R52 questions

Not a bad machine but I think you would be happier with a 62.

I've never been around a rotar machine. Does anyone have any advice as to what to look for as to wear on the rotar parts. Rasp bars and concave/cage measurements. Thanks

One other major wear point is the clean grain elevator boot, especially on the side the auger enters from the grain pan.  If it has the newer larger clean grain elevator, then it will be the same size as what is on a R60 (the smaller elevator is the same as what's on the R50, M, and L).  My R50's biggest choke point is trying to get grain out of the pan and into the hopper, but the local dealer also took half the threshing and separator bars out of the rotor (left the rows with the reverse bars in).  By taking half the bars out it allows the crop to "fluff" more and release kernels trapped in the trash.  Also with the fewer rotor bars it takes less horsepower to spin the rotor and you spin it a little faster to thresh the same crop allowing you to have more rotor capacity and engine power in reserve.

I've heard of hyperized R52 pretty much keeping up with stock R62. Never witnessed it just heard about it.

We had a 52 before trading for a 62.  was a good machine other than being underpowed.  dont recall how it did in corn we dont grow much out here but spent many hours harvesting wheat and soybeans.  you did not work after dark when things started to get tough.  the 62 wasnt bothered nearly as much by green stems or weeds either.

ours had the duetz inline 6 so it was an early one.   never gave trouble, just not enough power it seemed like.  still running R62 and R72 with V8 duetz and get along fine

Edited by CAL(KS) - 28 Apr 2017 at 10:40am

Every person sets their combine up differently.  I have had a 1992 R52 since 1994.  I have become very acquainted with her.  We also have an L3.  The R52 will run away from the L3 when both have a 20' head on in beans, oats and wheet.  When it comes to corn, the L3 is just a pain as it is always in the way of the R52.  My R52 in 240Bu/acre corn with a 830 head on it will run 4.3mph.  The L3 can not come close in the grain sample cleanness nor in minimizing damage.  

Thanks for all the responses. I looked at it this morning. It looks really clean. I'll let you know if I end up getting it.

Leon, I'm in the same position. I really don't want to step backwards. But if I can get a newer nicer machine with the same capacity I would be happy. I have a 2 year old that needs a buddy seat.

There have been MANY changes and improvements to the feeding system to help with its capacity. By the 1997 model year, the throat worked much better than a 92 model and there are things in the after-market world to drop the rear floor under the drum for even more appetite. This isn't needed for corn but sure helps in green-stemmed soybeans.

Leon B MO wrote: Post your opinions of the machine if you get it. We have 2 L3's, one for corn and one for beans and looking to up grade. Even this post gives completly different comparisons between the R52 and L2,L3. I had kinda thought I would need to go to the R62 to be happy but want to stay with a 630 corn head and a grain table not more than 25'. If a 52 with a Cummins ( dad will not even consider an air cooled duetz? ) will out preform an L3, I would be satisfied but don't want to take a step back. I've been told you cant put enough corn into an R62 with a 630 to make it efficient. Combines are so freakin expensive, I don't want to make a mistake on what to look for. Leon B

victoryallis wrote: You really want to study the condition of the cage. Rocks cab beat the heck out of the cage. Our R52 was air cooled and it was nightmare the R62 is a Cummins and the motor cost a lot less to maintain. I don't buy the keep it clean and you will be fine.

I laugh at my neighbor.Traded a late 52 for a later 62 and still runs 6-30 in corn.Doesn't drive any faster than I do in my F2.LOL!

Big al.     Every Duetz motor in the neighborhood that seen any use to speak of was apart frequently. Duetz dealer 3/4 from my house so plenty around at one time none that seen much use are still running. Next crossroad over one DX is dead in a pasture 1/8 down the road a dead one in the barn.

victoryallis wrote: Big al.     Every Duetz motor in the neighborhood that seen any use to speak of was apart frequently. Duetz dealer 3/4 from my house so plenty around at one time none that seen much use are still running. Next crossroad over one DX is dead in a pasture 1/8 down the road a dead one in the barn.