Iron Insights
Comparing Agricultural Combines: Which One Is Right for Your Operation?
When harvest time rolls around, your combine harvester becomes the heartbeat of your entire operation. Choosing the right combine can make all the difference in efficiency, yield protection, fuel economy, and overall profitability.
But with so many makes and models on the market—each boasting new tech, larger headers, and smarter sensors—how do you choose the best machine for your farm?
In this blog, we’ll compare some of the most popular combine brands and models, focusing on performance, capacity, technology, and user-friendliness.
The Big Players: Combine Brands Worth Considering
John Deere S Series (S770, S780, S790)
- Threshing System: Single rotor
- Grain Tank Capacity: Up to 400 bushels (S790)
- Engine Power: Up to 543 hp
- Standout Features:
- JDLink™ connectivity and HarvestSmart™ automation
- Combine Advisor™ camera-based adjustment system
- Best For: Large-scale farms looking for reliability, service support, and resale value
Deere’s S-Series is known for smooth operation and intuitive controls, making it a go-to for many North American grain producers.
Case IH Axial-Flow Series (7250, 8250, 9250)
- Threshing System: Axial-flow single rotor
- Grain Tank Capacity: Up to 410 bushels (9250)
- Engine Power: Up to 625 hp
- Standout Features:
- AFS Harvest Command™ for real-time adjustments
- Gentle grain-on-grain threshing for minimal loss
- Best For: Operators focused on grain quality and low kernel damage
Case IH combines are known for simplicity, high grain quality, and operator comfort.
CLAAS LEXION Series (8700, 8800, 8900)
- Threshing System: Hybrid system (APS Synflow + twin rotors)
- Grain Tank Capacity: Up to 510 bushels
- Engine Power: Up to 790 hp
- Standout Features:
- CEMOS Automatic system for AI-driven optimization
- Outstanding fuel efficiency and header-to-hopper flow
- Best For: High-acreage farms and operators who want top-of-the-line automation and throughput
CLAAS LEXION combines often win in fuel economy and harvesting capacity—but they come at a premium.
New Holland CR Revelation Series (CR7.90–CR10.90)
- Threshing System: Twin rotor
- Grain Tank Capacity: Up to 410 bushels
- Engine Power: Up to 700+ hp (CR10.90)
- Standout Features:
- IntelliSense™ automation system
- Industry-leading grain loss protection
- Best For: Farmers prioritizing throughput with minimal grain loss
The CR10.90 holds the world record for most wheat harvested in 8 hours—this machine is a beast.
Side-by-Side Combine Comparison
|
Brand / Model |
Rotor Type |
Max HP |
Grain Tank |
Automation |
Ideal For |
|
John Deere S790 |
Single |
543 |
400 bu |
Yes |
Balanced performance |
|
Case IH 9250 |
Single (Axial) |
625 |
410 bu |
Yes |
Grain quality & simplicity |
|
CLAAS LEXION 8900 |
Hybrid |
790 |
510 bu |
Yes (AI) |
Speed & tech-savvy ops |
|
New Holland CR10.90 |
Twin Rotor |
700+ |
410 bu |
Yes |
Max capacity & low loss |
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Combine?
- Crop type: Corn, soybeans, wheat, rice? Some combines handle small grains better than others.
- Acres per season: Larger farms may need more capacity and automation.
- Dealer support: The best combine is only as good as the service behind it.
- Budget vs ROI: Higher-end models cost more—but may save money in fuel, time, and loss.
The best combine is the one that fits your operation. Whether you're running 500 acres or 5,000, there’s a machine out there that matches your workflow, labor availability, and crop type.
Looking to upgrade or sell your current combine? Platforms like HeavyEquipment.com make it easier than ever to connect with serious buyers and sellers across North America.
