[teeshka]

Just curious if any old Rostselmash combines are still operating, better known as Belarus or Don 1500. Or am I the only one in North America that runs one?

 

[Don Boles]

I don't think you'll be the only one.
Might be the only one who reads here and runs one though.

A bit puzzled by your title, there is no connection to Versatile in the vintage of machines you're referring to.

 

[wavesofgrain]

On that note how have the new versatile combines been?? I heard they were cheap.

 

[Don Boles]

On that note how have the new versatile combines been??

Separate thread for it:

http://www.thecombineforum.com/forums/66-versatile/155170-versatile-rt490.html

 

[teeshka]

As Rostselmash owns Versatile and makes Versatile combines I thought that was enough of a connection. And there is no forum here for the vintage Rostselmash combines so the Versatile forum seemed like the best place tp place my question.

 

[Don Boles]

No problem, it fits here.
I still think there must others being run.

 

[offroadnt]

Neighbor here has one he runs with an old 1440. Keeps it under a tarp during the off season.

 

[gopherchoker]

had two neighbors that used to run Belarus tractors and Don combines. The one made a straight cut draper platform for it out of an old pull type versatile swather. This was back before drapers were even popular.

 

[teeshka]

I'd use the Don 1500 more if I had a straight cut header for it. Working on a Rock-a-matic Crophawk draper header. Doubt I'll have it ready this harvest though. It is easier getting parts for my Belarus tractors than for the Rock-a-matic header.

 

[jvw]

My father in law was an engineer at the Rostelmach combine factory during their glory years. Lots of interesting stories about them. He says they took an 8820 apart and built the 1500 from it. Last I saw they were still building the 1500 equivalent, painting them green in recent years. I saw a trainload leaving the factory about 5 years ago. The Russian farmers that we met still use them and like them.

 

[farmac]

stats on rt 490 are interesting would make class 8 or better