Combines F2 F3 Gleaner or 1420 1440 IH

PETE

Guest
I think the F2-3's will outlast the 1420-1440's, as you know Gleaners are very easy to work on and the later F2-3's were built very heavy. I would look for a F3 as the electric hydrualics are nice. The F3 you are looking at seem to be a bit pricey for the hours, condition and repairs probably needed. Around here in Eastern Ia you can still find late F2's with half those hours for less money.
 

95man

Guest
1206, Have you looked in the bignickel or FarmTalkIJ I would try finding a combine from an individual before I let a dealer have my money. An F2 for 12kIJ, recently bought an individual owned 79' 6620 w_3339hrs with 220 Flex in Illionis nad had it in my driveway for 8k. looking forward to setting it up this winter and smoking some F2's this summer in fescue.
 

1206SWMO

Guest
95man,I have taken Farm Talk since it came out in early 70's.Also pick up Big Nickel every week.I'd like to see a F2-F3 Gleaner come up on a farm sale but there havent been any lately.Even private owners want a pretty good price for F2-F3 Gleaners.You must live in the 4 state area too.
 

1206SWMO

Guest
Pete,I'm leaning pretty heavy towards a Gleaner F2-F3 if I can find the right one.Gleaners arent cheap in this area.I'd love to find one on a farm sale but there hasnt been any lately.My brother mechanics out of his pickup over a 50 mile radius and knows every Gleaner around.One of his customers is trying to get a R-50 in Illinois and if he does he will have an F3 for sale.I just wish F2-F3 Gleaners had the 301 AC motor instead of the 200 4 cyl.My brother has a customer with an F2 that had him overhaul the motor 2 years ago.It ran 1 and a part seasons and broke the crank.Well this customer then installed an Abilene Machine rebuilt motor at a cost of $7,000 and ran 50 acres and broke another crank.How are the F2-F3 motors holding up in your areaIJMy 1983 F3 that I purchased new scored all the pistons when it was one year old but we had turned the pump up to fight the mud the fall before. If you hear of a low hour F2-F3 in your area let me know.Thanks.
 

T__langan

Guest
SWMO - I've never heard anything but good about the turbo 4 banger Allis motor. We had one in an F3 once and we never experienced power shortages or any other problems. It was one gutsy little motor that would just sip fuel. We had it in it's share of deep mud too - can remember cutting corn through a wet spot on this guy's farm - mud and water coming in over the rims on 23.1-26 tires. Had to steer with individual brakes as steering tires were useless. Never had another machine that would handle mud like that F3 would. Maybe you've just had a run of bad luck with them - or maybe the F2 version was different somehow, I don't know. But I sure wouldn't be afraid of one myself..... Good luck!
 

PETE

Guest
My 81 F2 had that 4 cylinder deisel and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It was never lacking for power and was excellent with fuel. Up until your post I had not heard of anyone having trouble with that motor. I will keep my eyes peeled for a late F2-3, of course now that I am looking I won't be able to find any.