Combines Good Combines

[John]

That all depends on the rows planted and the yield of the corn. I have owned 2 of the 3 models that you are asking about, the F and M2. The F will handle the acres but putting a 6-30 head is really pushing the machine to it's limit. The M2 will again handle the acres and the 6-30 head with ease, but if you get on side hills with a yield of over 180bu_acre and the 6-30 it likes to throw too much corn out the back end, even with sidehill blower. So, if going 6-30 and side hills are part of your operation then the l2 would be my choice or do what I did and get an N series 3 or newer rotary. The last of the N's(series 3, 1982 or newer)had all the bugs worked out and was basically the R5_6_7. Good luck on your decision!

 

[rf]

I ran a 550 for 16years and my only complaint was the unloading auger system we were replacing bearings too often. It was a belt drive with a 20foot platform. We raise wheat, milo and corn in north central Texas. The engine and combine itself was great and did an excellent job. Mine was a 1981. I had a spider gear go out in the transmission the last year I had it. I still have sevearl spare parts including a left hand final drive. and old platform if your interested. I traded it off because I found a dealer who was willing to give me something for it.

 

[junkman]

Ran a 410 and a 510 for years and finaly ran up on a good 750. The 550 is just the same as the 510 with newer styling and has the same problems as the 510s. The 750 is alot less trouble to repare,simpler and has lots more capacity. Take my advice and go with the 750 Good luck, Junkman

 

[JJS]

I agree go with the 750. I had a 510 before my 750, and there is quite a difference between the two.The 510 was very good, but the 750 has A lot more capicity. On the 750 make sure it has the large transmission.It will have chrome shift levers on the stearing column if it does. The 354 turboed engine is also preferred over the 372. Overheating was a problem on the earlier ones that had the hyd cooler infront of the radiator, but. That was easily remedied. Good luck Joe

 

[dfg]

We had a MF 750 for years, it was very good, my neighobr_cousins have 2 of them, they harvest 1000 acres of wheat and canola every year. Parts are still available, they buy mostly from wreckers and just drive. They are fair in capacilty as well, so go for the bigger machine if its cheap enough. You don't want to get caught in the circle of renting_buying more land and then laying out money for a bigger combine on top of that.

 

[Tom_Russell]

Good advice, John. I agree with everything you said.

 

[scooter]

They I guess were good machines, but nothing compared to the TR86 or higher. I did not realize the difference or I would have traded 5 years earlier. One major prblem- I kept blowing angle gear box on the unload esp in corn. First time it happen I emptied a 190 bu of wheat with buckets to work on. Tank has be almost empy to repair. Real problem for me.