Combines combine demo derby

l3

Guest
I run at least couple every year, with cars that is. I've watched the combines though. It looks like it is important to weld the back axle solid so if a spindle or wheel gets broke off it will stay straight and run on 3. Otherwise, make it run good (maybe up the r's on the governer),tie all wiring and things tight, and make sure batteries are secure. Have fun!!
 

Tomato_Worm

Guest
Have funIJIJ ReallyIJIJ Just who's side are you on, l3IJ How can anyone who posts on these forums [who is supposed to at least work with, if not love combines] either engage in or even condone this nonsenseIJ!! Responsible farmers and combiners certainly will not. I think anyone who would deliberately destroy such a machine of peace should have their head examined! This is stealing history and destroying it piece by piece. Beside, anyone who has ever seen a wrecked or burned combine knows it is not a pretty sight. let's stop all this literal combine bashing and keep our business safe and sane!!!
 

l3

Guest
Stealing historyIJ Is there a shortage of old combinesIJ I would think the people on this forum pride themselves in building and fine tuning machinery to its maximum potential. The demo derby is a match of machines and their builders to out-manuever and disable the competition. It is a sporting event not a war. Participating in such an event for entertainment in a regulated setting has nothing to do with the safety of the business of harvesting grain.
 

Tomato_Worm

Guest
Actually, in many parts of the High Plains, there are no antique combines in any great number. I've been looking for older ones to either restore or get into operating condition for small fields. The test plot ones are okay, but unbelievably expensive! I still hold to my statement that it is illogical and potentially dangerous to engage in destructive activities with combines. A warIJ Just ask those combines! I think we would best use our mechanical skills toward settings and mods that will continue to enhance our combines' field performance, rather than destroy or disable another's combine in a so-called "sporting event."
 

Combine_Wizard

Guest
Well, I have to say that destroying antique combines is certainly a form of stealing or destroying a part of history. As for safety, I have heard of outright malicious behavior in these events. I realize, serious fights also do break out in most contact sports. still, they aren't fighting with motor vehicles. Is this what we really want for the older combines that have been with us for so longIJ I don't find ANY F or AII or even G Gleaners around the county I live. Everything here has been long sinced replaced with newer machines. It was not that long ago, I posted a message as a survey to see who may be interested in preserving combine_harvesting heritage. I got quite a few e-mail responses. I also notice that when someone wants an old combine to restore, he posts on these pages because he obviously just can't find any old combine parked around his corner. I don't know how rare the old combines are, but they are not only rare, but declining. Once they're gone, they're gone. I know maybe restoring or even just storing an old combine is not as easy as with a tractor, but in many ways, a combine can be so much more rewarding. The old Masseys and Deeres I've done really get attention at the shows. It is especially gratifying to hear comments like, "Gee, I didn't expect to see an old 27 here. It really brings back the memories." or "look at the 95. It sure is nice to see something other than just Johnny Pops, even if they are so great!" The list goes on. However, the popularity of destroying these really sets back the efforts of those of us who want to protect and preserve these old combines. I would like to think that here, posted on the pages of harvesting.com, are the ones who really care about their combines, looking to optimize performance, but also would see all combines worthy of the effort of preservation. Can't we give even the historic combines safe havenIJ I encourage "Buckeye Gleaner" to reconsider his intention and sell the old Gleaners to a good home if they are restorable. I would guess they are, since in order to qualify for a demo derby, they would at least have to run, which is a step more than many of the combines I have saved for restoration. long live the old Gleaners!!!
 

buckeyegleaner

Guest
my family has sold hundreds of gleaner combines starting in 1959,my lot is full of a pile of these combines. i have 5 f's left after parting out and dragging off to the scrap yard. if i sell one of these combines to a customer he always wants it field ready'' something not practical with todays shop rates and price of parts. my salesman had the idea of giving the combines away if the customer would lt us fix them up the way they wanted us to and pay the repair bill instead.i have thousands of hours working on gleaners myself and don't feel bad at all,and yes i do collect ac and gleaners.
 

Harvest_Dog

Guest
I think that Tomato Worm is a little too critical. I have been around combines, harvesting, and farming my whole life. Believe me I truly love it also, but why critize good fun. I would love to be able to participate in events of this nature. It would be great to have something other than work, work, work, and more work to look foward too than what farming provides. I guess us Texas boys are just a little bit different, but we just love to have a good time. Screw overaceivers!!!
 

Tomato_Worm

Guest
So, you're from the great state of Texas! Want to REAllY have FUNIJ Try Billy Bob's. I hear it's a real winner, but I don't think anyone kills combines there, ha! Nothing wrong with having some fun, though as long as nobody else gets hurt. There were some injuries in past demo derbies which is a far greater concern than the loss of historic combines.
 

acre_eater

Guest
Come to michigan there are old gleaners setting round all over if you want to restore one. If buckie wants to wreck an old junker what is wrong with thatIJ Ive got an old E that I would never junk because it is in near perfect condition but if There was an combine derby in my area I would find an junker to put in it. As far as how people act at one of these things you shouldn't lump everyone together. Tom what fair are you going to be in maybe I'll come down and help in your pit crew!! Also Tom I think we have met before haven't weIJ Tim Brodbeck
 

buckeyegleaner

Guest
tim weve met you bought an 8050tractor about 2miles from my dealership and i have sent you parts before , what i most remember about you and your dad was you had those white mickey mouse boots for the winter rightIJ the demo derby is at 9 tomorrow night at montpelier ohio