Combines 2388 compared to 470

kp, Yes, I have two 2388s with 30' headers and we run 5 to 5.5 in 40 bu. wheat. And from what I have been reading on this forum the last few months, I have come to the conclussion that the 2388 is the most reliable machine running these days. K.A.

I think the red ones are good machines, but why would you want to get rid of your lexionIJ Do you really think CASE is any better ofIJ They have been trying for a few years to launch their new combine and couldn't. In between they got bought out by NH. They tried again to launch the new machine for this year but didn't. We don't really know why. Rumors say the new combine didn't do what it should. In between they are trying to get the production moved to the NH plant in Grand Island. The year 2001 was the best year in Claas's 90 year history. They have tried for decades to get into the American market and finally made it. They made it with way better success than ever expected. Are you not happy with your CAT dealerIJ That could be a real reason. But you sure don't sound like that. Anyway, before you get rid of your lexion would you pleas email me.

Our Cat dealer (Kramer in Saskatchwan) has been one of the best dealers we have ever had. In fact, there service is second to none. The only problem is that they are only a dealer, and can only operate within the boundries of Caterpillar, and who knows what their intentions are. I love the lexion combine, it has enabled us to expand our acres aggressively while staying with 2 combines. We just are leary of being stuck with a combine that may or may not be in our country in 5 years time. Our dealer is trying to set up a meeting for us with someone within the organization to clear things up, but can we trust themIJ Don't forget up until 2 weeks ago, Cat was always stating that they are 100% behind their investment in the Omaha plant, then did a complete 180.

I fully understand your concerns, since we are having the same problem. But if you look closer at the other colors, you will find out, they are not any better. I mentioned my concerns about CNH. And look at Deere. They had the highest quarter loss in their history. Everybody who tried to trade lately got charged a lot more. That's because their used ones aren't worth nearly as much as they used to be. look what Claas has done to the silage cutter market. They hold 50% of the worls market share by simply building a good product. They didn't even need a huge dealer network for that in America. If you say that your CAT dealer is at the mercy of CAT you are not right. Besides CAT equipment they can sell about anything they want to. Right now they can sell the complete AGCO line. Some want to, some don't. Some CAT dealers sell grain carts. What does Kramer sell besides CAT equipmentIJ Claas wants to stay in America. And they want to do this with CAT dealers, because that's the way they finally got into this market after trying for decades. AGCO was one of their misfortunate trials in the past. I guess they try to set themself apart from AGCO for the future. Claas is building a new plant for combine components in Germany right now to supply the Omaha plant for the future. CAT never had much to do with the lexions anyway. They just let Claas use their name to get started. If you want to talk to somebody higher up the ladder, I am glad to help you, because I have done it, too. If you would email me your phone number, I would be glad to call you and explain a few things. Don't throw anything away what has been good to you, it can only get worse.

The Agmachinery website at http:__www.geocities.com_agmachinery_ reported on 31st Jan 2002 that Claas announced that it will purchase Caterpillar's shares in the Caterpillar Claas America 50_50 joint venture, which manufactures lexion combines designed for the North American market at a plant in Omaha, Nebraska. That seems to indicate that Claas intend to stick around in North America. Claas have got a high market share in much of the world except for Nth America. If they want to keep growing their business they will have to develop their Nth American market. It is the only big one where they can make large sales increases. Kiwi