The history of the Gleaner Combine

Gleaner Combines have a rich history that dates back to their founding in 1923 by Nick Gerhardt in Independence, Missouri. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing small grain binders, but they soon ventured into the world of combine harvesters. In the 1950s, Gleaner made a significant breakthrough by introducing the first self-propelled combine harvester. This innovation revolutionized the agricultural industry, as farmers no longer had to rely on horse-drawn or tractor-pulled equipment for harvesting. Gleaner's self-propelled combines provided greater efficiency and productivity on the farm.

 

One of the standout features of Gleaner Combines is their unique "Gleaner transverse rotary system." This system, introduced in the 1970s, set Gleaner apart from other manufacturers. The transverse rotary system featured a side-mounted engine and a rotary threshing cylinder positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel. This design allowed for a more efficient and thorough separation of grain from the crop, resulting in improved grain quality and increased harvesting capacity.

 

Throughout the years, Gleaner has continued to innovate and refine their combines. They have introduced advanced technologies such as GPS guidance systems, yield monitoring, and automated harvesting functions. These upgrades have further enhanced the efficiency and precision of Gleaner combines, helping farmers optimize their harvests and increase their yields.

 

Today, Gleaner combines are known for their reliability, durability, and exceptional performance in the field. They continue to be a trusted choice for farmers around the world who rely on their combines to bring in their crops efficiently and effectively.  Today Gleaner is owned by Agco which also owns many other brands of farm machinery such as Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Challenger, Heston hay equipment, White planters, and a few more smaller brands. This year Gleaner celebrated its 100-year anniversary. 

https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farming-in-the-70s/machines/tractors/agco-tractors/#:~:text=AGCO%20is%20a%20highly%20consolidated,forage%20equipment%2C%20SpraCoupe%20sprayers%2C%20RoGator 

https://www.realagriculture.com/2023/03/celebrating-100-years-with-gleaner-combines/#:~:text=In%201923%20it%20took%20a,more%20enjoyable%20for%20the%20farmer.     

questions 

do you think they had a good idea of making the first self propelled combine 

what are any questions you may have on Gleaners history

If you were a farmer would you buy a Gleaner combine 

 

 

       

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  • Good job overall Alex. Some of your summary seems very technical so do your best to make it in your own words.

  • I think that the Silver Seeders had a good idea of the first self-propelled combine. They took a long time to become modern because up until about 10 years ago, they were made out of sheet metal. Looking like a shed on wheels.

    • I agree their engineering is quite impressive making such a machine so long ago. But the Gleaners  still make case Combines look like crap.

  • I've never heard of the Gleaners combine. My family uses Case and Kinze. This is supprising that I didn't know about this tractor brand because its over 100 years old. I think its a good idea making the first self propelled combine. It makes it more interesting compared to normal ones.

    • They are a much more popular brand in Kansas and other southern states.

  • I think that they had a great idea of making the first self propelled combine, back then using your tractor would take a while and you would run over a little bit of the crop. I would buy a Gleaner if I was on a budget or if I didn't have service for other brands in the area.

    • Their design definitely changed farming for the best outcome

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