows and a collector market that values them at more than scrap prices?

I'd like to hear what you think.

Hoot

I doubt our old heritage combines will ever match old tractors for collectible value, but as some have mentioned, combines have a richer and longer history than even the tractors.

Some makes/models, such as the WB are much rarer than others, so any effort to save them is worthwhile.

Combines were not put here for use in demolition derbies!

The meat, bread and cereal on your table, was brought to you by combines.

SAVE THE COMBINES!

Brett

but right now I need to get them moved!!

Anyway, I won't try to guess what combine values will do, if they will ever catch on as a collectable, etc. As mentioned there are lots of "issues" with collecting them--they're harder to haul, take up more space, some parts are harder to find, etc. I can remember several years ago Successful Farming ran a short article in their Ageless Iron section about how people were beginning to collect old combines, but it doesn't seem that combine collecting has "caught fire." To tell the truth, I almost hope it doesn't. I still am hoping to find another ol' 300 for my collection, along with a MF or MH 35 sp, and maybe a IH 203, 205, or a 93. Notice all the combines I named are fairly small. I expect if you see any movement in combine collecting, it will be towards the smallest self propelled models. They are the easiest to load/unload and transport. Bottom line, for most people it's going to be a "labor of love." Anybody looking for an investment will probably buy stocks, bonds, or invest in an IRA!!

Al

You are correct that the smallest SP's will always be the most collected ones.You can haul them on a car trailer and they dont take up much room.I havent run across a 93 IH around here yet.

My rationale is that the old tractors are so hot right now, I feel that the values can't keep increasing as much as they have. At least there are thousands of people out there collecting and saving them.

There are very few people interested in these combines, for reasons listed. It is surprising to me as I travel though, to hear people comments about the old machines; remembering their dad having one, etc.

Combines were what farmers used to gather in the fruits of their labors, it was and is what told the story of how the year went.

In reality, we must remember that all of this antique stuff is just iron. We shouldn't place too much value on it, sentimental or otherwise. I don't believe that people should get so excited about this that they place a combine or anything else above the really important things in life; God, family, and work.

That said, for myself it is an enjoyable and learning adventure as I pursue the models that I am looking for; as I have time right now to do this. My window of opportunity may be closing though as I am interviewing for a couple of jobs in the ag industry that, if I was to be hired would take up a lot of my time. Better quit now, I've rambled long enough.

Bradley K

People collect most everything else that has an engine or wheels so why not collect old combines.They collect tractors,cars,trucks,garden tractors,crawlers,motorcycles,chain saws,airplanes,etc.The list is endless.

The tractor was a great invention but where would we be without the combine?Its one of the most important things on the farm so why shouldnt they be saved so that we can remember our past.

Sure they are hard to load and to haul,take up alot of room,cost alot to restore,etc.Most of us that collect combines are not in it for the money thats for sure.Its a labor of love to save the past before its all gone.They are never going to be a gold mine but I think that their value will slowly increase.

Theres not an endless supply of old 1940's-50's-60's model combines out there,believe me I know.Lots have sat out so long in the wetter climates that they are unrestorable.I much prefer a shedded combine over an unshedded one but they are few and far between.Even shedded combines are being junked now.I've talked tp person after person thats pulled an always shedded combine out of the shed this year because they needed the room.

My Dad used to have a 1959 MH 72 SP combine and later a 1965 203 IH SP combine.I have yet to find one in my area and my want ads havent turned up one in a reasonable distance.They must be getting in very short supply.

I think the day is going to come when people will wish that more combines had been saved.I collect on a tight budget and am doing the best I can do to save as many old combines as possible.