Combine donations are less common than tractor donations by volume but generally larger in value. Salute Veterans Inc. accepts combines of every era and condition, coordinates the specialized transport these machines require, and processes the higher-value tax receipts that combine donations typically produce. Here's the brand-specific and process-specific walkthrough.

Why combines come into the donation program

Combine donations come from a handful of recurring scenarios. A farmer upgrades to a newer combine and the trade-in value on the old machine is low compared to the donation tax benefit. A farm operation closes or transitions to a different commodity (out of small grains, into specialty crops). A combine experiences a major failure — engine, transmission, separator damage — and the repair cost exceeds the working value. A multi-generation farm passes through estate and the older combines in the shed go to donation alongside the rest of the equipment.

In every case, the alternative is generally either letting the combine sit indefinitely or paying to scrap it. Donation produces a tax receipt and removes the equipment at no cost to the donor.

John Deere combines

John Deere is the dominant brand in combine donations, mirroring its dominance in the broader combine market. Common Deere combines accepted:

Each of these models can be donated with corn heads, grain heads, and other heads included. Heads sometimes travel separately depending on transport logistics.

Case IH combines

Case IH is the second most-common combine donation. The Axial-Flow combine line has been continuous since the 1977 introduction of the original 1440. Common models accepted:

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New Holland combines

New Holland combines, particularly the CR and CX series, come in regularly. The TR/TX line predated those models. Accepted models include:

Gleaner combines

Gleaner combines — originally part of Allis-Chalmers, now under AGCO — have a loyal following among farmers who prefer the unique transverse-rotor design. Accepted models include:

Massey Ferguson and AGCO combines

Massey Ferguson 750, 760, 850, 860, 8780 conventional combines and the Activa/Centora/Beta lineup are accepted. The current MF 9520, 9540, 9545, 9550 IDEAL series combines are accepted as donations as well.

Older and unusual combines

Pull-type combines (drawn behind tractors rather than self-propelled), the original Massey-Harris and IH pull-type combines, Cockshutt combines, vintage Oliver combines, and other smaller brands are all accepted on the same terms. These tend to be parts-only or vintage collector pieces — they still have a market.

How combine transport works

Combines require lowboy transport in virtually all cases. The unique combination of height, width, and weight means a standard flatbed won't work — combines need specialized hauling equipment with the deck height to accommodate a combine's stance. Our hauler network includes lowboy operators with combine experience and the necessary state DOT permits for oversize loads.

Heads (corn heads, grain heads) often travel separately. A 12-row corn head is its own piece of equipment with its own transport requirements. We can move the combine and heads together when geography and timing allow, or separately when they don't. Either way, transport cost is covered.

The pickup window for combines is typically two to four weeks from confirmation, longer than tractor pickup because of permit coordination and lowboy availability. Combine donations from major grain-producing states see faster turnaround — Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota all have routine lowboy traffic.

Combine value at auction

Combines hold value better than donors often expect. Even older mechanical combines find buyers — small grain farmers, custom harvest operators, and parts dealers all bid on combine inventory. STS, rotary, and twin-rotor combines from the late 1990s and 2000s bring substantial auction prices. Modern combines from operations that traded up bring real money.

Heads are often valued separately and may bring substantial prices on their own. A clean 12-row corn head in working condition is its own auction item. The donation receipt typically aggregates the value of the combine plus heads sold together.

Tax considerations for combine donations

Combines almost always exceed the $5,000 IRS threshold that triggers the qualified appraisal requirement. That's not a barrier — the qualified appraisal is coordinated through the donation pipeline. Our appraisal partners include qualified equipment appraisers who handle combine valuations regularly. The appraisal documentation flows through with your tax receipt, including Form 8283 Section B signed by both the appraiser and Salute Veterans Inc. Details in the tax deduction guide.

For donors itemizing on Schedule A, combine donation receipts often produce meaningful tax benefits — the deduction can run into five figures for late-model machines, and the after-tax value of that deduction can substantially exceed what the donor would have netted from a private sale or auction consignment.