Combines Gleaner ReliabilityIJ

[Tim_nj]

Some people undoubtedly have had problems with Gleaners, just like other people have had real problems with other colors. I bet a lot of complaints about a machine aren't really the machines fault, though (regardless of color). I know somebody who's first combine was a new Gleaner F. He complained how unreliable it was, how things would break on it, always fiddling with it, etc. So he traded on a new NH TR70. After that a new JD 6620. Then a new CaseIH 1660. Same complaints about every one. Seems he's the kind of guy that expends zero effort on maintenance. Just jumps in the combine and expects it to go. When things go sour because of the lack of adjustment and_or lubrication, it's the machine's_manufacturer's fault, not his.

 

[Tom_Russell]

Good post, Tim. The same is true for cars, trucks, tractors, planters, shop tools, etc. Marshall, I had an M2 and l2 for many years before upgrading to an R60 so my concerns were probably the same as yours. I noticed automatic belt tighteners on the feeder house countershaft and rotor gear box needed the same type of maintenance as I gave the conventionals. Strangely enough, the R60 as well as an R70 I had briefly and an earlier M2 had the same problemthe previous owners had replaced shaft bearings without benefit of a shop manual and installed bearing lock collars where they werent needed. Fortunately, after the first experience 25 years ago I knew what to look for. Drive chains, feeder chains, and elevator chains seem to require more maintenance than anything else does. Trying to get by with worn sprockets is downright stupid, as we have discussed here many times before. After 25 years of running Gleaners, I have concluded it is better to run chains too loose instead of too tight, but dont ask for a definition of too loose because I dont know of any way to convey it accurately. Good luck with your N7. And relax, that machine will surprise you with how little maintenance it will require.