Gleaner F2 Advice

[Critter]

I am looking at a 1977 model F2 gear trans. combine in great shape but don't know anything about that particular machine. Can anybody tell me if there is a big difference in the short & long shoe models? I will be picking some corn, wheat, oats & soybeans, but mostly I am buying this machine for fescue. Are there any specifics or extra pulleys belts sprockets & screens I should ask about before purchase?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A 1977 is the short shoe, just like the older Model F. Long shoe, which is SN 39201 or above, is a larger capacity machine with the longer shoe. Might also have the hydraulic auger- big plus. Regarding belts and pulleys for the cylinder- you need the 11 inch pulley for small grain, 16-20 inch for corn and beans, and the belts that go with them. Two ways of changing belts/pulleys: Hard way is to wrench loose the belt tightener from the countershaft to the variable speed pulley, right side of the machine. Easy way is to use a come-along, hook it from the tightener to the drive axle, pull the tightener down enough to loosen the belt, then rotate the VS and peel the cyl drive belt off, and install the other one in the same manner. Back off the come-along, and voila! belt is changed. 15 minutes for the seasonal change! Get the filler bars for doing corn- they are held in by clamps, not bolts, so do not use them at 850 or more cyl rpm. Take out for beans and all other crops. Make sure you get the op manual with the combine- shows settings and adjustments, etc. Standard chaffer (top screen) is for small grains, there are several others for corn, beans...long and short tooth, round end and square end. Book describes purpose of each. Bottom screen- (sieve) is normally the same for all crops, but options are available. Good machines, easy to work on...if adjusted properly, always get a good seed sample.

 

[Critter]

Thanks JMS/.MN
There are very few of these machines for sale here in central NC. Although this would be a huge upgrade from my AC 72 pull type in your opinion should I wait to find a long shoe & possibly a hydro trans? Or maybe even a F3?
Thanks again

 

[cadet trooper]

I don't know if you can but if the present owner has the OP manual for it I would ask to borrow it because in it will be what you need to run fescue I know there is a long list of crops unheard of by some on here including fescue with the long history of Gleaner they seem to have experience to do it. The long shoe short shoe issue shouldn't be a problem unless you're running high yeilding corn or soybeans because of a lot of heavy trash. The one thing might be an issue with fescue is any leakage making sure all the elevator bottom trap door hinges are good and sealed tight because of the small seed and the stone door fits tight. I would get me a creeper and check the underside for holes. If your primary crop is fescue there maybe a need for a different cylinder bar i.e. spike or something less aggressive. One question I have is this a corn soybean special or small grain machine should be a logo on the grain bin or the SN starts with FKS for Corn Soybean special or just F. E-mail me if you have more questions and I'll try to help you.

 

[Critter]

Thanks, as for what type it is I don't know yet. There's a guy about 2 hours away from me that runs a gleaner junk yard & buys mid west combines to fix up and sell locally. I only hear good things from the people that deal with him, but I'm going next week to look at it. also what size grain head will this machine hold? Do you cut fescue?

 

[Anonymous-0]

F3 machines are hard to find- made about 83-85? Harvester portion is the same as the F2, but has the electro/hyd controls like on the M2/L2. Mostly cosmetic changes between 2/3. E/H is nice, but the machine stops without a good ground to the system...single wire system, should have been double. Definitely the long shoe is better than the short- otherwise, just find an F for fewer dollars. I had (still have, will be for sale) an F2 since about '83, after the F and K, now have an M2 Hydro. Hydro is a fantastic drive system, but gear drive worked well for years. Infinite speed/instant reverse is a plus but the definitive idea is to get a good machine, learn it, and maintain it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Without looking in the book, the small grain pulley might be even smaller than 11, like an 8 inch. About four sizes are available, and each needs a different belt. Max cyl speed is about 13-1400 with the smallest pulley. Minimum with the biggest pulley should be under 500 rpm. My M2 is nice in that I don't have to change belts/pulleys on it for 500-1400.

 

[cadet trooper]

I was an Allis dealer for a few years and sold several F2's and F3's all Corn and Soybean Specials or Corn Plus. No one that I knew of ran anything smaller than wheat in our area but have been to a few North American sales meetings talking to other dealers throughout who had customers running crops like Rapeseed, Flax and Fescue and they would talk about acceptable field loss like something that would cover the bottom of a styrofoam cup using ductape to seal up elevator cleanout doors etc. I know air adjustment is critical. Gleaner used to offer a myriad of sieve screens of all sizes.Gleaner has always been big on operator education therefore the best tool you can carry is the OP manual along with and oil can and grease gun. It seems to have all the adjustments and accessories to run any crop you choose. As JMS said you'll get better at it the more you run it. It is definitely an operators machine.

 

[Critter]

Thanks alot for all the advice I can"t wait to go see the combine! JMS a friend of mine has a M2 he cuts fescue with and he loves it I"d like to have one but just a little rich for my little hobby farm right now.
Thanks again guys. I"ll let you know if I get it or not.