Gleaner K, Pics and more Questions

Joe(OH) wrote: One thing that I see is that this combine is not set up for reel control.  There should be a second lever like the variable speed/header height lever that is for the reel height and speed.

That was optional.  Other way was to adjust reel speed by moving the belt to different pulleys on the left side of the header and to adjust reel height using turnbuckles on each end (similar to a 3 point toplink).   That's how my 10 foot rigid head works.   Mike

Can anyone with a K operator's manual tell me what it says the top speed is? I've heard mixed reviews, some saying as low as 11mph and others as high as 17mph, and I am just wondering what the book says. 

Edited by CrestonM - 16 Aug 2016 at 5:42pm

CrestonM wrote: Can anyone with a K operator's manual tell me what it says the top speed is? I've heard mixed reviews, some saying as low as 11mph and others as high as 17mph, and I am just wondering what the book says.  Also, if anyone can tell me how many gallons the gas tank holds, and how long a tank lasts at full throttle (like while combining) Thanks!

What's the serial number of machine? Look for serial number plate on rear left side, above & just forward of rear steer wheel. Starting Serial number by year:
1969 - 1001, 32 gallon fuel tank
1970 - 5001,
1971 - 8201,
1972 - 12201,
1973 - 14601, 52 gallon fuel tank
1974 - 17001,
1975 - 19401,
1976 - 21801.

Standard drive tire 14.9-26. Optional 16.9-26 & 18.4-26.
mph:        14.9-26     18.4-26
1st gear   0.9-2.3,     1.0-2.6,
2nd gear 2.2-5.7,     2.4-6.2,
3rd gear   5.5-14.0.   5.9-15.4

Width with standard tires = 90".
Height = 105.25".
Weight = 7085lbs.

Thanks. The guy says it's a 1971, but I'll double check. 

AC7060IL wrote: ..................... It can easily fit into most gas stations for refueling. I imagine without any trouble, ...................

I have no problem taking a Saturday off to drive it the distance, but I'm a little worried if something broke, what would I do then, in the middle of nowhere? Say the V-belt drive belt snaps, or something else, and I'm stranded. Can you tow these combines without taking stuff apart? I know there is a sticker in the cab of our L3 that says you have disconnect something on the L2,3/M2,3/F2,3 combines to tow them, but not the K2. 

Edited by CrestonM - 16 Aug 2016 at 9:02pm

what is that hit and miss engine next to it. Deere? mabey

holy bobcat Dixie! there ain't no cab on it! that's the first one I've seen without a cab! whew! I see the sickle guards are there, check to see if the pitman drive is still on the head. should be able to just dis-mount the other pickup head and add the sickle like you said. make sure you pump two (2) pumps of grease in the lower drive sheave. it might be stuck from sitting (normal) and if you run it, it'll blow that belt into all kinds of pieces, and the last one I bought was $193.00. looks like the original gas tank has been replaced. it should be an oval tank the same width as the threshing part of the machine. pick a rainy day to drive it home, and it'll help wash the dust off as you go! I also don't think it's a '71 model either! think it's older. and if you build a header trailer out of a wagon gear, make sure the wheels of the gear are spaced wider than the header is, otherwise you can't get close enough to unhook it onto the trailer.   

if you tow it. you slide the tranny conectors off that connect the tranny shaft to the final drive shaft.  

No, that would be for trailering maybe, but since farm equipment is exempt from permits in Oklahoma, I'd just need flags and wide load signs. 

shameless (ne) wrote: if you tow it. you slide the tranny conectors off that connect the tranny shaft to the final drive shaft.

This can not be done on the older K. It has solid axles from Trans to Final drives. Gleaner did not offer this nice feature (axle couplers) until the 1978 K2 machines. Yes, even the 1977 K2 short back has solid axles too. Maybe the older bigger machines (F, G, L, &M) did offer axle couplers - I'm not sure about them?

Pete from IL wrote: My Dad bought a K at an estate auction years ago and on the drive home the hydraulic pump went out. Oil all over the place but it did not affect the steering. Just a mechanical steering box on that one. Don't you have a friend with a trailer?   On another topic, I drove through the town of Creston , Indiana yesterday . Very small town in NW Indiana.  I thought of you right away. Next time I go through there I will get a picture of the town sign.  Pete

No the header didn't drop.  He did not even know there was a problem until he got home and the side of the combine was covered with oil.

Have to cut the axle and weld up after, but don't do that. Rent a trailer for a day and borrow a proper 1 ton truck and trailer it home. Flag the header and wide load sign the back. I hauled an E with 13 foot head, which is the fore runner of the K and very similar 200 miles one way about  9 hours/trip. Once you get it home you can run it, find any issues, hoses leaking, rad leaking, tires that are rotten, the sort of things that one can expect from a partially shedded 45 year old machine. Then at least you are not on the side of the road where it is dangerous to begin with trying to fix something without access to many tools you have at home, and its getting dark and there is a million bugs etc.. Maybe ask  the seller if the reel and any other cutting parts are around? Good luck, nice little combine, Trev.

Your so famous there is a Creston Calif as well. I also vote you haul it.