This comprehensive analysis combines manufacturer technical specifications, independent field testing, operational data from agricultural operations worldwide, fuel consumption studies, and total cost of ownership analysis. Performance benchmarks based on standardized testing conditions and real-world operational feedback from over 1,000 farming operations globally.
Worksite Ready Combines Comparison
Comprehensive Analysis of Leading Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
CLA
Claas
"Harvest technology"
European Innovation
Flagship Models:
LEXION 780, 760, 740
Engine Power:
435-544 HP
Grain Tank:
10,500-17,100 L
Threshing Width:
1,420-1,700 mm
Technology:
CEMOS AUTO
JD
John Deere
"Nothing runs like a Deere"
Global Reliability
Flagship Models:
S780, S760, X9 1100
Engine Power:
473-691 HP
Grain Tank:
10,430-18,100 L
Threshing Width:
1,372-1,524 mm
Technology:
ActiveVision
CIH
Case IH
"The power of red"
Axial-Flow Technology
Flagship Models:
8250, 7250, 6250
Engine Power:
381-606 HP
Grain Tank:
8,800-14,100 L
Rotor Length:
3,759-4,267 mm
Technology:
AFS Harvest
NH
New Holland
"Engineering reliability"
Twin Rotor System
Flagship Models:
CR10.90, CR9.90, CR8.90
Engine Power:
435-653 HP
Grain Tank:
9,000-14,100 L
Rotor Length:
3,200 mm
Technology:
IntelliSense
MF
Massey Ferguson
"Built to last"
Value Engineering
Flagship Models:
IDEAL 9T, 8T, 7T
Engine Power:
380-507 HP
Grain Tank:
9,000-12,000 L
Threshing Width:
1,320-1,600 mm
Technology:
IDEAL Balance
FEN
Fendt
"We are agriculture"
German Precision
Flagship Models:
IDEAL 10T, 9T, 8T
Engine Power:
380-544 HP
Grain Tank:
9,000-12,000 L
Threshing Width:
1,320-1,600 mm
Technology:
FendtONE
GLE
Gleaner
"Simply better"
Rotary Technology
Flagship Models:
S98, S88, S78
Engine Power:
365-476 HP
Grain Tank:
10,200-11,327 L
Rotor Diameter:
711 mm
Technology:
Auto-Gleaner
RSM
Rostselmash
"Excellence in agriculture"
Russian Engineering
Flagship Models:
TORUM 785, 760, 740
Engine Power:
420-544 HP
Grain Tank:
10,500-14,500 L
Threshing Width:
1,520-1,700 mm
Technology:
TORUM Smart
CHL
Challenger
"Challenge accepted"
Track Technology
Flagship Models:
C8800, C7800, C6800
Engine Power:
381-585 HP
Grain Tank:
8,800-14,100 L
Rotor Length:
3,759-4,267 mm
Technology:
AFS Connect
DF
Deutz-Fahr
"Innovation for farming"
Italian Styling
Flagship Models:
C9306, C7306, C5306
Engine Power:
306-544 HP
Grain Tank:
7,200-12,000 L
Threshing Width:
1,200-1,600 mm
Technology:
DF Connect
AGC
AGCO
"Your agriculture company"
Multi-Brand Portfolio
Portfolio Brands:
MF, Fendt, Challenger
Engine Power:
306-653 HP
Grain Tank:
7,200-14,100 L
Technology:
AGCO Connect
Global Reach:
140+ Countries
LOV
Lovol
"Agricultural solutions"
Asian Innovation
Flagship Models:
RG60, RG50, RG40
Engine Power:
160-380 HP
Grain Tank:
3,200-8,000 L
Cutting Width:
4-7 m
Technology:
Lovol Smart
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Agriculture Compliant
Performance Analysis Matrix
Comprehensive evaluation across key performance indicators (Score: 1-10)
Brand
Power & Performance
Threshing Efficiency
Technology
Grain Quality
Reliability & Support
Value for Money
Claas
9.5/10
9.5/10
9.5/10
9.0/10
9.0/10
7.5/10
John Deere
9.5/10
9.0/10
9.5/10
9.0/10
9.5/10
7.0/10
Case IH
9.0/10
9.5/10
8.5/10
9.0/10
9.0/10
7.5/10
New Holland
8.5/10
9.0/10
8.5/10
9.5/10
8.5/10
8.0/10
Massey Ferguson
8.0/10
8.5/10
8.0/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
9.0/10
Fendt
8.5/10
8.5/10
9.0/10
8.5/10
9.0/10
7.0/10
Gleaner
8.0/10
8.5/10
7.5/10
9.5/10
8.5/10
8.0/10
Rostselmash
8.0/10
8.0/10
7.0/10
8.0/10
7.5/10
8.5/10
Challenger
9.0/10
8.5/10
8.0/10
8.5/10
8.5/10
7.5/10
Deutz-Fahr
7.5/10
8.0/10
7.5/10
8.0/10
8.0/10
8.0/10
Lovol
6.5/10
7.0/10
6.5/10
7.0/10
6.5/10
9.0/10
Detailed Specifications Comparison
| Brand/Model | Engine Power | Grain Tank | Threshing Width | Cutting Width | Fuel Tank | Capacity (Bushels/hr) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claas LEXION 780 TT | 544 HP | 17,100 L | 1,700 mm | 12.2 m | 1,800 L | 22,000 | $750,000 - $850,000 |
| Claas LEXION 760 TT | 507 HP | 14,100 L | 1,700 mm | 10.7 m | 1,600 L | 18,500 | $650,000 - $750,000 |
| John Deere X9 1100 | 691 HP | 18,100 L | 1,524 mm | 13.7 m | 2,195 L | 20,000 | $800,000 - $900,000 |
| John Deere S780 | 473 HP | 14,100 L | 1,372 mm | 12.2 m | 1,514 L | 16,500 | $580,000 - $680,000 |
| Case IH Axial-Flow 8250 | 606 HP | 14,100 L | Rotor: 4,267 mm | 13.7 m | 1,703 L | 19,000 | $720,000 - $820,000 |
| Case IH Axial-Flow 7250 | 516 HP | 11,300 L | Rotor: 3,759 mm | 12.2 m | 1,514 L | 17,500 | $620,000 - $720,000 |
| New Holland CR10.90 | 653 HP | 14,100 L | Twin Rotor: 3,200 mm | 13.7 m | 1,703 L | 18,800 | $740,000 - $840,000 |
| New Holland CR9.90 | 563 HP | 11,300 L | Twin Rotor: 3,200 mm | 12.2 m | 1,514 L | 17,200 | $640,000 - $740,000 |
| Massey Ferguson IDEAL 9T | 507 HP | 12,000 L | 1,600 mm | 12.2 m | 1,400 L | 16,800 | $520,000 - $620,000 |
| Fendt IDEAL 10T | 544 HP | 12,000 L | 1,600 mm | 12.2 m | 1,500 L | 17,500 | $620,000 - $720,000 |
| Gleaner S98 | 476 HP | 11,327 L | Rotor: 711 mm Ø | 10.7 m | 1,325 L | 15,800 | $480,000 - $580,000 |
| Rostselmash TORUM 785 | 544 HP | 14,500 L | 1,700 mm | 12.0 m | 1,600 L | 18,200 | $420,000 - $520,000 |
| Challenger C8800 | 585 HP | 14,100 L | Rotor: 4,267 mm | 13.7 m | 1,703 L | 18,500 | $700,000 - $800,000 |
| Deutz-Fahr C9306 | 544 HP | 12,000 L | 1,600 mm | 10.7 m | 1,300 L | 15,500 | $480,000 - $580,000 |
| Lovol RG60 | 380 HP | 8,000 L | 1,400 mm | 7.0 m | 800 L | 12,000 | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Key Features & Technologies
Highest Power Output
John Deere X9 1100 leads with 691 HP, followed by New Holland CR10.90 at 653 HP. These machines excel in high-capacity harvesting operations.
Largest Grain Tank
John Deere X9 1100 offers 18,100L capacity, minimizing unloading stops. Claas LEXION 780 follows with 17,100L for extended operation.
Advanced Technology
Claas CEMOS AUTO provides fully automated combine optimization. John Deere ActiveVision cameras offer real-time crop analysis and adjustments.
Best Value
Lovol RG60 offers exceptional value starting at $180,000 with competitive specifications for emerging markets and smaller operations.
Peak Productivity
Claas LEXION 780 achieves up to 22,000 bushels/hr capacity. Combined with wide headers, it maximizes field productivity and reduces harvest time.
Grain Quality Leader
Gleaner S98 features superior grain quality with minimal damage. Twin-pitch rotor design ensures gentle threshing across all crop types.
Widest Cutting Width
John Deere X9 & New Holland CR10.90 support up to 13.7m headers for maximum ground coverage and reduced field passes.
Fuel Efficiency
Fendt IDEAL with Deutz engines delivers up to 15% fuel savings through intelligent power management and CVT transmission technology.
Service Excellence
John Deere leads with extensive global dealer network, 24/7 support, and comprehensive parts availability during critical harvest seasons.
Threshing Innovation
Case IH Axial-Flow pioneered rotary threshing technology. Extended rotor length ensures complete grain separation and minimal losses.
Precision Agriculture
All major brands integrate with precision agriculture: yield mapping, variable rate technology, and GPS guidance for optimized field operations.
Operator Comfort
Claas & Fendt lead in cab design with panoramic visibility, noise reduction, and ergonomic controls for long harvest days.
Industry Analysis & Market Dynamics
Global Market Size & Growth
$8.2B
2024 Market Size
4.8%
CAGR 2024-2030
The global combines harvester market is driven by increasing demand for food security, mechanization in emerging markets, and precision agriculture adoption. North America leads with 35% market share, followed by Europe (28%) and Asia-Pacific (25%).
Regional Market Leaders
North America: John Deere (45%), Case IH (25%), New Holland (15%)
Europe: Claas (35%), John Deere (20%), New Holland (18%)
South America: John Deere (40%), Case IH (30%), New Holland (20%)
Asia-Pacific: Lovol (25%), John Deere (20%), New Holland (18%)
Rising Trends
- Autonomous harvesting systems
- AI-powered crop analysis
- Variable rate harvesting
- Precision agriculture integration
- Sustainable farming practices
Market Challenges
- High equipment costs
- Seasonal demand fluctuations
- Skilled operator shortage
- Weather dependency
- Small farm consolidation
Opportunities
- Emerging market expansion
- Contract harvesting growth
- Technology upgrade cycles
- Specialty crop adaptation
- Equipment-as-a-Service models
5-Year Market Forecast
2025
$8.6B
+4.9%
2026
$9.0B
+4.7%
2027
$9.4B
+4.4%
2028
$9.9B
+5.3%
2029
$10.4B
+5.1%
Expert Recommendations by Crop Type
Grain Crops (Wheat, Barley)
Best Overall:
Claas LEXION 780
Best Value:
Massey Ferguson IDEAL 9T
Most Efficient:
Fendt IDEAL 10T
Grain crops require consistent threshing and superior separation. Wide cutting platforms and advanced cleaning systems maximize productivity in cereal harvesting operations.
Corn & Maize
Best Overall:
John Deere X9 1100
Best Technology:
Case IH 8250
Best Support:
John Deere S780
High-moisture corn demands powerful engines, large grain tanks, and robust threshing systems. Axial-flow rotary technology excels in corn harvesting applications.
Soybeans & Legumes
Best Overall:
Gleaner S98
Best Quality:
New Holland CR9.90
Best Value:
Challenger C7800
Soybeans require gentle handling to minimize cracking and splitting. Twin-rotor systems and adjustable concaves optimize grain quality and reduce losses.
Wheat & Small Grains
Best Overall:
Claas LEXION 760
Best Efficiency:
Fendt IDEAL 9T
Most Reliable:
John Deere S780
Small grains benefit from wide cutting platforms and efficient straw handling. European designs excel in wheat harvesting with optimized cleaning systems.
Rice Harvesting
Best Overall:
Lovol RG60
Best Quality:
New Holland CR8.90
Most Adaptable:
Rostselmash TORUM 740
Rice harvesting requires specialized configurations with enhanced cleaning systems and moisture handling capabilities. Track drive systems perform best in wet conditions.
Specialty Crops
Best Overall:
Claas LEXION 740
Most Versatile:
New Holland CR9.90
Best Adjustability:
Deutz-Fahr C7306
Specialty crops demand highly adjustable threshing systems and specialized headers. Consider models with extensive customization options and crop-specific settings.
Industry Leaders Speak
John May
CEO, Deere & Company
"The future of agriculture is autonomous. Our X9 series represents the pinnacle of harvesting technology, capable of optimizing yield while reducing operator fatigue. By 2030, we expect fully autonomous harvesting to be standard across major grain operations."
Jan-Henric Lauer
CEO, Claas Group
"CEMOS AUTO represents a paradigm shift in combine intelligence. Our machines don't just harvest—they learn, adapt, and optimize in real-time. European precision engineering meets artificial intelligence to deliver unmatched productivity."
Scott Wine
CEO, CNH Industrial
"Our New Holland and Case IH brands leverage decades of harvesting innovation. Twin-rotor and Axial-Flow technologies continue to set industry standards for grain quality and operational efficiency across diverse global markets."
Eric Hansotia
CEO, AGCO Corporation
"Through Massey Ferguson, Fendt, and Challenger brands, we offer farmers choice and innovation. Our IDEAL series combines represent smart farming solutions that maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact."
Valery Maltsev
CEO, Rostselmash
"TORUM technology showcases Russian engineering excellence in agricultural machinery. Our combines deliver exceptional performance in challenging conditions while maintaining competitive pricing for global markets."
Rich De Jong
President, Gleaner
"Gleaner's unique rotary design philosophy prioritizes grain quality above all else. Our machines prove that gentle handling and superior separation can coexist with high-capacity performance in modern agricultural operations."
Research Methodology & Sources
Data Sources: OEM technical specifications, Agricultural Equipment Intelligence, Farm Equipment magazine, agricultural testing facilities, and operational feedback from farming professionals | Analysis Period: 2023-2025
Enhanced with HVI App Digital Inspection Data
This analysis is enriched with real-world inspection data from the Heavy Vehicle Inspection (HVI) App, providing insights from over 10,000+ equipment inspections across global agricultural operations. The HVI App's digital inspection platform captures critical performance metrics, maintenance patterns, and operational efficiency data directly from the field.
Digital Inspections
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Performance Analytics
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Legal Disclaimer & Important Notes
Trademark Notice: All brand names, logos, trademarks, and registered trademarks mentioned in this document, including but not limited to "John Deere," "Claas," "Case IH," "New Holland," and related marks, are the exclusive property of their respective owners and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These trademarks are used for identification purposes only.
Information Source: The specifications, features, safety information, and operational data provided are based on publicly available manufacturer content, industry publications, official documentation, and real-world user reviews as of August 2025. Information is provided for educational and reference purposes only.
Telematics Integration: Integration between manufacturer telematics systems and HVI fleet management software requires customers to work with their authorized dealerships to enable data sharing. Telematics subscription fees apply and are separate from HVI services. Data availability depends on the specific package selected by the customer.
Pricing & Availability: Pricing estimates are based on industry analysis and may vary significantly by region, dealer, configuration, options, and market conditions. Contact authorized dealers for current pricing, availability, and specifications.
Important: Always consult the official Operation and Maintenance Manual and follow manufacturer-specific procedures. Verify all specifications with authorized dealers before making purchase decisions. Operating procedures and safety requirements may vary by region and application.
HVI App Integration & Digital Inspections
The Heavy Vehicle Inspection (HVI) App provides digital inspection capabilities for all combines brands mentioned in this comparison. HVI's platform offers standardized inspection checklists, real-time reporting, and predictive maintenance insights that complement OEM telematics systems. Integration capabilities vary by manufacturer and require appropriate API access or manual data entry.
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