A Real Comparison

Combine harvesters, eight machines, real numbers.

A sample of the real data behind this class, pulled from across the full spec sheet - not just the flattering rows. Machines are anonymised here as A–H (one manufacturer appears twice, with two different models); every value is real.

Field	Manufacturer A	Manufacturer B	Manufacturer C	Manufacturer D	Manufacturer E	Manufacturer F	Manufacturer G	Manufacturer H
Description
Size Class	8	8	9	8	9	–	8	8
Engine
Rated OutputkW [hp]	365 [496]	351 [470]	388 [520]	343 [460]	405 [543]	325 [436]	353 [473]	348 [466]
Manufacturer	FPT Industrial	MAN	Cummins	Agco Power	Mercedes-Benz	FPT Industrial	John Deere	MAN
DisplacementL [in³]	12.9 [787]	12.4 [758]	12 [732]	9.8 [598]	15.6 [950]	–	13.6 [830]	12.8 [781]
Feeding System
Feeder Speed Variable	Optional	Standard	Chain type feeder	Standard	CEMOS Automatic	–	Optional	–
Threshing And Separating System
Threshing System Type	Twin Rotary	Dual rotors, lengthwise	Rotary, with rotating concave	Rotary	Transverse cylinder plus long rotors	Axial Rotor	Rotary	Cylinder and straw walker
Number Of Rotors Or Cylinders	2 Rotors	2 rotors	1 Rotor	1 Axial Rotor	1 pre-separator; 1 cylinder; 1 feed impeller; 2 rotors	1 Axial Rotor	1 Rotor	3
Threshing Drum
Rotor Or Cylinder Diametermm [in]	559 [22]	600 [24]	762 [30]	800 [31.5]	755 [30]	–	762 [30]	755 [30]
Threshing Area Wrap°	123	–	360	142	150	–	–	–
Cleaning System
Total Sieve Aream² [in²]	6.5 [10075]	4.9 [7595]	5.26 [8155]	6.1 [9455]	–	8.6 [13330]	5.9 [9145]	–
Cleaning Fan Description	Opti-Fan, to pre and top sieves	3 Impeller fans	28.3 (720) diameter	Transverse, 13in (330) dia.	8 turbine fans	Cross Flow	Centrifugal, 12 Blades	–
Grain Handling System
Grain TankL [bu US]	14448 [410]	12334 [350]	11981 [340]	12334 [350]	18000 [510]	12330 [350]	14100 [400]	13500 [385]
Unloading RateL/s [bu US/s]	141 [4]	141 [4]	123 [3.5]	141 [4]	180 [5.1]	114 [3.2]	150 [4.2]	180 [5.1]
Unloading Auger Lengthm [ft]	8.3 [27ft 3in]	7.6 [24ft 11in]	–	–	–	–	6.9 [22ft 6in]	–
Tires And Tracks
Steering Tire Size	750/65 R26	620/70 R26	480/70 R30	750/65 R26	–	600/65 R28	620/75 R26 R1W	–
Rubber Tracks Available	36in SmartTrax	26, 30, 36in (660, 762, 914) widths	–	–	Terra Trac optional	–	Optional 30 or 36in (762 or 914)	35in Terra Trac
Weights And Dimensions
Weightkg [lb]	19158 [42236]	–	19870 [43805]	17550 [38693]	–	–	22286 [49141]	–
Transport Heightm [ft]	3.96 [13ft]	3.99 [13ft 1in]	4.18 [13ft 8in]	3.73 [12ft 3in]	–	–	–	–

The Terminology

The numbers, defined in plain English.

Combine spec sheets describe threshing, cleaning and grain handling systems that vary a lot between manufacturers. Here's what the terms that actually matter for comparing them really mean.

Rated Output vs. Max Output vs. Power Boost: Rated output is the continuous, sustained figure. Max output and power boost are higher numbers available only temporarily - for example under heavy load or while unloading on the move.
Threshing System Type: How the machine separates grain from the rest of the plant: a rotary system spins the crop through one or more rotors, while a cylinder-and-walker (conventional) design beats it against a fixed cylinder then shakes it over straw walkers. Different systems trade capacity for straw quality.
Number Of Rotors Or Cylinders: How many threshing and separating rotors a machine runs. More rotors generally means more separating area, but a different mechanical layout.
Threshing Area Wrap: How many degrees of the rotor's circumference are actually surrounded by concave - the grate the crop threshes against. A bigger wrap angle means more separating opportunity per rotation.
Total Sieve Area: The total surface area of the cleaning shoe's sieves. A larger area lets more material be cleaned per second, especially at high ground speed.
Grain Tank vs. Optional Grain Tank Capacity: The standard hopper size versus a larger tank offered as an option - a substantial capacity jump on some models.
Unloading Rate: How fast the auger can empty the grain tank into a cart or truck - usually the limiting factor for unloading on the move without stopping.
Concave Adjustment: How the gap between the rotor or cylinder and the concave is changed to suit different crops. Some machines do this hydraulically from the cab; others require manual adjustment.
Cleaning Fan: The fan (or fans) that blow air through the sieves to separate grain from chaff, described by type - transverse, centrifugal, multiple impellers - and speed range, which affects how finely airflow can be tuned to the crop.
DEF Tank vs. Fuel Tank: Combines carry both a diesel fuel tank and a separate DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank for SCR emissions treatment. DEF consumption is much lower, but running dry limits engine power.

Threshing, cleaning, grain handling - the systems that actually decide a combine's output.

Real depth, not a marketing number.

Combine harvesters, eight machines, real numbers.

The numbers, defined in plain English.

42+ fields tracked for every machine in this class.

Every figure above traces back to the manufacturer's own literature.

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