Combines looking at 1974 l

I have been around three different model Gleaners, '68 G, '78 M2, and current machine, '76 l. The big difference fron the F are the straw walkers. The M and l have enough walker area that walker loss (in small grains) is negligible...concentrate on the the shoe. Some things to consider...There are 2 engines, the 2800 and 3500. I don't know if its the big engine only with the hydro, but suspect so. Ours has 3100 engine hours with no problems. We do have a hyrdo leak, but seriously, the fix is more costly than the machine is worth so I but a bucket under it at the end of the season! These are good, high capacity machines. If she has been taken care of, it should treat you right. I take it you have nearby parts_service supportIJ Good luck! Tom

I'm not sure about engine. It says in the ad it has 130 horsepower. If it had the smaller engine would it be underpowered any in greenstemed beans or 150+bu. cornIJ It has a 20ft. platform and 6 row orange cornhead with it. Would it handle eightIJ There is no problem with parts as I am a mechanic at an Agco dealer. There are not many l's around these parts and have never been around them. Too big of a machine for the times here.

Well, I don't know about being under powered in corn or beans as I'm from NE Montana. But, years ago when we ran the gas "G", we pushed 20' in wheat and barley and unloaded on the run with no problems on level ground. Of course, in the hills us truck drivers chickened out so power there wasn't the issue! I should think that 130 HP would be OK. Besides there are enough of them around that you could possibly upgrade to the bigger engine if needed. I know that the 158HP engine is the Allis 426. Is the 130HP a different setting or a different engineIJIJ Tom

I would say that it probably has the 301 in it. They are a very good engine. My uncle has a G and runs a six row head on it. It has plenty of power but not the capacity. It's a gasser too. Our F has lots of power with four rows with the 292 in it. I think that this would make a good combine. Have you had any electrical problems with yoursIJ Doesn't the l's and M's have electrical over hydraulic systemIJ How has it stood up over timeIJ

I ran my l2 for more than 20 years and had not one whit of trouble with the electric_hyd. part. The first ls had trouble with the switches on the console but they were replaced with dustproof switches and that problem went away. I think the machine you're looking at should have the improved switches. The electric clutches can give problems if you try to engage them when the engine is not at idle and the charging system must also be kept in top shape or low voltage can cause slippage which will ruin the big magnet $$$$!! Ed in Montana

What's the big magnet you're talking aboutIJ Is it something I can check when looking at the combineIJ Are they prone to going outIJ

Had a M-2and a M-3 with the 130hp 301,the 2 was gear drive it did fine,the 3 hydro,and it was very short on power in heavy corn with a 4 row head,I'd look for a l with a 426 if it was me.

well, i had a m2 gleaner with the 3500 engine and pulled as much as 22 lbs of boost in 180 bu corn and thick mud and the dealer said that worked out to about 180 hp. the pump screw had been tweaked, but the engine gave me very little trouble for 4200 hrs James

The big magnets are on both the seperator clutch and the header clutch. look for the brush holders on the main clutch shaft. Further in you will find a big electromagnet. look for signs of excessive heating and galling on the surface that engages the plate. Mine lasted as long as I had the combine but I took care of them. Starts at near full throttle trying to clear slugs are particularly tough on them, although my machine endured a few. Not recommended though. Ed in Montana