Combines Question for Cutter

I am currently not aware of any update or retro fit of the new style steering column and wheel to older models. For all, I certainly understand the concern and desire for updates, but when it comes to updates_upgrades I think the general ag machinery consumer public forgets that the ag machinery industry is much like the auto industry when it comes to updates. You don't find compatibility between model years of Chevy, et. al. pick-up cabs. The question I have, not to be negative, but why should combines and tractors be subject to such things as cab updates from one model year to the next and even sometimes skipping years when the automotive industry doesn't support thisIJ Why should a combine or tractor be different than a pick-upIJ I personally have never asked for a new feature upgrade that wasn't available on my older model pick-up because I know it isn't available or practicle. If the new feature is desired then a new model must be purchased, disregarding price. I am interested in the public's input.

Updates can certainly be done on combines, just look at the CIH machines. I very much appreciate that approach. I wouldn't consider a combine from a company who treated me like Ford or Chevy does.

Ag and construction machinery is generally designed for a much longer lifespan than consumer oriented cars and pickups, therefore upgrades and retrofits are much more common and reasonable. Since there is tremendous depreciation in a combine's value five years after it is new, it seems the least manufacturers could do is provide some upgrades to enhance their products value.

Functional improvements have been available for the lexions. Some of these have been at no cost to the customer. Others are available for the cost of parts or labor. Examples include the larger rock trap (10" verse 4" on 97 models),new V-Hutch air intake systems, enclosed front feederhouses, stainless steel grain handling systems. Historically, there has been a 3 - 4 % annual increase in price of the models to put these improvements into production and cover the cost of these improvements. Combine owners should probably expect to pay a similar amount, if not more for the R and R of improvements. (5 of $200,000 = $10,000) I think you could get a dealer to install the double tilt steering wheel for $5,000 if you asked him to.

FarmBuddy, My preference would be for the team working on the improvements for the new machine to make backwards compatibility a high priority. For example, when they design the double tilt steering wheel, design it such that it could easily and economically be fit to the older machines, offered in kit form, and installed by the farmer. Maybe it would cost $500 max. These kinds of constraints make engineering projects more difficult to execute, but it is worth the effort in my opinion. Some changes are just too big to be retrofitable, and that is fine, just change the model number of the machine keep on trucking. However, when the new model number is first introduced, it should be designed to accept the retrofitable changes that will be coming in the next few years. If changes are being done to these machines to enhance performance, this approach is possible. If they are being done to just correct problems, and a tilt steering wheel costs $5000, Id suggest buying a different brand.