Combines Buyer Guide
Combine harvesters are high-capacity agricultural machines engineered to cut, thresh, separate, and clean grain crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and canola in a single pass. They are purchased by row-crop farmers, custom harvest operators, and large corporate agricultural enterprises needing to maximize harvesting efficiency and grain retention during tight seasonal windows.
AI-updated monthly · Last refresh 11/1/2026
Fast facts
- Used prices typically range from $45,000 for older Class 6 rotary units to over $500,000 for late-model Class 9 and 10 combines.
- Base operating weights run from 30,000 lbs for mid-size units to over 55,000 lbs for large-frame machines before adding headers or grain payload.
- Expected operating life spans 4,000 to 6,000 engine hours (roughly 3,000 to 4,500 separator hours) prior to major overhaul.
- Fuel consumption ranges from 12 to 32 gallons per hour depending on engine displacement, crop conditions, and chopper loads.
- Common attachments include draper headers, rigid auger platforms, flex heads, corn heads (6- to 18-row), and pickup attachments.
- Machines are deployed on small grain, pulse, oilseed, and high-yield corn operations across dryland and irrigated acreage.
- Most modern models employ single-rotor, twin-rotor, or hybrid drum-and-walker threshing systems.
What to look for
- 1Compare engine hours to separator hours; a healthy separator-to-engine ratio is 70% to 80%, with wider gaps indicating excessive road idling or transport wear.
- 2Examine the feeder house floor plate, chain slats, sprockets, and front drum bearings for abrasive wear, bowing, and grooving.
- 3Inspect the threshing rotor rasp bars or rub bars and concaves for rounding, bent wires, and impact damage from ingested rocks.
- 4Check clean grain and unloading auger flighting; knife-thin edges indicate imminent failure requiring costly tube and flighting replacement.
- 5Inspect the cleaning shoe, chaffer, and sieves for cracked frames, torn louvers, and deteriorating shaker arm rubber bushings.
- 6Evaluate the hydrostatic transmission and planetary final drives for whining under load, oil seepage, or delayed engagement.
- 7Examine straw chopper knives, stationary blades, and the rotor balance at full operating throttle to detect violent harmonic vibrations.
- 8Inspect tires for severe stubble punctures or examine track systems for undercarriage roller seal leaks, bogie wear, and lug carcass tearing.
- 9Review precision ag hardware, checking yield/moisture monitor sensors, cab displays, receiver connectivity, and wiring harnesses for rodent damage.
Best makes & models
John Deere
S-Series (S670, S680, S780, S790)Dominates North American resale value with an unmatched dealer support network, straightforward single-rotor design, and industry-leading parts availability.
Case IH
Axial-Flow 140/150 & 240/250 Series (7240, 7250, 8250)Renowned for high grain quality, gentle single-rotor threshing, and relatively simple belt/chain drive layouts that allow for easy field maintenance.
Claas
Lexion 700 & 8000 Series (740, 760, 8700, 8800)Features a market-leading APS hybrid threshing system that excels in wet straw, heavy small grains, and high-throughput European-style conditions.
New Holland
CR Series (CR8.90, CR9.90, CR10.90)Pioneers in twin-rotor separation technology, delivering immense hourly throughput and superior grain crack prevention in commercial cereal grain operations.
Models with known issues
Commonly-reported issues from operators and technicians. Every machine varies — always inspect before you buy.
Case IH Early Axial-Flow 7010 & 8010 (2003–2006)
John Deere Early S-Series Tier 4 Interim (2012–2013 S680/S690)
Claas / Cat Lexion 400 Series (North American Models)
Frequently asked questions
How much should I expect to pay for a reliable used combine?
A field-ready Class 7 or 8 combine with 1,500 to 2,500 separator hours typically costs between $120,000 and $220,000, while late-model units under 800 hours exceed $350,000.
How many separator hours are considered high on a combine?
Machines with over 2,500 separator hours are considered mid-to-high hour and typically require substantial component overhauls like chains, sprockets, augers, and concaves.
Can I finance an older used combine through agricultural lenders?
Yes, ag lenders frequently finance combines up to 10 to 12 years old, but units older than 15 years often require shorter loan terms, higher down payments, or asset-backed loans.
What are the shipping logistics and costs for moving a combine?
Due to widths exceeding 12 to 14 feet and heights near legal limits, combines require wide-load and oversized permits on lowboy/RGN trailers, with freight costs commonly exceeding $4.50 to $7.00 per loaded mile.
Are aftermarket warranties available for used combines?
OEM-certified pre-owned warranties cover powertrain and emissions on machines under 5 years old and under 1,500 hours, whereas third-party warranties on older units are rare and cost-prohibitive.
Which combine configurations hold their resale value best?
Class 7 and 8 models equipped with factory track systems, dual front wheels, extended unloading augers, and integrated lateral tilt feeder houses deliver the strongest resale demand.