With harvest on the horizon and new equipment pricing still pushing all-time highs, more buyers are circling the used combine market—and there are deals to be had. From January through mid-July 2025, auction results suggest a noticeable softening in late-model combine prices, especially for machines with higher hours or outdated tech.

The trend? Opportunity. If you’re running green or red, now may be your chance to move up without stretching your operating budget.

Used Combine Trends: What’s Driving Price Movement?

Auction prices on John Deere and Case IH combines have slipped between 10–20% compared to early 2024 levels. Inventory is building, and buyers are becoming more selective—especially on units with over 1,000 separator hours or older precision farming systems.

But not all combines are seeing the same pullback. Here’s how features and usage are affecting buyer behavior:

• <1,000 sep hours: Still commanding strong premiums—especially with CVT, premium cab, and guidance systems.
• 1,000–1,500 sep hours: Where most deals are happening. Savvy buyers are targeting this range for best ROI.
• 1,500+ sep hours: Often discounted but moving if well-maintained and fully equipped.

Pro Tip: Machines from retirement auctions are selling 8–12% higher than dealer consignments or estate sales in 2025.

John Deere S780: Auction Snapshot (YTD 2025)

• Units sold: 70
• Average price: $273,131
• Price range: $106,000 – $440,000
• High performers: 2022–2023 CVT units with <1,000 sep hours and automation features
• Low-end: Older models with dated monitors, 1,500+ sep hours, or missing activations

The S780 remains the benchmark in the auction arena. Machines with factory autosteer, 5-speed feederhouse, premium cab (leather + fridge), and updated Gen4 activations consistently fetch top-tier pricing.

Case IH 8250: Auction Snapshot (YTD 2025)

• Units sold: 5
• Average price: $264,950
• Price range: $154,250 – $403,000
• High performers: 2021–2023 PowerDrive models with yield monitoring, 4WD, and low hours
• Auction edge: Retirement units brought 5–10% higher than comparable consignment machines

Case IH combines remain popular with row crop producers looking for horsepower and grain quality. Well-specced units with full automation packages (AFS Pro 700/1200, PowerFold bins, and rearview cameras) are moving fast at auctions.

Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

• Inventory is rising for both John Deere and Case IH late-model combines.
• Feature-rich machines with <1,000 sep hours still command premiums—but there’s softening across the mid-tier.
• Retirement sales are outperforming other auction types.
• Now is a solid time to buy, especially if you’re trading up from a high-hour machine.