Tips for Buying a Used Harvester

A combine is a pretty steep investment for any farmer, so some consideration is required before you make a purchase. These beasts are capable of hard work during the harvest season, so you can focus on the yield instead of slogging away on your land. One way to save some money while getting what you want is to get a used harvester. These machines are pretty important for farmers so they’re often in good condition, which means you’ll have some good models to choose from!

Bucklin Tractor & Implement is the leading used combine dealer in Kansas so we know these machines well. We’ve compiled some important information about the selection process below so you can enter the market armed with the right information! When you’re ready to browse some quality used harvesters for sale, visit one of our locations across Kansas and we’ll show you our wide selection of models!

The Right Size

The size of your land will help determine the size of the combine harvester you should get. The higher the level of operation, the bigger a machine you need to tackle it. But it’ll be a wasted investment if you don’t have the acreage for effective operation. 

You also need the resources and infrastructure to deal with all that grain you harvest! It’s better to get a smaller combine that produces a steady load you can handle rather than a big machine waiting in the field for pickup. 

So while you might be eager to reach for the biggest used combine out there, try to focus on what you actually need and can handle. Also remember that a combine’s capacity shouldn’t be more than the gathering head can handle, otherwise you risk wasting or damaging the harvest.

Hours, Not Acres

When you’re checking out a used harvester model, don’t focus on the number of acres it has harvested. Instead, look at the total hours on the engine and separator. The total hours show the length of time the engine has run, while the separator hours indicate the actual hours the machine has spent threshing. 

High hours on a pre-owned combine aren’t a problem, as long as the unit is in good condition. Without proper care, even low hour machines can have problems. If the engine hours are much higher than the separator, you should be sure to check for drivetrain wear. Beware equipment with operation hours that way undercut the unit condition and always ask for documentation if available. 

Overall Condition

A good visual inspection is a must whenever you’re looking at a used model. Check for obvious signs of damage and wear on the machine and pay special attention to larger belts, chains, and sprockets. Lots of wear and tear could mean lousy maintenance by previous owners or indicate overworked equipment. 

You will also need to inspect the rotor/cylinder bars. Another sign of poor maintenance is chaff collected around bearings or behinds shields that’s been matted down and rained in place. Check for discolored paint on and in the engine compartment. 

Discolored or burned paint on the header covers or underneath the engine hood could mean the engine has overheated in the past. Inquire about engine condition to determine if it has been overhauled or worked on recently. 

Ease of Operation

You can get the best combine out there but if you’re not comfortable in it, you’re not going to get much done. After all, if you’re going to be operating a combine all day during the hot weather of harvestime, then you’ll want to be as comfortable as you can be. 

You can simply get in a combine to test it out. Get comfy. Try stretching out, rearrange yourself, adjust the seats, and test the controls. Turn the combine on if you can and check for any strange sounds or other clear operational issues. 

Another important step is to use a reliable dealer, like us at Bucklin Tractor & Implement! Our expert staff are always ready to help guide you through the selection process so you can get the most suitable machines for your needs. When you want to check out used harvesters for sale, contact our sales team at the location nearest to you!