Combine Harvester Buying Guide

Looking for a combine harvester? Use the following buying guide to help narrow your choices to a more manageable number of options.

For personalized recommendations or to shop combine harvesters for sale, visit Atlantic Tractor. We have dealerships throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Consider the Class

Combine harvesters are categorized into different classes. Higher power capability models will be in a higher class. The key is choosing the right class, and in turn the right amount of power and cleaning shoe area, for your needs.

It is important to note that different manufacturers can classify their combine harvesters differently. Use the assigned class as a starting point, but be sure to verify that the equipment's specifications fit your operation. 

Consider the Cab

Next, think about which cab features you will want your combine harvester to have. Operator comfort isn't just about comfort. It plays a key role in operator focus and endurance, which influences work day efficiency as well as work site safety. If you will be using the combine harvester frequently or for hours on end, be sure to invest in cab features accordingly.

There are many different potential amenities. For example, a heated/cooled cab keeps the operator's space at a comfortable temperature. This makes using the combine harvester in plummeting or skyrocketing temperatures much more accessible.

It's also important to get a cab that properly suits your height, arm span, and so on. Taller individuals won't want to spend their work day hunched over. Shorter individuals won't want to be stuck straining to reach the controls. Before you buy a combine harvester, be sure to spend time sitting in its cab and verify that it will work for you. You may want to choose a model with adjustable seating so that you can perfectly situate the working space to your liking.

Consider the Grain Header

The goal is to choose a grain header that best suits your crops and will help minimize loss. There are many different options including draper, windrow, auger, and stripperheads. There are also crop specific heads for those unique crops that benefit from a specialized grain header.

Consider the Processor

The types of crops that you grow will influence the processor that you will want to get. A processor that is too aggressive can end up damaging the crop. When too much crop is damaged, the cleaning shoe will be forced to handle a heavier load. This can lead to shoe losses. Remember you can always ask your local combine harvester dealer what processor they recommend for your specific crops.

Want more information? Want to shop for combine harvesters for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Atlantic Tractor are here to help. Reach out or visit one of our dealerships. We proudly serve those throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.