My experiences with the Gleaner conventional have been positive and very impressive. There are a few running in the northern wheat belt, but I understand the largest numbers of them are in Canada. Compared to the Deere 9650 conventional, the C62 has greater capacity in small grains and corn_soys. The second beater is, as was mentioned, a big reason why, but also the concave design of the Gleaner is better, more open area so less material has to be separated at the walkers. The cleaning system of the Gleaner is far superior to anything JD has. In sample quality and cleaning capacity too the Gleaner is vastly superior, especially in small grains. The accelerator belt, as they call it, is also a key component. It works on the same principle as the twin accelerator rolls on the rotary machine. Although longevity of this belt has really been one of the machine's only problems, it is not as bad as you might think. First, according to one of the company's service reps, AGCO is replacing these belts even if out of warranty in all cases. There is supposedly a speed reduction kit coming that greatly extends belt life and should eliminate those sudden failures. But as far as I'm concerned, the belt is a huge asset, especially when you run the silver against the green in the same field. We did in wheat. C62 against 2 9650 Deere walkers and the Gleaner could cut almost twice the ground speed of the Deeres with the same size header before significant walker loss appeared. In other words, that one Gleaner was doing the job of almost 2 Deeres, and the sample was considerably cleaner. Not to mention the Gleaner is a simpler machine by far. The Gleaner was impressive in corn and I've heard very good things about its performance in edible beans and soybeans. So in answer to your question, it is more forgiving and higher capacity than Deere in walker loss department. I'd still have a rotary for all around corn, beans, and wheat, but if tougher conditions prevail, and for other crops like edible beans, the conventional is sure worth a look. Also for straw quality if that is a consideration.
