Perspective on Service and Parts for Combine Harvesters

During harvest time, producers lose valuable time due to combine breakdowns because of service problems and availability of parts. A survey was, therefore, conducted across the Province of Saskatchewan to determine problems associated with combine parts availability, combine repair and consumers opinion on combine parts, costs and quality. Out of 200 surveys 43% were returned. Saskatchewan is the major grain producer province in Canada. The survey conducted here will show trends in grain harvesting, combine ownership, parts and repairs, and dealership concerns.

A total of 108 combines were reported. John Deere and CaseIH had equal percentages of the market although John Deere combines averaged 4 years newer than the CaseIH ones. Nearly 61% of the combines consisted of model years previous to 1985. Producers listed many repairs with the majority occurring on the farm and only 26% indicating any type of dealership repair. Strong concerns were expressed with the poor availability of parts and low inventories with the suppliers. The producer wanted parts available more readily to reduce waiting time.