[twopop]

Hey, guys. I'm a small farmer in central Iowa. I farm 240 acres and harvest with an old JD 4400. I used to work at a dealer on green machines (sorry), so I don't know all of the ins and outs of axial flow machines and heads. I may have an opportunity for 2010 to custom harvest 850 acres of corn/beans and I'm thinking about the best bang for the buck. My dad runs a 1644/1044/1020, and I've been impressed, so here is what I'm thinking. Since I love to tune combines and I don't have tons of cash, I'm thinking about a high hour 1680/1063/1020 (25' or30'). I know I need tracker, but what do I look for and what do I stay away from? I'd appreciate your insight. Thanks
Mark

 

[goalie]

A 1680 should have an 8 row head. 2166 would handle an 8 row and a 25' just fine and give you a lot of improvements over a 1680. It won't have quite the capacity of an 80 but it will be lots for that acreage.

 

[twopop]

Here is why I am thinking '80. 30"rotor can spin a little slower. Little more power for beans. Price. I can get a 1680 for almost 1/2 of a 2166. I thought about a 1666, but still more cash than the 1680. The 1680 has slighly larger sieves than the '66 (6400 sq. in. vs. 5900 sq. in) for corn. I'm not afraid of an old 1680. Lots of them have reel for/aft, tracker, specialty rotor, chaff spreader etc. I can buy a 1680 for $20,,000 - $30,000 spend a little on parts and have a solid machine and I'm looking at $45,000 - $60,000 for a good used 2166 that still is going to need parts.
My question is this, is it possible to set a 1680 with a six row head and get a good sample?

 

[twopop]

Also, what is the difference b/t a rebuilt 863 with water pump bearings and poly, vs a 1063 with poly?

 

[cutterihc915]

I would say that you are thinking on the right terms a 80 and a 6 row head is no problem at all even in 150bu corn. The thought of the least amount of money spent and the extra capacity of the 30" rotor and larger sieves deffinatly gives you the best bang for your buck. I wouldnt shy away from the idea at all, especially when it is going to be you setting in the seat running it not all the others telling not to do it.. Be your own DOG and go for it..

 

[kthwht1680]

I run a 1990 1680, it has the long shoe, I put a Kile head on the rotor, run a 30 ft grain head and a 883 corn head. I cut 925 acres of wheat, 325 of rye, 100 acres oats, 100 acres of corn and 360 acres of milo. If you go with the 1680 go with the later model with the cummins engine. The 1991 or 1992 has some updates the 90 model doesn't have. I wouldn't be afraid of the 1680 at all. The are a very good machine.

 

[caseih9280]

a 6 row will do just fine, we put one on a 2388 and know a few others that to do, just might have to drive faster at times, but it works

 

[lms]

A 1688 is great value for money.

 

[okpanhandle]

We ran a 1063 on a 1680 for a number of years. The only problem was the 1063 has one driveshaft to run all six rows (while a 1083 has two shafts running four rows). We had to have the combine derated a little to keep from tearing up the cornhead. My granddad was running it at the time and he would just push it as hard as he could, then he would hit a big pigweed or something and break the hex shaft that drives the row units.

I don't see a need to derate the combine as long as you keep an eye on what's going into the header; just something to think about.

 

[arcticcatfarmer]

I'm not sure, but I think 1000 series corn head is lighter that the 800 series. As for size a 6 row you will be fine. We used to run 800 acres of corn with a 1063 on our 1688. We just ran around 5 mph and always had a good sample. When we went to an 8 row we had to put a grain tank extension on just to go 1/2 mile. Your plan sounds great for what you are planning on doing. Good size and value. Definitely add some kind of auger front end to your rotor or a factory AFX.

 

[twopop]

Thanks for the help folks! Much appreciated!