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Guide to Buying Used Corn and Row Crop headers

Helpful insights for purchasing, maintaining, and maximizing value from pre-owned Corn and Row Crop headers.

Shopping for a used corn and row crop headers? This guide highlights what to check, common wear factors, and how Koenig Equipment ensures you get lasting value.

What to Check For and Common Wear Factors for Used Corn and Row Crop Headers

  • Gathering Chains: Inspect for proper tension, lubrication, and condition, look for worn links, worn idler sprockets, and damaged paddles.

  • Deck Plates: Check alignment, gap calibration, and for hydraulic leaks on adjustable plates. Gaps that vary between rows cause significant yield loss.

  • Stalk Rolls: Look for knife wear, alignment, and spacing—worn rollers cause slippage, excessive ear loss, and uneven residue.

  • Row Unit Gearboxes: Inspect oil levels, seals, noise, and backlash movement; failing gearboxes are expensive to replace.

  • Augers & Floor Sheets: Check flighting sharpness, bends, cracks, and clearance to the floor; inspect auger drive chain and sprockets for wear.

  • Snouts & Dividers: Look for cracks, missing tips, or bent shields; ensure free movement and correct height adjustment.

  • Frames & Shields: Inspect for weld repairs, excessive rust, and secure safety shields.

  • Sensors & Electronics: Test header height sensors, wiring, and lights; confirm compatibility with combine for auto-height and monitoring.

  • Stalk Choppers (if equipped): Check blades, bearings, tension, and correct operation.

  • General Operation: Run a function test if possible—check for vibration, abnormal noise, header height tracking, and feeding consistency

Important Model Year Milestones for Corn and Row Crop Headers

  • Mid-2000s–2010s: Hydraulic deck plates and enhanced stalk rolls became standard in John Deere 600/700 Series and Case IH 4400 Series.

  • 2015+: Introduction of folding frame headers, improved residue management (factory stalk deflectors), and advanced sensor packages for auto-height and row guidance.

  • 2020s: Industry-leading fold/unfold times, active end fenders, more robust frame designs, and higher compatibility with modern combines, including auto-row guidance and field mapping.

Common Costs and Value Factors for Corn and Row Crop Headers

Factors like age, hours, brand, and condition all influence resale value of corn and row crop headers. Below is a general guide to price ranges for corn and row crop headers, prices below or above these ranges do not mean the product is improperly priced, as this is just a general guide.

  • 6 - 8 Row Headers: For 6 to 8 row headers, older models range from $16,000 to $32,000, with newer and highly specialized headers ranging from $35,000 to $55,000. 6 to 8 row headers are typically used for smaller farms or specialty crops.
  • 12-16 Row Headers: For 12 to 16 row headers, older models range from $45,000 to $95,000, with newer and highly specialized headers ranging from $100,000 to $175,000+. 12 to 16 row headers are some of the most common header sizes and are used for most moderate operations, especially in corn operations.
  • 18+ Row and Folding Headers: For 18+ row headers, older models range from $90,000 to $175,000+, with newer and highly specialized headers ranging from $175,000 to $235,000+. 18+ row headers are used for large operations that plan on harvesting large quantities of crop.

  • Repair and Wear Parts: Budget $500 to $8,000 for early-season repairs and for wear parts like chains, knives, gearcases, sensors. 

Why Buy Used Corn and Row Crop Headers from Koenig Equipment?

  • Expert Inspections: Every header is field-tested and checked for key wear items, calibration, and compatibility with popular combines.

  • Farm-Specific Guidance: Koenig matches headers to crop and field sizes, including advice for heavy residue, downed corn, and high moisture situations.

  • Quick Access to Parts & Service: Koenig stocks chains, knives, plates, and sensors, ensuring minimal downtime during harvest to keep your operation running.

  • Transparent History: Select headers include inspection reports and maintenance documentation, delivering peace of mind.

Next Steps for Finding the Right Corn and Row Crop Header for Your Operation

Browse our current used Corn and Row Crop headers inventory or contact Koenig Equipment to find the right machine for your operation.