Combine driving position.

[oakleaf]

The first combine l had was an MF 788.
Like all MF's up to the Dronningborg takeover, the drivers platform was offset to the nearside.
So l just got to wondering what other marques used this configuration?

My dad had a Dania that did and a neighbour had a pre axial flow International (841?).
Some Ransomes also, but not all l think.
Some US built John Deeres.
Any others?

 

[MattR]

Always thought there was something to be said for the old MF configuration of cab on the left, engine to the right of it, unlike the awkward (presumably, before my time) Ransome engine under the drum or the modern usual engine behind the tank arrangement.

 

[Lazy Sod]

Before the MF 735 and the 400/500 series, all the previous models had the engine underneath the drum.

 

[Stewie]

Old Laverdas used to have to driving platform on the left

 

[Exfarmer]

The early Claas combined were offset too. There was a Common belief that it gave a better view of the table. It was probably easier to get a more straight connection of control linkages too, Before the Universal adoption of hydro electric systems.

 

[Lazy Sod]

I've always been happy with driving a vehicle or machine from the left hand position. I suppose it started with driving MF combines. My brother had a l/h drive car for a while which I drove occasionally and then I learnt to fly. On aircraft with side by side seating, the pilot in command normally sits on the left. I also had a JCB Loadall for 32 years. In a lot of helicopters, the pilot is in the right seat.

 

[Farm buy]

Started my lefthand driving on a 1965 Claas Europa (anybody here even remember them and we still have it), on to the Matador and Senators, Always thought that the side seat was a great seat

 

[yellowbelly]

Driving from a left hand platform, with the width of table common in those days, made it easier to take a full (8'6"/10'/12') cut. You always cut with the left side of the table to the stubble then as the knife drive pitman, and later, the wobble box was on that side and it wouldn't 'divide' the standing crop so well as both were pretty clumsy affairs.

 

[Qman]

It was like that on my first self propelled combine, a Claas Mercury.

 

[Farm buy]

It was like that on my first self propelled combine, a Claas Mercury.

At least you had a tanker, she was in the Rolls Royce category

 

[two-cylinder]

Always thought there was something to be said for the old MF configuration of cab on the left, engine to the right of it, unlike the awkward (presumably, before my time) Ransome engine under the drum or the modern usual engine behind the tank arrangement.

Ransomes claimed their 902/1001 combines had the lowest centre of gravity? and consequently were safer on hillsides!.
The engine was on it's own subframe enabling easy removal for repair

 

[glasshouse]

Mf 760 had a good configuration
Would suit europe and usa

 

[glasshouse]

Ransomes claimed their 902/1001 combines had the lowest centre of gravity? and consequently were safer on hillsides!.
The engine was on it's own subframe enabling easy removal for repair

Must have been a fire risk

 

[two-cylinder]

Must have been a fire risk

Obviously was worse in that respect, but not as bad as the petrol paraffin MH machines!
Father had a MH 726 with a six cylinder Austin Newage petrol engine- that was a liability!
He always kept a five gallon can of water and stirrup pump at the ready.
What's more the fuel tank was under the seat!

 

[MattR]

Remember father saying he had a fire on one of the old Ransomes which burnt through a plastic diesel pipe thus pouring neat diesel onto the fire

 

[two-cylinder]

Mf 760 had a good configuration
Would suit europe and usa

The drawbacks of having the engine close to the cab are noise and heat.
In the 760 with premium cab wasn't so much a problem but the optional basic cab on the 520/525/620/625 combines was an intolerably noisy and hot place to be.

 

[glasshouse]

The drawbacks of having the engine close to the cab are noise and heat.
In the 760 with premium cab wasn't so much a problem but the optional basic cab on the 520/525/620/625 combines was an intolerably noisy and hot place to be.

Luckily i never drove a 525!!

 

[JWL]

The only "cab" I had on a 525 was an Airstream helmet

 

[glasshouse]

The only "cab" I had on a 525 was an Airstream helmet

The noise must hsve been terrible

 

[glasshouse]

The claas dominator 85 with the engine behind the seat wasnt too bad for noise or heat, and it caught fire you smelt it right away