combines

Just like the --00 series JD combins! 

Not to mention a little clumsy to operate! I drove a 1978 6600 once, and the wheat was really good in one spot of the field, about 45 bpa (The rest was about 10!) Well, this spot was good yielding because it was in a low spot, and got more water from runoff. As a result of the runoff (and kinda poor farming practices by the land owner), there was a big rut in the field. I didn't notice it because wheat was growing IN the rut! (That part didn't make much sense to me) Anyways, I didn't see the rut, and I drove straight into it (It's about a foot deep) All of a sudden the combine drops down, header digs in, and the wheels are spinning. If I was in my L3, I would've quickly pressed the header switch with my thumb and pulled the hydrostat backwards at the same time, in one fluid motion. But since on this combine, the two controls are two separate levers, I was thinking quick about what to do, so I had to put it in reverse, wheels spinning, then raise the header. It took a few seconds to do all that, which wasn't too bad, but it still filled the header with dirt. 

That setup also makes going over terraces a bit harder. Usually I slow down a bit when crossing them while I raise and lower the header. It's just handier in a Gleaner! Why JD used that design from the 55s through the --20 series combines, I'll never understand. 

Plus, the --00 JD combines have the wind adjustment outside the cab, on the side of the combine. 

When working on them, the Gleaners have swing-out guards....these combines don't. And if you're tall, you're going to bang your head a lot on the side panels when you're greasing or working on them because the side panels are rigid and don't swing out. I knew running that 6600 (with all the cab insulation) was louder than our L3 (which is missing some insulation), so I looked up combine test results online (Like Nebraska tests tractors, this place tests combines). The 6600 is 88 decibels and the L2 is 79. Supposedly that's about 3 times as loud, judging by one website. One LAST thing....if you have a problem with any of the major drives, you won't have to go far; they're right under your seat!  

Guess I'm just spoiled with the convenience of the Gleaner....

You'll have to come watch me bury my Super 100 this year. I talked to a friend who is on the board of directors, and he said the wheat hasn't even been planted yet! The ground has been too wet. He thinks they're going to tile the field pretty soon, then plant spring wheat. 

Hey, bring your K up to the show! You won't bury it! Them things are a lot lighter than any other combine!

And if you DO opt to get an older Gleaner (like a K or F), I've encountered farmers with old combines in the fence rows who are willing to just GIVE you all the parts off the machine you want! (They'll never use them) If you can find something like that, or even buy the parts, that would work. I tend to strip the combine almost clean. Never know what you'll need in the future. And if you end up with 3 or 4 of the same part, and a buddy needs one, you can help him out! 

Plus we have a great dealer close by!   Kurt