For farmers, a combine harvester is among the most vital pieces of equipment. It can also be among the most expensive. The average combine harvester price can vary between manufacturers as well as specific units. While most new units sell for up to $500,000, you can find a quality used harvester for around $150,000.
But how do you know you’re getting the best deal? Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a combine harvester.
What Does a Combine Harvester Do?
Combine harvesters are used to harvest different types of grain, including wheat, oats, and barley. It is designed to do this by performing three essential tasks:
- Reaping: Where the harvester cuts and collects the crop
- Threshing: Where the harvester separates the grain/seeds from the stalks
- Winnowing: Where the harvester uses air to separate the quality grains from the chaff
Most combine harvesters feature additional systems and attachments, such as conveyor belts, elevators, loaders/unloaders, and a grain storage tank, to perform these tasks. The price of a combine will be influenced by the unit's size and these other attachments.
Some newer combines have additional components and technology. For instance, they might include GPS mapping and automated controls to improve efficiency.
How Much Does a Combine Harvester Cost?
Given the size and complexity of these machines, they can be a significant investment. How much does a combine harvester cost? New harvesters can range anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000.
A used combine costs less, but you’ll need to ensure you get the same top quality. You can generally expect to pay around $100,000 to $150,000 for a used combine, but the exact price will depend on the unit's size, make, model, and age.
Factors Affecting Combine Harvester Price
The average cost of a combine harvester will vary depending on several critical factors. The following are some of the most common features influencing the combine harvester price.
Brand and Model
The harvester price will typically be higher for top brands and models. High-end manufacturers like John Deere or New Holland will be pricier than lesser-known brands. Each manufacturer will have different models with standard and optional features that can increase the cost. Likewise, the newer the model, the more you can expect to pay.
Features and Capabilities
The total cost of a combine will reflect each machine's features and unique capabilities. An example would be a combine harvester with unique features such as conveyor belts or compatibility with different attachments.
Newer models might include advanced features such as GPS, yield mapping, and automated controls. While these might boost efficiency, they can also increase your overall price.
Size and Capacity
Combine harvester manufacturers design machines for small, midsize, and large farms. That includes the size of the machine itself and its overall capacity. You must invest in the equipment that’s right for your operations.
That said, the larger the machine, the more it will cost. You may save money by purchasing a smaller unit, but this can result in more wear and tear on your harvester over time.
Attachments
How much is a combine once you add attachments? That will depend on the types of attachments and the function they perform. Many of these attachments will vary by the type of crop you’re harvesting.
For instance, snout cones and powered attachments can be helpful for lodged corn, while threshing drums, sieves, and augurs can be useful when harvesting rice. The final configuration of your attachments will add to the base cost of your machine, leading to higher costs.
Benefits of Buying Used Combine Harvesters
When investing significantly in your farm, is buying a new or used combine harvester better? Almost invariably, used combine prices will be considerably lower than buying a new model.
But just how much does a combine cost when buying used? Results vary by the unit's make, model, and age, but you’ll find a used combine harvester price to fall between $100,000 and $150,000. Here are some of the additional benefits of purchasing a used combine harvester.
- Lower Initial Investment: The lower cost of a combine allows farmers to obtain their equipment without a massive initial investment. Instead, they can allocate their funds to other farming needs or equipment.
- Avoid the Depreciation Curve: Farm equipment depreciates the most in its first few years of operation. Purchasing a used combine harvester enables farmers to avoid the worst years of depreciation, leading to a better value.
- Proven Track Record: Even the latest machines aren’t always reliable, and a used combine harvester will have already demonstrated its ability to perform. If the previous owner had maintained it well, you can have confidence in its long-term performance.
- Greater Resale Value: When you buy a new combine harvester, you’re unlikely to recoup this price if you resell the machine. But if you buy a used harvester, you have a greater chance of reclaiming a more significant percentage of your initial price if you resell it.
- Purchase Multiple Machines: Depending on the size of your farm, you may benefit from multiple combine harvesters. Buying used will offer the cost savings you need to purchase multiple units to cover your entire area.
Of course, buying used can also have drawbacks, including the wear and tear that the machine has already experienced. A thorough inspection of the machine can ensure that the machine is in good working order and that you’re getting the best value for money. When buying at auction, make sure you have the option to contact the previous owner before purchasing.
How to Choose the Right Combine Harvester
If you purchase a used combine harvester, how do you compare combine prices and select the best machine? When shopping for a combine harvester, you’ll want to consider such factors as:
- The size of your farm which will influence the size and capacity of the harvester
- The type of grain you primarily harvest which dictates the attachments you need
- Your operating budget
- The track record or customer reviews of the make and model
- Environmental efficiency and residue management
- Ease of use and ergonomic features
When buying a used combine harvester, learn as much as possible about its condition, including its age, type of farm use, and other details. Ideally, you should be able to contact the previous owner to verify its condition and performance record before making a final decision.
Find Combine Harvesters at a Great Price With Purple Wave
Combine harvesters are versatile agricultural machines that were pivotal in the mechanization of agriculture, leading to increased efficiency and productivity on farms worldwide.
For most farmers, a used combine harvester is an ideal choice. Buying used will ease the cost of a combine and ensure you get the best value for your money.
As an equipment auction company, Purple Wave can make shopping for used agricultural equipment like combine harvesters easier. You can search for combines for sale through our website and compare combine harvester prices on different units.
Register Your Account
Start by registering your account through Purple Wave. When registering, you’ll provide your credit card information, enabling you to eventually place bids on your desired equipment. Once registered, you can browse inventory, review past sale prices, and create a watchlist.
Place Your Bid
After you register, you can place bids on equipment up for auction. Every combine harvester available for sale will include seller contact information for total transparency and buyer confidence. Purple Wave is a no-reserve auction, meaning that the highest bidder will win regardless of price.
Complete the Sale
If you win an auction, Purple Wave will handle all the details of each sale. After you complete your payment, the machine will be released for you to pick up.
Purple Wave provides an easy and transparent way to buy and sell used farm equipment and vehicles. Check out our harvesters page to see what’s in stock today!