Combines Combine Classes

No one really knows, but they tell me it's hp and hopper size. I remember seeing one farm mag that had it in there. I think there is now a class 7+ also. So I guess it's really up to the mfg as to what they want to put there combine in what class size. I think the current class size are 5,6,7,7+ and 8. Ilnh

It has always been assumed that the "mysterious" combine class size ratings were based on machine size specifications, namely those specifications of the grain tank's max factory carrying capacity, horsepower, and sometimes the cleaning shoe size. Hmm, an interesting set of criteria huhIJ Sounds good anyway. Thus, there never has been a true size class rating, just speculation. AEM (www.aem.org) has proposed and semi-implemented a combine class size rating based upon horsepower ratings. This is a more practical and better explained system of rating vs. speculating. And, if it were true to the assumed physical size specification as we have all been usingin the past, then all combine manufacturers would rely primarily on increasing the "physical size" of the combine to enahnce performance vs. refining and introducing new harvesting technology. You may do a search on AEM to try and find more info. on combine class sizes. However, it is a site for industry_manufacturing and academics most of information is available to member only (I got mine through a professor I know). You might try e-mailing them to see if they can enlighten on the subject. Happy Planting!

I've heard the same things, hopper size and horsepower. last I knew there isn't an actual Class 8, or it hasn't been "officially" determined what the criteria for that class is yet. I know John Deere claims their 9860 is a class 8, but Case IH, and I'm assuming NH, call it a Class 7+ since a Class 8 hasn't been defined yet. If the classes were defined from cleaning area, I don't think John Deere would make it since their cleaning area is even smaller than a 2388.

The actual combine class size determinate has been settled on, by the industry manufacturers, as Horsepower. The classification is currently being implemented by AEM (www.aem.org),which is the only governing body (made up of industry reps.) in the industry able to enact such classifications. Attmepts, however, had been made in the past by ASAE. It has always been assumed that there must be at least three models to determine a class. Because combine classification is only an assumption, that makes the assumption that three combines determine a class size void. By using horsepower as the determining factor, combine manufacturers will become more innovative in order to achieve greater levels of productivty. Size will no longer play as large a role in combine performance and productivity as much as the technology used will. Combine class sizes and models. Remember, its horsepower, not machine size! Class 5 (215 - 270hp): JD 9550 (CWS and STS); the discontinued CIH 2366; lexion 450 Class 6 (270 - 320hp): JD 9660 (CWS, STS** and CTS); AGCO Gleaner R65 and C62, Massey 9690* and 8680, Challenger 660*; CIH 2388; lexion 460 and 460R; NH CR940 and CX840 Class 7 (320 - 375hp): JD 9760STS**; AGCO Gleaner R75, Massey 9790* and Challenger 670*; lexion 470R_475R; NH CR960, CR970 (because the 970's horsepower doesn't qualify it for class eight, but I am sure NH will bump it five or six hp to qualify it for later this year),CX880 Class 8 (-375hp): JD 9860STS**; lexion 480R_485R; CIH 8010 * = Same AGCO model (Massey and Challenger rotary combines) ** = Same size threshing_separating_cleaning systems for class 6-8 STS models, just different engine hp ratings. Except for the NH CR970, all other CR models are the same size (physical and system),as are the CX model walker combines, just different horsepower ratings. As you can see by the use of similar size machines, size isn;t making the class size anylonger (assumed).

I'm not sure how these things are determined, but i do have a problem with some of the classes. For example, on the AGHA's website, they have a table with the classes and in this table a Case 1660 and a Claas Dominator 96 are grouped together. I there was only minor differences between the two, i would have no problem, but these machines are not even closely comparable. Is there a standardized class-table out there somewhereIJ I'd like to have a look.

If you read my post below, I have clarified the combine class sizes according to the industry approved rating system. Granted, it is probably a rating system in process, but it gives a well defined measure of today's combine models. The one key element that has to be remembered is, physical size does not determine the class size, it is horsepower. I will agree, however, that in the past, when size was the only real differentiator in the development of combines, size did matter. Today, size has pretty much reached its limit and now technology must take over. I think that is would be safe to say, that since 1995 engine horsepower ratings have played the greatest role on combine size ratings. Prior to '95, size could have been considered.

i went to the site, where should i look for the classificationIJ couldn't find it first time round.