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This calculator is designed to determine the return on investment for a Hillco leveling system equipped combine versus a non-leveling combine operating in sloping conditions.

Crop Information

Acreage / Slope Information

Estimate the percentage of total harvested acres that lay within the various slope ranges in your farming operation.

Level Land Combine Ground Speed in MPH

Enter the average harvesting speed for your non-leveling combine for the various slope ranges based off the average yield for each crop type. For comparison, our study data shows that for corn the average ground speed is 3mph and for wheat and soybeans ground speed averages 5mph. These are the speeds that we use for our calculation of fuel usage and separator hours.

Reduction in Machine Harvested Yield (bu/acre)

Estimate the reduction of Machine Harvested Yield (MHY) for each slope range if you were harvesting at the speed you entered for 0-3% slopes. (The calcultor will then project expected reductions in MHY for each slope range at your previously estimated ground speeds.)

You may opt to enter the test data which was determined by actual field testing by Hillco (based on 5 mph harvesting speed).

Reduction in MHY is used in these calculations rather than field loss. Reduction in MHY is a more accurate guage of combine harvesting efficiency because it can be determined by actually weighing the harvested yield rather than estimating the amount of yield lost to the ground.

You may use yield lost to the ground; these numbers are likely to be less than MHY.

If you wish to include added grain cart fuel add hourly grain cart fuel usage to the combine fuel usage.

Cost per added separator hour usually runs from approximately $300-$400 per hour for new combines to $150 per hour for older used combines. If you don't want to consider the added benefit of lower separator hours enter $0.

Use example list prices below or obtain a quote from your local dealership.
For used Hillco Leveling System values, consult your dealership.

John Deere Combines:

Sidehill Leveling System (18%) for S7 Series combine w/ Hillco Leveler Installed = $84,000 List Price.

Hillside Leveling System (28%) for S7 Series combine, Dual Tire & Wheel Package w/ Hillco Leveler Installed = $155,400 List Price.

Case IH Combines:

Sidehill Leveling System (18%) for Flagship Series combine w/ Hillco Leveler Installed = $82,000 List Price.

Hillside Leveling System (28%) for Flagship Series combine, Dual Tire & Wheel Package w/ Hillco Leveler Installed = $152,500 List Price.

Enter the number of years (from 1 to 5, whole number) for the desired calculation period.

Market value at the end of 5 years regardless of the length of the calculation period.

Used in net present value calculation