Combines 9650 STSIJ

I've not been around the STS, but with the large single rotor I bet it will be able to duplicate or probably improve on the Axial Flow performance. If it can't right now, it will just be a matter of time until JD or the aftermarket folks figure out the combination that works. I think there are lots of folks running JD walker machines and waiting for the STS users to finish debugging them, then they will jump on board and the walker machines will much less popular in North America.

As I told you on the Deere site already, we ran the 2388 and STS side by side last summer. If your priority is clean samples, stick with the red ones. You will never get anywhere close with an STS. We know quite a few custom harvester who got lured by Deere and switched back to red for that very reason. I have overhauled some 1688s and been around the 2188. I know the 2388 is not that much different. Our STS have been used and left with 1300 hours on the clock. The red ones are easier and cheaper to work on. The STS needs a complete overhaul after 700 hours. I have written a 4 page report about all the incidences last summer. You are welcome to it. Because of all that we have switched to lexions. For your application stick to the Axial Flow. CASEIH will come with a totally new designed rotor in 2003 and they're supposed to bring their new generation combine in 2004.

Dakota, I appreciate your feedback. Don't think I didn't trust your opinion from the JD page, I'm just interested in as many opinions as I can get. I didn't get much response on the JD page. Most folks I've talked to feel the exact same way you do. Thank you for responding, and good luck this season.