Cost of Mac Don header compared to conventional are they worth it.

[Pilatus]

Are Mac Don headers very much more expensive than a conventional header. I believe New Holland/Case have a tie up with Mac Don ,so one can specify a Mac Don header or a conventional header when one orders a new combine ,so very roughly in percentage terms how much more expensive are they than a conventional header.

 

[polly tunnel]

When we had our Mac don 3 years ago I think it was about 8% more for it than normal header but has increased our output by at least 15%

 

[Boysground]

One of my combine contractors has one, it is impressive. We do quite a bit of moving the header on roads, now everyone knows how much it cost there’s a distinct lack of volunteers to move it. So it’s usually me

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[MrNoo]

Gather large local outfit have had quite a few problems with one of their new ones, only heard 2nd hand mind, a couple of pumps and a gearbox but gather they've been going ok.

 

[Two Tone]

For very wide headers of 40’ and about, Draper type headers come into their own. Below that, as long as you have got a good true Vari-feed header, they are just a fashion accessory.

Getting a crop into any Combine, as smoothly and a preferably as ear-first as possible will give that Combine the greatest chance of maximum efficiency. That is where properly used and set up Vari-feed header's give you a 20% capacity increase over a non Varie-feed header. Draper headers will do the same thing but are more expensive and very much more complicated,

 

[David.]

The McDon FD doesn't look too robust, when you get into working on them, but guess it's a trade off with the weight at 40ft.

 

[Clive]

Are Mac Don headers very much more expensive than a conventional header. I believe New Holland/Case have a tie up with Mac Don ,so one can specify a Mac Don header or a conventional header when one orders a new combine ,so very roughly in percentage terms how much more expensive are they than a conventional header.

the convio flex on our current lexion gave the biggest boost in performance i’ve seen from any combine we have run in the last 20 yrs

if you have anything laid they are utter magic as well

wouldn’t want to be without it now but does come at a increased purchase cost and extra running costs

 

[snarling bee]

We had a demo in flat peas 3 years ago. First day it doubled output compared to Vario. Second day we kept going until 11pm in said laid peas to get finished off.
I was so impressed I bought a 4 year old one. Comments after a season of use are:

Pros
Very even and smooth feed into combine, others have reported 10-15% extra capacity. Great when things get damp later in the evening
Excellent ground/contour following.
'Floats' over stones, raised soil each side of ruts and rough ground etc. This has been a revelation. After 40 years of combining I have never had less soil in the header, in the worst possible year.
Will pick up flat crop laid away from you, including what has just been run over.
Picks up rows of straw nicely around poles etc.
Great in very short and/or very thin crops

Cons
Lots to do when picking up/dropping header onto trolley, but a team effort makes it quick enough.
Slow to get to 'laid crop' settings when cutting mainly standing.
3 grease nipples not easily accessible (but only 50 hr) EDIT - new model may be different
Purchase cost!
Not that good in 6ft high winter beans, but what header is?
Not that easy to clean off

Can't comment on spares costs as only broke a few knife sections and an auger tine all season. If it did break down I have spare conventional header in shed.

Overall I would say for 30ft and over a flex draper is the way forward. You could almost drop a combine size. No going back for me.
Neighbour had a MacDon to compare with his new Convio flex. He marginally preferred MacDon, apart from the header trolley (a 4 wheel steer job).

 

[warksfarmer]

If its of any use a friend has just bought a 60ft flex head in australia and with the transport trailer on farm it was £170,000 sterling equivalent.

 

[bravheart]

If its of any use a friend has just bought a 60ft flex head in australia and with the transport trailer on farm it was £170,000 sterling equivalent.

NH were demoing that new beast they have with the 7 figure price tag round here recently. Heard the Macdon header that was with it was 250k alone. If that's the case it would be cheaper to order in Australia and ship it over here.

 

[grainboy]

Brown and co auction 16th oct