How Much Does a Combine Harvester Cost? Harvester Financing

If you’re in the market for a harvester, you’re probably wondering how much one of these combine machines costs. Top brands like Claas, John Deere, New Holland, Case IH, Massey Ferguson, Kubota, and Lovol can range from $100,000 to over $500,000. Of course, you can always find used models for a fraction of the price, but there are a few things to consider before making that purchase. In this guide, we’ll discuss the average cost of a combine harvester, whether it’s better to buy new or used, and why financing is a good option for businesses.

If you’re looking to finance your combine harvester, Charter Capital has a range of options to suit your needs. We offer competitive rates and flexible terms so you can get the most out of your combine machine.

What Does a Combine Harvester Do?

A combine harvester is a farm machine that’s used to harvest grains like wheat, barley, and oats. The machine does this by cutting the grain heads, threshing them to separate the grain from the straw, and then cleaning the grain. Combine harvesters are an essential piece of equipment for any farm that produces grains.

There are different types of combine harvesters available on the market, each designed for specific purposes. For example, some models are better suited for small farms, while others are designed for large-scale operations. Combine harvesters can also be equipped with a range of attachments and accessories to make them more versatile, such as straw walkers, grain tanks, and corn headers.

Types of Combine Machines

Combine harvesters, often simply called combines, are agricultural machines designed for harvesting a variety of grain crops. There are several types of combine harvesters, each specialized for specific crops or farming conditions. Here are the three common types:

Track Combine Harvester

Track combine harvesters are agricultural machines equipped with tracks instead of traditional wheels. This design provides several advantages in specific farming conditions:

Improved traction: The tracks distribute the weight of the combine more evenly, reducing soil compaction and making them well-suited for muddy or soft soil conditions.
Stability on slopes: Track combines offer enhanced stability on uneven or sloping terrain, reducing the risk of tipping over.
Reduced ground pressure: The lower ground pressure of tracks minimizes damage to the soil and crops.

These machines are often preferred for large-scale farming operations and in regions with challenging weather conditions or fragile soils. They typically come with advanced features and higher horsepower to handle demanding tasks.

Self-Propelled Combine Harvester

Self-propelled combine harvesters are standalone machines with their own engines and are capable of moving independently. Here are some key characteristics and benefits:

Mobility: Self-propelled combines do not require a tractor for towing, allowing them to work more efficiently and navigate fields without being limited by the speed of a tractor.
Speed and efficiency: These machines are equipped with powerful diesel engines and advanced harvesting systems, resulting in high productivity and the ability to cover larger areas in a shorter time.
Precision and automation: Modern self-propelled combines often come with advanced technology, such as GPS-guided steering, yield monitoring, and automation systems for optimizing grain separation and cleaning processes.

Self-propelled combines are commonly used in large-scale commercial farming operations where speed and efficiency are essential. They are versatile and can be adapted for various crops.

Tractor-Mounted Combine Harvester

Tractor-mounted combine harvesters are implements that are attached to a tractor’s power take-off (PTO) or three-point hitch. Here are some characteristics and advantages of tractor-mounted combines:

Versatility: These combines can be used with a variety of tractor sizes and types, making them suitable for smaller farms or situations where equipment versatility is required.
Cost-effectiveness: Tractor-mounted combines can be a more affordable option compared to self-propelled combines, as they leverage existing tractor power.
Ease of maintenance: Farmers who are already familiar with tractors may find it easier to maintain and operate tractor-mounted combines.

However, tractor-mounted combines typically have a smaller cutting width and lower harvesting capacity compared to their self-propelled counterparts. They are often used in smaller-scale farming operations, niche crops, or for specialized applications where a self-propelled combine may not be necessary.

The choice between track, self-propelled, or tractor-mounted combine harvesters depends on factors like farm size, crop type, terrain, and budget considerations. Each type has its own set of advantages and limitations, and farmers must select the most suitable option to meet their specific needs and conditions.

How Much Does a Combine Harvester Cost?

The cost of a combine harvester will vary depending on the brand, model, and features you choose. As mentioned, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100,000 to over $500,000 for a new machine. Of course, used models will be cheaper, but there are a few things to consider before making that purchase.

Factors that can affect the cost of buying a brand-new combine machine include:

The brand and model you choose: Combine harvesters from top brands like Claas, John Deere, and New Holland will be more expensive than lesser-known brands. Likewise, newer models will usually cost more than older ones.
The features and attachments you need: If you want your combine harvester to be equipped with attachments, you can expect to pay more.
The size of the machine: Combine harvesters come in different sizes to suit small, medium, and large farms. The bigger the machine, the more expensive it will be.
Whether you’re buying new or used: Obviously, buying a used model will be cheaper than buying a brand-new one. However, there are a few things to consider before making that purchase. We’ll discuss that more in the next section.

Here are the pricing ranges of the leading combine harvester brands:

Claas: $100,000 to $250,000
John Deere: $200,000 to $400,000
New Holland: $150,000 to $350,000
Case IH: $100,000 to $300,000
Massey Ferguson: $120,000 to $280,000
Kubota: $140,000 to $320,000
Lovol: $160,000 to $340,000

As you can see, there’s a significant price difference between the different brands and models of combine harvesters. When choosing a combine machine, it’s important to consider how much power you need and what features are most important to you.

To obtain a closer estimate of how much you’ll need to spend on a combine harvester, get in touch with a dealer or retailer about the specific model you’re interested in.

Buying New vs. Used Combine Harvesters

There are pros and cons to both buying new and used combine harvesters. Of course, the biggest advantage of buying used is that it’s cheaper upfront. However, there are a few things to consider before making that purchase.

Advantages of Buying New Combine Harvesters

You’re guaranteed to get the latest model with all the latest features.
All the parts are new, so you’re less likely to have problems down the road.
You can take advantage of any promotional offers or discounts that are available.
The machine will be covered by a warranty, so you won’t have to pay for repairs if something goes wrong.

Disadvantages of Buying New Combine Harvesters

You’ll have to pay the full price all at once.
The machine will lose value as soon as you drive it off the lot.
You might have to wait a while for the model you want to be released.

Advantages of Buying Used Combine Harvesters

You can get a good machine for a fraction of the price of a new one.
The machine has already depreciated, so you won’t lose any more value by buying it.
You might be able to find the exact model and features you want.
You can take the machine for a test drive before you buy it to make sure it’s in good condition.

Disadvantages of Buying Used Combine Harvesters

The machine might have hidden problems that you won’t discover until it’s too late.
You might have to pay for repairs or replacement parts sooner than you would with a new machine.
The machine might not have all the latest features.

Why Financing a Combine Harvester Is a Good Idea

If you’re thinking about buying a combine harvester, you might be wondering how you’ll afford it. The truth is that financing is a great option for businesses of all sizes. Here are a few reasons why:

You can get the combine machine you need now and spread the cost over time.
You can deduct the interest you pay on your loan from your taxes.
You can choose a repayment schedule that fits your budget.
You can get a flexible line of credit that you can use for other purposes.

If you’re interested in financing a combine harvester, Charter Capital can help. We offer competitive rates and terms, and we can find the right lender with the financing solution to fit your needs. We offer farm equipment financing assistance in amounts ranging from $10,000 to $1 million.