We have some used 453's( hillside 715's) The thing that can cause problems is the spine that slides into the flywheel and drives the separator. The hydro also drives off the same area. Can't remember how it is put together since I didn't work on the last fix. I think there is a long narrow belt that comes down on the drivers side of the machine and drives the shaft going through to the other side of the machine and powers the unloading auger. take that belt and pull it back and forth and see how much play is in the narrow pulley driving that belt. This should give you an idea of how much the spine is worn. To repair, it will require hanging the hydro off a plank extended off the grain tank and getting to the spine. Not sure about parts. Seems our last fix was about 7 years ago and came clear across the country from the east coast.
They're a nice machine thought if they're like the 715. Not sure if wear on the spine would be the same on the 615.

 

Just my opinion but I would look for a 715 diesel. We ran one for years and it was a great little combine. We had very few problems that were not normal wear items. The reason I say to look for a 715 is that they offer a few bonuses over the 615. The combines are essentially the same except that the 715 offers a larger grain tank, a few more horsepower, and the ability to use a 4 row corn head, whereas with he 615 you are limited to a 2 or 3 row wide head. If corn is not really a concern for you then that shouldn't be a worry for you. The only other thing is that these machines are getting up there in age so parts are getting hard to come by, so make sure you know of a good salvage yard for those "No Longer Serviced" items from Mother Case. Hope this helps you some.

 

Thanks for the info. Ballpark-what would one be worth in clean condition-a range.

 

Just completed my first harvest with a gas 615. Great machine for a small farm. Sure there are better choices ( I would rather have a diesel 715 too ) but not everyone has the same availability to a wide selection of combines. Of course there were break downs. Parts are a challenge to locate because of age, and it doesn't hurt to know a machinist! I am needing tailings elevator parts now. A combine will bring 1K at the scrap yard in my area. So, as long as scrap prices are high and the machine works you should be able to get all or part of your money back. Good luck