Combines 1660 or 1644 which should I buy

Go to your local Caseih dealer and ask for a booklet that lists all the updates available for the axial-flow combine. The booklet has pictures and lists of available updates for the different versions of these combines. http:__www.hoober.com_home_axial%20flow%20history.htm This site lists major changes made to the axial-flow combine of the years.

After looking at the Hoobner's site, the only difference between the two combines is the motor. I would choose the updated 1644. This combine will have many updates compared to the 1660.

You should have plenty of capacity on that high of yielding corn with the 1644 and a 6 row head. If the price was not much different get a 1666. I am half way looking for a 1644 for the right price but they must still be in demand as the prices aren't much less than a 66. If you do find one there are major differences in the two model years made 1993 and 1994. The 94' has the drive train of the 66 series with the heavier trans and finals. In my opinion these are the combines to own until they are 20 year old. I am sure the 21XX up will have more electrical problems as they age.

One thing to think about a 17.5 ft. head would be nice on a 1644. We have a 1660 with a 22.5ft head and it really could use a 25ft. in bns of 50bpa. I do not like to go fast in my hills. So my feelings is a 17.5ft would be a bit small. Ben

Your not comparing apples to apples to comapare a 1660 to a 1644. The older series was 1640,1660 and 1680. Only real dif. between the 40 and 60 was horsepower, bin size, and final drives. Ironically the finals on the 1640 gave less trouble than on the 1660. Then they updated to the 1644, 1666 and 1688. They upped the horespwer, but the real improvement was the longer seives and cross flow fan. I had a 1666 that was a super machine. I also had a 1640, most fuel effecient machine I ever owned. If I were doing what you are talking about I'd go find a nice 1644 then Then go buy the bin extension package for a 66. For what its worth. Good luck!