Gleaner Rotary Combine Timeline

1979: Gleaner introduces the Transverse Rotary Gleaner combine with the Models N5 and N6 combines. The N5 Gleaner was a "class 5" combine with a bin capacity of 200 bushels and could handle up to an 8 row corn head, and 24 foot grain head. The N6 was for a short time, the flagship of the Silver Fleet and had a bin capacity of 245 bushels and was considered a class 6" combine. While most N6 Gleaners ran 8 row corn heads, the N6 could handle a 12 row corn head. Gleaner was one of the 1st companies to offer a 12 row corn head.

1980: Gleaner introduces the 1st Class 7 combine, with the introduction of the Gleaner N7. With a 315 bushel bin capacity, and able to handle grain heads up to 30 feet, and 12 row corn heads, the N7 was built to handle the biggest farmers operations, and for use on the custom harvest trail.


1983: Gleaner celebrates 60 years in business, also the N5, N6, and N7 are updated to the new Series III combines.


1985: In May of 1985 KHD of Germany acquires the Allis Chalmers Farm Equipment Division, including the Gleaner combine line. From May 1985 - Dec 1985, the N series Gleaners are sold under the Duetz Allis name on the combines, while continuing to use the AC color scheme. By now, the decals were changed to the small lettering and numbering.

1986: Deutz-Allis introduces the new R series of Gleaners, with the R5, R6, and R7 combines. Now the combines are painted in the Duetz-Allis color scheme. 1986 is the final year for the Conventional combine line.

1987/ 1988: Duetz- Allis introduces the R40, R50, R60, and R70 Gleaner combines. The "R40" is the first class 4 Gleaner Rotary combine produced, and could run corn heads up to 6 rows. The new R0 series Gleaners are now running Duetz Air cooled Diesel engines.

1990: The Gleaner R0 series Gleaners are upgraded to the "Hawk" series of combines. New P1 Processor is introduced for better thrashing capabilities. Cab interior is changed from Brown tan/ to Grey/White.
AGCO corporation is founded after management of Duetz Allis acquires Duetz-Allis from KHD.

1991: The Gleaner R40, R50, R60, and R70 are sold for 1 year carrying an orange stripe decal and are discontinued in 1992.

1992: AGCO Gleaner introduces the new R2 series Gleaners, which include the R42, R52, R62, and R72 combine. Biggest changes is the new modernized and bigger cab, redefined styling. Engine options are either Duetz Allis air cooled engines, or Liquid cooled Cummins Diesel engines.

1993: Gleaner celebrates its 70th anniversary in business. All 1993 Gleaner R2 series combines carry a special 70th anniversary decal.

1998: Gleaner celebrates its 75th anniversary, Gleaner announces it is starting to paint the galvanized side panels and body of the combine, with new updated paint facilities at Independence Mo. The R42, R52, R62, R72 have new paint style, and decals. The conventional combine, the C62 is introduced. Turret unloading auger is introduced as an option on the R62 and R72 combines. New Hugger corn heads introduced.

2001: Production of Gleaner combines is transferred from Independence Mo to the new plant in Hesston KS. Independence Mo plant is closed ending a long history of building the silver combine.

2002: Gleaner introduces the new R5 series Gleaner combines, with the R65 and R75 models. The R65 and R75 feature updated decals, brand new bigger and modernized cab with more room and better visibility. The Class 4 Gleaner R42 is dropped from production. The R52 remains in production for 1 final year. Making it one of the longest produced Gleaner Rotary model.

2003: Gleaner introduces the R55 Gleaner "class 5" combine to replace the R52. It receives the new cab and updated graphics. Gleaner celebrates its 80th anniversary.

2005: Gleaner drops the R55 Gleaner from the line up as sales are deemed to low.

2006: Gleaner introduces the new A65, A75, and A85 axle combines, and updates the R65 and R75 to new decals and color scheme. The A85 axle Rotary combine is Gleaner's first attempt at a Class 8 combine.
All the Gleaners, except A85 are now powered by the new SISU Diesel engines, ending the long time relationship with Cummins.


2008: Gleaner celebrates its 85th anniversary in business. All combines for 2008 feature 85th anniversary decals on the combine, on the center of the steering wheel, and back of the seat.

2009: Introduction of the A6 and R6 series of Gleaner combines. A76 and A66 receive the same styling as the bigger A86 Gleaner combine. R66 and R76 replace the R65 and R75.

2011: Gleaner drops the A66, A76, and A86 axle combines and focus's on the transverse Rotary combine. The S67 and S77 models are introduced to replace the R66 and R76 models. With new power folding bin extensions, bin capacity reaches 390 bushels. The S67 and S77 are the highest capacity transverse Rotary Gleaners to date.

2013: Introduction of the new S8 Series of Gleaner combines at Hesston KS, Aug 2013. The models include the S68, S78, and the first class 8 Transverse Rotary Gleaner: The S88 combine.

2015: Introduction of the new S9 series of Gleaner Transverse Rotary machines, which include the S96, S97, and S98. Combine features updated handrails, walkway to cab, mirrors, and new enlarged cab. New Corn head and Draper head introduced.