What Combine Harvester is Best for My Farm?

Purchasing a combine harvester for your operation is a serious investment. To ensure you choose the right equipment, research and planning are essential. With so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming. To simplify the process, our team at Koenig Equipment has created a helpful guide on what to consider and explore our available options.

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Factors To Consider

Farm Size and Terrain

To pick the right harvester, the first thing you need to do is think about the specifics of your land. How many acres does your field cover? Is your soil soft or firm? Combine harvesters come in a variety of sizes and capacities, accommodating farms of all kinds. If your field is more expansive, you’ll need a combine with a higher bushel capacity to make work much more time-efficient. High-capacity combines such as the John Deere X Series combines are designed for large fields of upwards of 4000 acres, while the T Series and S Series are more suitable for smaller fields ranging from 500- 2500 acres. It's also important to choose a combine that’s compatible with your soil type. Larger combines perform best on firm soil, so if your terrain is softer, consider a compact machine that won't overwhelm the ground.

Power and Performance

The type of farm you have also influences the amount of power and capabilities you should look for in a harvester. The more horsepower your combine has, the more work it can take on, making high-horsepower machines ideal for farmers dealing with dense crops or challenging terrain. It's also essential to focus on the threshing and separating capabilities of the harvester. The threshing system is crucial for maintaining crop quality, as it removes the grain from the plant. You’ll want a system that is thorough and has a smooth consistent crop flow for best results.

Crop Type

Different crops require different care; luckily, there is something available to cater to all of them. Along with your combine, you’ll need front-end equipment such as headers and platforms to properly harvest your specific crops. Corn with tough stalks can be harvested with various cornheads, while drapers are ideal for crops such as wheat, soybeans, and canola. Auger platforms are another versatile attachment that can be used for corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Technology

Modern combines are designed to optimize every aspect of your operation with integrated precision ag features. John Deere offers several integrations that can automate your processes, reduce crop loss, and improve grain quality. Fan favorites include AutoTrac guidance to make precise passes with GPS technology, HarvestLab 300 to keep track of grain quality and nutrient management, and MachineSync which allows you to connect your grain cart to your combine.

Maintenance

Reliability is a key factor when choosing your harvester. Your harvester must be durable and equipped enough to withstand the demands of your operation all season. Extended downtime can hurt your operation and result in heavy losses. To avoid this, ensure your equipment is in good condition and properly maintained by service professionals. It’s wise to purchase your harvester from a local dealer with a reliable service department available whenever your machine needs a tune-up. If you’re in the Ohio area, make an appointment with Koenig Equipment’s service department, and one of our certified technicians will get you taken care of so you can get back in the field in no time.

Combine Harvester Options

John Deere S Series

The S Series has a lineup of versatile combines suited for farms of various types. The five models have a horsepower range of 387 to 617 hp and can carry 300 - 400 bushels. With high-performance reinforcements, these machines are designed to give you consistent grain quality while also increasing overall grain retention. Advanced technology features such as the integrated G5 Plus Command Center Display give you better visibility and control, while ActiveYield automates calibration, streamlining your harvesting process. 

Ideal Pick For: Corn, soybeans, canola, and cereal grains

John Deere X Series

The X Series gives you the same reliability and efficiency as the S Series but kicks it up a notch with fully integrated technologies and higher thresholds. The X9 1000 offers 630 horsepower and a 420-bushel capacity, while the X9 1100 delivers 690 horsepower and a 460-bushel capacity, making these combines built for high-stakes jobs. Large-scale operations will benefit greatly from these combines due to significantly increased power and harvesting capacity. An added bonus is the X Series helps you reduce fuel costs by 20% so you can do more work for less. 

Ideal Pick For: Large operations with high-moisture corn, rice, and tough-threshing small grains

The best thing a farmer can have to support their organization besides reliable equipment is a dealer they can trust. Koenig Equipment is a premier John Deere dealer with locations in Ohio and Indiana and has been serving customers since 1904. We are committed to providing you with exceptional care and solutions to bring out the best in your operation! Reach out to us today, for more information on finding the perfect harvesting equipment for your farm.