Harvest season changes from year to year. In some years, the weather allows for an early start or forces an early stop. If we're lucky, we will get 100-plus days with weather conditions just right for an ideal harvest, but we never count on just "luck" to get our crops out on time. Instead, we rely on our farm team's work ethic and the tools at their disposal, including one of our most trusted machines — the combine harvester.

Over the last few years, combines have begun to be optimized in new, innovative ways. Take the Predictive Groundspeed Automation capabilities introduced in John Deere’s model year 2025 S7 combine — a technology that adjusts the combine’s speed based on terrain and crop conditions. But a brand-new S7 certainly isn’t for everyone.

We’re seeing a buyer’s market for used machinery — industry resources like MachineryPete.com are reporting decreasing combine prices at auctions, and while there are significant advantages to partnering with your trusted equipment dealer for used machinery, there are still many use cases for saving cash and getting a bit more out of the machines you already have.

This is where a performance upgrade, commonly called a Performance Upgrade Kit or PUK, comes into play. Designed to improve performance, PUKs allow farmers to access additional technology solutions without investing in a new model. Combine PUKs, specifically, are an alternative cost-effective solution to increase harvesting productivity and reduce downtime during next year's growing season. 

"It may not be in a farmer's best interest to buy new, but instead to consider a PUK for their combine, considering the current market," said Wyatt Johnson, product specialist for precision ag technology at RDO Equipment Co. "It's an affordable, reliable option to access the latest technology to add to an existing or new-to-you machine."

Consider how the PUKs available for combines with a few years in the field improve harvesting productivity.

S600 and S700 Combines: Light Emitting Diodes (LED) PUK

An overlooked PUK at times, the 18-LED kit makes harvesting in the dark possible, which can be necessary for years when the weather or access to labor can be uncertain.

"We know breakdowns happen, which are more challenging in the dark. Why not have a light that'll illuminate the whole side of the combine?" Johnson said. "You can see any nook and cranny to check bearings, belts and chains."

This PUK is available for 2012 models and newer.

S700 Series Combines: Auger PUKs 

For larger operations, the ability to unload a combine on the go creates efficiency. In the past, we had to figure out a workaround to adjust or shut off the auger with another third-party solution. To reduce the wear and tear on the auger during unloading, John Deere has developed two PUKs offering distinct capabilities.

Cross Auger Shutoff: Equipped with this PUK, an auger automatically empties out before unloading to reduce wear and power drag.

"If you have a fully loaded auger, it sags about two to three feet lower than when it's empty, and that does make a difference," Johnson said. "There's a lot of weight, especially when dealing with corn, especially if it’s wet, or soybeans, things like that." 

Adjustable Auger Spout: Equipped with this PUK, an operator adjusts the auger's spout from the cab to reduce grain spillage.

They're both available for combines model year 2018 and newer.

"Our customers are running more extensive operations and they're running nonstop," Johnson said. "With our short harvest window, they always unload on the go. These PUKs safeguard against downtime and hopefully reduce some repair costs." 

PUKs can increase productivity in used combines, even ones you’ve already relied on for five-plus years. Contact your trusted equipment dealer to understand which options may work for your dependable combine.