Combines 1688 Secrets

One of the best things to do is to make sure the engine cooling fan hub assembly has been updated to the newer style bearing. The stock one likes to send fans through radiators at about 2000 hrs.

I can't think of many secrets, but if buying a machine with that many hours, I would plan on having to spend several thousand dollars and factor that into the price. The condition of a machine with those hours is entirely dependant upon how it was treated. It could be almost completely new or completely worn out. I would try to get a service record if it's possible. The best idea is to hire a mechanic who knows axial flow combines and let him look it over for you. At 3000 hours, it's about time for the transition cone, and rotor vane cage to need replacing if they haven't already been. The grates and concaves should have already been replaced once, but might need it again. Impellers and rotor rasp bars need to be examined. The discharge beater blades will be worn out if they haven't been replaced. The front feeder drum needs to be examined, as does the rear sprokets that pull the chain. The clean grain elevator housing and head could very well be worn out. I'm not trying to scare you, but I've seen people buy "clean" older machines and wind up spending more that the machine is worth to get it back in shape. On the other hand, if the machine has been taken care of, and some of the high dollar items have been replaced, it could be a good deal. Hire a mechanic to help you out!

According to my Hot line farm eq. guide a 1688 was only made in 92 through 94. I've owned one for a year and have been pleased with it. Mine had 2100hrs and has had many things replaced. I feel it has many of the updates of the axial flows over the years, but doesn't have an extreme amount of unnesessary electronics. I am updating the straw spreader system like 2388 to get rid of the added hyd. driven chaff spreader. The 260 hp Cummins seems very strong. Good luck! CW

I was looking at a 1660 from a dealer in Arkansas. It was a rice machine with 2200 hrs. Just checking to see what crops you are harvesting and assuming it's corn_beans you don't end up with a used rice machine. They get used up twice as fast due to the abrasive nature of rice. Good luck.