Gleaner K vs K2 Capacity

[GEJD60]

I currently own a 1972 Gleaner K short tail with a 10" rigid head, no heat/air/lights or working gauges and I now have the opportunity to purchase a newer Gleaner K2 long tail with 13" series 2 head with heat/air/lights and working gauges.

Some questions I have are; will I see increased capacity with a long tail vs short tail? How much will harvest time increase with a 13" head with working robot vs. a 10" rigid head and no robot? How much less stress is there running a slightly newer machine with working warning lights and gauges vs. running a machine without them?

Basically, is a real nice K2 a decent step up in productivity and creature comforts vs. an older average K?

I am currently only harvesting 20 acres with the possibility of adding another 60 acres next year. And no - I have no desire to hire it done, this is not for my lively hood but I take great pride in doing it myself and doing it right!

Thanks for your input!
 

[Oliver Farmer in MI]

Seems to me it would be a good move for your operation. You would probably get acclamated to running the K2 rather quickly and you would really appreciate the heat, working gauges, etc. A neighbor of mine has a nice K2 and his handles a 13' grain header just fine.
 

[Bob Bancroft]

My progression was E, to K2, to F2. You will certainly enjoy the creature comforts of the K2.
My F2 had a 13' grain head. In small grain that was just right. If you are doing beans, 13' may be OK on the K2.
The E, E III, K, and K2 all have the same cylinder. A longer cleaning shoe is definitely an advantage- but 3 more feet worth?
Once you have run auto header height control, you can't go back!
 

[jbp]

There will be a lot of difference in cleaning capacity, but none at the cylinder. They are both the same at the front end. The K2 will handle a lot more grain like corn on sidehills without throwing any out the back. The K2 with extensions has a 99 bushel grain tank versus 66 for a K. Joe