Combines Combine Size

[Wolffman]

Twenty years ago a six row machine was a big combine in my area, now the smallest combine you can buy can eat six rows of corn with ease. CIH doesn't even make the 40-60 size rotor. My point being, what's the value of these (smallest you can buy) going to be ten years from nowIJ I don't like it, but huge still seems to be the trend. I hope there will always be a market for a six row machine, but any more I'm not sure. Platform size doesn't seem to be an issue any more. It seems that once you go over 25' you will have to haul it anyway, so why not go 35' or 40'. My 2 cents! Wolffman

 

[Wind]

Have to agree with Wolfman's comments below. Hate to see the small machines go away. Is the CR920 even being offered stillIJ Would expect the 9560STS to make a decline also. Guess we have to take a look at who is buying new machines these days. How many farmers who are still using 6 row heads are in a position to buy newIJ Brother in law is still farming 1500 acres with 2 7720's, more because he and his Dad each want to have their own combine, but that is enough capacity for them. And I know it is hard for them to even think about justifying any new equipment for their farm with todays farming economy. Question is where will it end. How many 8010's, 9860's, CR970's, 9790XP's and 590's will it take to satisfy the large farmsIJ Have watched a local farm with around 3500 acres complete harvest with a Cat 580 for the last 3 years. One combine, good maintenance plan, and 2 shifts of operators can accomplish a lot in a good year. looks to me like a large farm an make it on one of these large machines. Know I have rambled a little here, but the question still must be for the manufacturers, who is going to buy the small machines if they build themIJ Just my opinion.

 

[canuck]

I believe large machinery is just a passing fad.As fuel and inputs becoming increasingly expensive, farming practices will change and many of the very large operations will suffer the most. Farmers with one foot in the factory will survive with their old second hand equipment. The new half million dollar machines can not justify themselves. Just an observation

 

[Marv]

I've been thinking that for 30 years. Hasn't happened yet, though. Don't hold your breath.

 

[Wolffman]

I hope your right on both, because I'm one of those farmers that survive on second-hand combines! Maybe there won't be many buyers for 2000hr mega machines!

 

[CORNKING]

Just my observation but I think the large operations will survive. They are finacally beter off than the part time farmers and also the ones that are buying the new iron,building the new buildings and making the whole industry go around think about it if everyfarmerhad another job, and there was not the farm industry equipment.(new tractors combines) how many more people would be competing for your job.The farmers around here are way better off then they were in the 80s when the country had there last shake down. It may hurt a little but I think the guys that want to make it work, will and remeber if farming was to good everyone would want to do it.I guess I would be more concerned about my factory job or the airlines or any job for that matter because it may not be there either. You can thank the unions for a lot of the problems and they are finding out now with all the cuts that are being made.Brother in law just found out after being a Northwest Airline mechanic for 20 years and they went on strike they all lost there jobs at 33.00 per hr plus benifits. Thousands of people there going to compete for the factory jobs. Just my 2 cents!

 

[red_rocket_2366]

look at the dairy farm same thing get bigger to make same money or quit.allways be markets for used combines.used to be lots 1000 hour machines to pick from now the are at 3000 hr before they are traded.