Combines F3 or M3

Just a few thoughts on the subject. A good F3 will sell for about the same money as a M3 so why bother with a F3. The M3 will harvest about twice as much per hour in corn. You can put a 4 or 6 row head on the M3. Don't get a grain head smaller than 15'. In my area (NEIN} the FandM series combines with both heads are going down in value fast. If I were you I would look for a late l2 as these machines with both heads are selling for $12,000 or less. The dealers that took any of these machines in on trade before fall harvest have too much money in them because of last spring's rosey farm income picture so take your time looking for your next machine and don't set your mind on just one model. I would rather have a combine that is too big that doesn't have to work hard and thus will last longer than one that is smaller that you will work hard and have to replace it sooner.

thank you for your comments_advice. very true indeed. i know that an l3, no matter the price, would simply be too big a machine for our small operation. i've got two sons joining me now, but it will be a long time before we would ever need such a huge machine.

Quite a few l series (one, two or three) being used in NE Iowa with 4-38" heads. Don't just assume they are too large. Our experience upgrading from an FKS to a MKS2 is that there isn't much difference in threshing capacity. A "M" is only 2" wider than an F. The larger grain tank is nice in corn. The biggest difference is in durability and operator comfort. The M and l combines use larger shafts and bearings so the bearings last longer. The electric controls cut operator fatigue, and let in less dust and noise.

My brother is thinking about selling his 1984 M3 with a greenstripe 438 cornhead and black 630 cornhead and 15 foot floating cutterbar head with a tigerjaw cutting bar for around $10,000 for the package. We both run Gleaners and the dealers are just to far away to run for parts and we both are thinking of changing to red or green combines.

What state are you locatedIJ

thanks for the contact. could you send me all the pertinent info you can think of, possibly some pictures, and where you're located. thanks, klengelbert@yahoo.com

We are located in southeast MN.

i might be able to make that work. as soon as you can let me know the specifics, i'll get back to you. thanks.

My number is 507-767-3380, and my brothers number is 507-767-3128.