Gleaner leds the Way again: Models G, F, and K

In 1968, Farms were growing, and the demand for bigger higher capacity combines as well. Even Custom Harvesters were wanting a bigger combine to speed up harvest and it was clear that the "CII" combine could not last forever as the flagship of the line, neither could the A2 as the mid-size machine. In 1968 AC and Gleaner brought out two new Models to satisfy Dealer and customer Demands: The Model "F" and "G" combines were introduced for 68, while the EIII remained in production until 69 when the "K" replaced it.


The Model "F" Gleaner:

The Gleaner "F" was in production the longest out of the three New models introduced, It was built from 1968 to 1976, when it was replaced by the F2 Gleaner. Some nice changes were in store on the "F" Gleaner which directly replaced the "A2" Gleaner. For grain heads, the "F" Gleaner could handle 13- 20 foot grain heads, or about a 4 foot increase in size from the "A2" model. Corn heads stayed the same as the "A2" Gleaner with 2,3, or 4 rows as an option. The Bin capacity on the "F" Gleaner held 77 bushels, up from 55 bushels on the "A2". Width of the Cylinder on the "F" increased to 37.5 inches over the 30 inches on the A2, while the separator width increased to 42.5 inches. By now all the Gleaner combines were using Walkers as separation. Total area on the "F" was 6,875 square inches, which was an increase of 875 square inches over the "A2". Total Cleaning area of the "F" Gleaner was 3,441 square inches, or an increase of 552 square inches over the old "A2" Gleaner.

For Engines, the Farmer could choose the AC 6 cylinder/ 262 cubic inch gasoline engine that put out 93 HP, or the 6 cylinder/ 301 Cubic inch 84HP Diesel engine option for the "F" Gleaner. With the Diesel engine, it allowed for better fuel consumption and extra lugging power in tough conditions. It was the beginning of the end of gas engines in combines as Diesel's gained popularity.

Another Big change that was introduced for the Model "F" and "G" Gleaners was the optional Hydro - traction drive. No longer would the farmer need to clutch to change ground speed any longer, you could now control your ground speed with one lever and no clutching, which was very nice when working in tough conditions such as RICE, or in downed crops like Wheat and Corn. Hydro transmissions would soon become popular in combines, But Gleaner still offered a gear driven transmission with 3 forward and 1 reverse gear for the "F" and "G" models. For the "GH" Hillside Gleaner and "FR" Rice combine, you could get the optional Hydro transmission or a 6 forward, 2 reverse gears in both of those combine model.



The NEW Flag ship of the Silver Fleet: The Model G Gleaner:


In 1968, along with the "F", the Model "G" Gleaner was introduced and its target was for the large farmers and custom operators. The Model "G" took over the title of the "Flagship" of the Silver fleet from the "CII" Gleaner. The "G" would remain in production until 1972 when it was phased out by the "L" and "M" Gleaners. But the "G" still was a step forward in combines. As the Flagship model, it could handle grain heads from 13-24 feet wide, and was made to run a 4,6,and now an 8 row corn head. Bin Capacity on the "G" was increased from 85 bushels on the "CII" to 100 bushels on the "G". Width of the cylinder was increased 4 inches on the "G" up to 44 inches from 40 inches on the CII Gleaner. Width of the Separator on the "G" was increased to 53 inches, while total area was 8,109 square inches, while total cleaning area was 4,138 square inches. The "G" truly was now the flagship model.

Engine options for the Model "G" Gleaner included a 6 cylinder/301 cubic inch Gasoline engine that put out 105 HP, but after 1970, the "G" Gleaner used a Chevy V8/350 cubic inch gas engine that put out 120HP.

A Diesel engine was also available, which was the AC 6 cylinder/ 301 Turbocharged Diesel which put out 109 HP. Diesel engines were gaining ground in combines and it only made sense to put one of AC's most powerful Diesels in the "G" Gleaner.

The Gleaner "G" and "F" combines had available the option of an enclosed cab with heat, and or Air conditioner but were marketed as came Standard from Independence MO as an open platform combine. However by the late 1960's, farmers were getting tired of the heat, dust, and miserable working conditions without cabs, and so the "F" and "G" and "K" combines were sold with a majority of them built with factory cabs.



The Model "K" Gleaner:


In 1969, Gleaner was finally ready to replace the "EIII" Gleaner, and in its place came the new "K" Gleaner built and marketed towards the smaller and diverse farming operations. It was built up to 1972 and could run 10- 14 foot grain heads, and for corn harvesting had the option of a 2, or 3 row corn head. The majority of the specs between the "EIII" and the "K" Gleaner remained the same, including cylinder width, Thrashing and Separating area, and the same bin capacity at 66 bushels.
The "K" Gleaner received the same updated styling as the bigger "G" and "F" combine, plus had the option of a better factory cab or open platform.

The Hydro- traction drive was not available on the "K" Gleaner. Instead the "K" Gleaner had a gear drive transmission with 3 forward, 1 reverse gear. For engine options, a Diesel engine was NOT available and only a Chevy 6 cylinder/250 cubic inch gas engine that put out 78HP was available for the "K" Gleaner. Still the "K" Gleaner was the right fit for the smaller operations, and Gleaner had a combine model to cover each size of farming operations.