Combines R42 capacity reliablity cost of ownership vs competetors

That model year of R42 would be similar in capacity to other class 4 combines such as the 9400 Deere and 1640 CIH. You can increase hp and bin size, but I believe the 42's had lighter duty final drives than the R52's - you would want to be careful adding weight to the combine. The R42's did not have chrome cages or rotor bars - check them for wear. As for updates - there were lots of things updated as the years went by. Elevator drives are different, fewer chain drives, hp increases, etc. Newer models also have different concaves, cylinder bars, longer shoe. The 42 is probably priced at discount due to being only a class 4. You'd want to look at R52's to be in the same catagory as the competitve models you list. Hugger is bulletproof! Tom langan