Combine for 250 acre

[Farmer mk1]

Hello,
After some advice on combines as it’s all new to us. We grow about 250 acre between wheat barley and beans or rape and want a combine to do this job.
Would like to spend little as possible around 25k ish to 30k on something to do the job. Lesser electrics the better and would like to be able to repair it our selves etc.
Would like a claas dominator or something like a NH tx model.
What is a good combine to fit our needs and any opinions on what would be good.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Jsmith2211]

TX36 as long as being wide doesnt matter, else 34 or a 64/66 would do you well. less electrics go for the 30 series. check the concave for being bent when you buy it, and get a low hour one for rape as its a very small seed so you dont want too many holes in the concave.

 

[ORRA LOON]

We have a TX68 on 220 acres, can hack everything down in 4 days easy if the weathers right. We have 4wd and dual wheels for the more challenging seasons.
We often get a shout to go help others when we’re finished and that helps cover the cost of having it sat in the shed for 52 weeks of the year. Simple machine and parts readily available.

 

[davidroberts30]

1177 on faceache marketplace

 

[David.]

There's a Dominator 98 here you can have for £9k, it will comfortably and cheaply cut 250ac.

 

[Farmer mk1]

We just want something they is decent to do the job but we can fix with spanner’s and not need the dealer all the time. Is Massey not a good option to go for?

 

[balerman]

We just want something they is decent to do the job but we can fix with spanner’s and not need the dealer all the time. Is Massey not a good option to go for?

No unless you want to do a lot of spannering.There is a reason Claas and NH are so popular.

 

[SilliamWhale]

Tx66 with Aph. Both under 30k

 

[Gapples]

Balerman has it right, Claas & NH combines are popular for a reason, they are very well made.
I worked on Claas combines for most of agricultural engineering career & would say if you can find a nice Dominator 98 or maybe a newer 204 or even a 208 Mega you won't go far wrong.
Just a thought, unless you are not wanting a rotary, a CaseIH Axial Flow would also suit, we also sold a a few of them, the operators generally loved them, they are simple & VERY reliable.

 

[Farmer mk1]

Right looks like a tx or a dominator then. Leave the fergy alone. We want a straw Walker or similar as straw is a good part of the business so would like something to leave long straw. What’s the main things to look for in these tx and dominator combines? What tends to show its ugly face to need swapping

 

[Wellytrack]

MF 525 Super 2. 12 foot head. Open deck and knotted hanky on yer head..

 

[balerman]

Right looks like a tx or a dominator then. Leave the fergy alone. We want a straw Walker or similar as straw is a good part of the business so would like something to leave long straw. What’s the main things to look for in these tx and dominator combines? What tends to show its ugly face to need swapping

I know nothing about Dominators,but o a TX the most important thing is the shaker shoe maintenance.Have a look at the main pivot bearings,they need changing around 2500 hrs,they weren’t greaseable from the factory but when changed may have had a grease nipple fitted.

 

[Farmer mk1]

I could do with an old combine man to come with me when we go to look. Using a contractor this year. What is the difference between a tx 66 and tf78.

 

[Timbo]

I could do with an old combine man to come with me when we go to look. Using a contractor this year. What is the difference between a tx 66 and tf78.

A whole bucket full of woe

 

[spider mike]

If you can find a nice jd 1177 or 2054 they'd be good machines for your acreage. Out of the new Holland or claas if you want the best straw out of them I'd be tempted by the claas, as they only have one drum as opposed to new Hollands two which can mash the straw up more if rotten ripe. The claas don't produce the cleanest of samples though

 

[Gapples]

Dominators.
Wobble box bearings, oil needs to be changed annually.
Table elevator chains, they are very good & long lasting but you don't want them snapping & going through the drum.
Also check the wood lats the chains run on.
Drum.
Check the drive end for any cracking, make sure it's not almost bald, if the rasp bars are worn sharp they won't thresh very well.
Concave, just check the wires are all in there & it's not damaged.
Have a look at the impeller plates behind the drum, check em all, make sure there not full of holes.
Obviously check all the rubber seals on the pre pan & sieves.
Budget for replacing all the wooden block bearings on both the ISS ( intensive separation system ) & straw walkers unless you have evidence they've been recently replaced.
These wooden blocks dry out, get tight ( or very loose ) ... They then can heat up & I've seen lots of shafts snap, both iss & walker shafts, once again it's all down to servicing really.
Check clean grain & returns elevator chains.
Check the bubble auger gearbox, it's hidden away out of sight so greasing get neglected.
Check the unloading system gearboxes.
Check the drum variator pulleys for wear in the bushes & obviously check all the belts.
Just make sure all the electrics & hydraulics are working.
That's about it I think....

 

[Gapples]

I could do with an old combine man to come with me when we go to look. Using a contractor this year. What is the difference between a tx 66 and tf78.

IF you are looking at Dominators in the northeast area I could put you in touch with my mate who is a self employed agricultural engineer.
He has worked on Claas all his life.

 

[texelburger]

You may be able to find a good Deutz for not a lot of dosh.Pretty good combine, imo,and ' value for your money'

 

[Farmer mk1]

@Gapples that would be very helpful.

 

[farmbrew]

Another shout out for John Deere 2054. I run1996 model [old ones were made better]. All own repairs, home strengthened concave a good modification, chaff spreaders retro fitted. 250 acres no probs and much cheaper than contractor/neighbour option. Can't beat being self sufficient.