Ed
Guest
I traded a 1988 R50 on a 1994 1688. Partly to get rid of high repair costs, partly to get a machine that has local dealer and partly to reduce hours. For 3 years repair cost were 25% above the gleaner's worst year. last year was about the average. I find the axialflow very awkward to repair and service. There is not enough room between the tire and the body. Shields don't tip up to prevent slicing ones head open on the sharp corners. Header hydraulics have as lag between sqeezing the switch and the movement of the header. The field tracker is nice though. I really like the horizontal unloader, especially for unloading on the go. The unloader engagement is better in this case too. I am yet to be convinced the 1688 has more capacity the the R50. Certainly has bigger sieves but it cleans not better. Keeps unemployment down though - need two men to change a sieve. Takes a lot more time and effort to change one too. rented a 1666 once. liked it but toomany dollars for the hours. bought the 1688 cheaper