Olimac DRAGO vs DRAGO II: which used corn header should you choose in 2025?

Why a used header is a logical investment

When your goal is higher yield and lower downtime on a realistic budget, a used header is the natural choice. You build on proven engineering and direct more of your budget towards service and consumables—where the return is highest.

• Lower entry cost than a new equivalent, with comparable capacity and reliability.
• Proven design—real-world hours on the field, clear strengths/weaknesses, and an easier assessment of remaining life.
• Short time-to-work—on-site availability, quick mounting to your combine, and a fast start to the season.
• Service and parts—critical to minimise downtime during peak days.

Browse current availability in Used Equipment.

Key criteria when choosing between DRAGO and DRAGO II (6×70)

1. Compatibility & mounting—check the mounting kit for your combine (here: CLAAS LEXION/TUCANO), PTO connections, and electrical plugs.
2. Frame—folding vs rigid. Folding eases transport and manoeuvrability; rigid offers simple, sturdy construction.
3. Row spacing and number of rows—6 rows at 70 cm is the most common local configuration, balancing capacity and control.
4. Deck plate adjustment—automatic mode reduces errors and speeds up changes under variable field conditions.
5. Chopper—a horizontal chopper promotes even residue sizing and cleaner follow-up operations.
6. Dividers & stalk pushers—metal dividers and stalk pusher kits improve feeding in lodged corn.
7. Wear assessment—inspect chopper knives, chains, bearings, gearboxes, hydraulic hoses, wiring, and deck-plate automation.
8. TCO (total cost of ownership)—beyond purchase price, include consumables, preventive service, and potential downtime.

Olimac DRAGO (6×70, year 2004): model overview

Key parameters:

• Frame: folding—convenient for frequent road moves and tight field entrances.
• Drive: double-sided PTO—robust and familiar to service teams.
• Deck plates: automatic adjustment—valuable with uneven stalk thickness and varying hybrids.
• Chopper: horizontal—uniform residue sizing.
• Dividers: metal—reliable in tougher conditions.
• Mounting: CLAAS LEXION/TUCANO—easy integration with popular combines.

Where DRAGO excels: small to mid-sized farms where road transport between fields is daily reality and the folding frame adds real benefit; teams who value mechanical simplicity and have experience maintaining classic DRAGO systems; scenarios with tighter budgets aiming for maximum capacity at a sensible investment.

See details and current photos: Olimac DRAGO (6×70).

Olimac DRAGO II (6×70, year 2019): model overview

Key parameters:

• Frame: rigid—fewer service points and high stability over long days.
• Drive: double-sided PTO.
• Deck plates: automatic adjustment—quick response to variable stalk thickness.
• Chopper: horizontal.
• Dividers: metal.
• Stalk pushers: full kit—helps in lodged and uneven crops.
• Mounting: CLAAS LEXION/TUCANO.

Where DRAGO II pulls ahead: higher daily workloads with a need for stability; when you target minimum downtime—a newer unit usually means fewer unexpected stops; in uneven crops—the stalk pusher kit and newer kinematics support steadier feeding and fewer plugs.

Take a closer look: Olimac DRAGO II (6×70).

DRAGO or DRAGO II? A practical comparison for decision-makers

1) Manoeuvrability & logistics

DRAGO (folding frame) wins when you often move on narrow roads and work in tight yards. DRAGO II (rigid frame) wins when your priority is maximum daily throughput and transport is less of a constraint.

2) Throughput & feeding consistency

Both rely on Olimac’s proven geometry with a horizontal chopper. DRAGO II has the edge in tougher conditions thanks to its stalk pusher kit and newer kinematics—fewer plugs and steadier ground speed.

3) Maintenance & downtime

The newer machine (2019) generally means lower risk of unplanned stops and better overall condition of bearings, chains, and gearboxes. With the 2004 DRAGO, the key is a realistic wear assessment and a preventive plan before the season—TCO remains highly competitive.

4) Total cost of ownership (TCO)

DRAGO is the more affordable purchase and, with proper preventive maintenance, delivers excellent ROI for mid-size acreages. DRAGO II may require a higher initial outlay but pays it back with higher pace, lower risk, and stronger resale liquidity.

Table: key specifications

Maintenance & consumables: how to drive TCO down further

• Chopper knives—monitor length/sharpness and uniformity across rows. Timely replacement protects gearboxes and keeps fuel burn stable.
• Chains & bearings—check tension, noise, and temperature after 30–60 minutes of work.
• Deck plates—ensure the automatic system runs smoothly through the full stroke; sagging sensors or uneven movement cause losses.
• Gearboxes & PTO joints—watch for leaks, play, and vibration; pre-season service is cheap compared to peak-time downtime.
• Electrical harness—inspect connectors and cables, especially on folding frames where there is more movement.

Need parts or service advice? Agritec’s team will tailor recommendations to your combine and acreage.

Real-world scenarios: which model fits which farm?

Small/mid-size farms with scattered fields

Choose DRAGO (folding frame)—easier road transport, better manoeuvrability in tight approaches, and sufficient capacity for 6 rows at 70 cm.

Mid/large farms focused on pace

Choose DRAGO II (rigid frame)—stability, newer components, a stalk pusher kit, and potentially lower downtime under campaign pressure.

Lodged/uneven crops

We tend to recommend DRAGO II for its behaviour in difficult conditions and more forgiving kinematics.

On-site inspection checklist

1. Chopper knife condition—uniformity, remaining length, and balance across rows.
2. Chains and bearings—noise, play, and any “hot spots.”
3. Gearboxes—leaks, sound uniformity, and response under load.
4. Automatic deck plates—full stroke, synchrony, and correct sensor readings.
5. Electrics & hydraulics—connector/hose condition, especially on folding frames.
6. Mounting to CLAAS LEXION/TUCANO—no worn bushes or distortions.
7. Dividers and stalk pushers—deformations, welds, or missing elements.
8. Test coupling to the combine—check vibration and behaviour at idle and in a short feeding test.

How to move forward safely

1. Book an inspection—call ahead, confirm availability, and reserve a test slot.
2. Bring a question list—service history, last consumable changes, availability of specific parts.
3. Ask for a preventive plan—based on current machine condition and your campaign schedule.
4. Calculate a 2–3 season TCO—include purchase, consumables, preventive service, and residual value.

Ready to choose?

Explore availability: Used Equipment. View the listings with photos and specs: Olimac DRAGO and Olimac DRAGO II. For questions, inspections, and quotes, contact us: Contacts.

Quick tip: if your schedule is tight and your fields are close together, the rigid frame and newer build of DRAGO II will deliver pace and lower risk. If you often move between scattered plots or face road-width constraints, the folding DRAGO remains a practical, cost-effective solution. In both cases, the decisive factor is the condition of the specific unit and a solid preventive plan—we can help with both on site.