The latest Axial-Flow® combines from CASE IH ensure improved productivity, economy and easy operation / Modern engine technology delivers increased performance and reduces fuel consumption
St. Valentin / Hannover 14.11.2011
CASE
IH is to launch a new generation of Axial-Flow® combines at Agritechnica 2011. Divided as before into two ranges, the Axial-Flow® 130 series and 230 series machines have been updated throughout. Each range consists of three models, and each model features a host of innovations and improved features.
Small Tube Rotor for optimum threshing results
Threshing performance, across all crops and operating conditions, has come under close scrutiny by Case IH engineers. The technical heart of the two series remains the familiar Axial-Flow® rotor developed by Case IH, but the technology has been updated and adapted to meet evolving harvesting conditions. A new Small Tube Rotor features optimised geometry for the 130 series. Thanks to the new shape, the sensitivity of the standard settings has been reduced for all crops, while threshing performance in specialty crops has been boosted without affecting straw quality. At the same time, the reputation Axial-Flow® combines have earned for low levels of cracked grains remains unlikely to be challenged. Meanhwhile, new materials ensure extended service life and reliability of the rotor system. Special alloys are now used in the rotor head and intake sections, while rotor driveline components have also been upgraded.
EfficientPower delivers more performance …
New Axial Flow models benefit from the introduction of the Case IH EfficientPower concept to the combine sector. In addition to advanced engine technology, they also feature an innovative exhaust gas cleaning system based on the principles of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The compact unit is integrated into the exhaust. SCR technology used in the exhaust cleaning system has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), and has already been proven in road transport applications over many years in the Fiat Industrial group.
… and less fuel consumption
The SCR system in new Axial Flow combines, which uses a particulate filter to remove soot and AdBlue to convert nitrous oxide into nitrogen and water, has a high thermodynamic efficiency. Field trials show possible fuel savings of up to 10 per cent when compared with conventional engine technology. At the same time, engine performance and response are improved.
Exhaust gases almost cleaner than the intake air
Exhaust gases emitted from Case IH engines are now almost cleaner than the intake air. The system has several advantages in practice. Thanks to the optimised combustion process, the physical properties of the engine oil are maintained for longer, meaning maintenance intervals can be extended and downtime reduced. At the same time, the SCR system reduces heat emissions from numerous engine components, increasing reliability and service life.
Maintenance-free and cost-effective
The SCR system operates automatically and reliably, independently of fuel quality. All the operator has to do
is top up regularly with the AdBlue urea solution. Initial cost efficiency analysis indicates that despite the additional costs for filling up with AdBlue, fuel consumption is considerably reduced. For every €1 spent on AdBlue, up to €7 can be saved on fuel.
More performance thanks to modern engine technology
The 130 series combines are equipped with engines from FPT. A 6.7-litre FPT engine is fitted to the 5130, producing virtually the same output as the powerplant in the previous model, while the 6130 and 7130 combines use a 9.0-litre FPT engine. Nominal power and maximum power ratings have been increased on both of these combines, the 6130 developing a maximum 387hp and the 7130 a maximum 415hp. The engines‘ power curves have been revised to ensure high productivity at low fuel consumption in all conditions.
Axial-Flow® 230 series – the new high performance class
The 230 series is the new flagship class combine from Case IH, consisting of the Axial-Flow® 7230, 8230 and 9230 models, with maximum power of up to 571hp and header widths from 7.6-10.7m. The 7230 now features the same size cleaning area as the 8230 combine, with self-levelling as standard. Grain tanks on the 230 series are among the largest in their class – as big as 12,330 litres on the 8230 and 9230 – courtesy of hydraulic folding extensions. The result is longer emptying intervals and greater productivity.
Ground protection in the field
Case IH is well-known for its high-traction, high-flotation Quadtrac tractors, and its 230 series combines can now benefit from the same track technology, proven for over a decade. Reduced ground pressure and improved traction help protect soil structure and micro-organisms both in dry and damp soils, while the 610mm wide tracks mean the combine does not exceed 3.5m width and can travel at 20km/hr. Rubber-coated running wheels and chassis frame with rubber dampers ensure a smooth ride.
Optimum swath placement
For those looking to bale behind their combine, straw and chaff management have been optimised by fitting a new straw chute, ensuring a symmetrical and airy swath, even with a crosswind. When chopping, new optional electrically-adjustable deflectors improve distribution when required. Distribution of chopped material can be monitored using a standard rear-view video camera, and adjusted according to changing wind direction or variations in terrain.
Convenient cleaning system
A compressed air system equipped with five connections in key areas, such as the engine compartment, battery cabinet, grain tank and on the cab, is now available for Case IH combines. A 6m self-retracting hose allows all connection points to be easily reached. The compressed air system is supplied with a 60-litre pressure vessel.
Easy setup for changing conditions
Settings for the new Axial Flow rotor are adjustable at the touch of a button for varying harvest conditions and different crops. Auto-Crop Setting (ACS) technology means rotor speed is infinitely variable from 220-1,200rpm, while sieve clearance and threshing gap are also controlled automatically, depending on the crop type selected.
Lightweight threshing and separation concaves, which are easily accessible and easy to change, mean the 30 series combines are completely capable in every kind of combinable crop. Add-on equipment is also available for harvesting rice.
Power-Plus drive without belts
One component retained in the new series of Axial Flows is the proven Power-Plus transmission, which means that the rotor, conveyor and header are all driven without belts. The continuously variable CVT transmission ensures gradual acceleration without peak loading, smooth speed changes and low maintenance – drives do not need to be serviced during the harvesting season. Another advantage is that, in the event of a blockage, the driver can expand the rotor concaves via a button in the cab and reverse the axial rotor, with the ability to repeat the process until the blockage is cleared.
New cleaning concept on Axial-Flow 7230 for optimum results
The cleaning system on the 7230 combine now features the same sieve area as the larger 8230 and 9230 combines. Effective width has been extended to 1.57m, and the power of the Cross-Flow blower has been increased. The self-levelling system remains standard.
The ‘thinking’ cleaning system – ideal on slopes
Compensating for angles of up to 13 per cent, the Axial Flow cleaning system provides optimum cleaning conditions when working on slopes and prevents losses at high threshing rates.
Innovation for headers
With its new line of Axial Flow combines, Case IH extends the range of cutterbars that it offers with the new 3050 VariCut series. These feature a variable knife-to-auger distance, and are available in 7.6m, 9.15m and 10.7m working widths.
Reinforced frames and 660mm diameter feed augers for high intake volumes mean 3050 headers are capable of very high intakes. Hydraulically-driven lightweight rape side knives are available, while a patented reel guard is especially useful when cutting flattened crops.
For more comfort and to save time between jobs, the 3050 header is equipped with a complete back-up knife bank integrated underneath the cutterbar. The header follows uneven ground in both planes, boosting performance on wide headers operating in varying terrain.
Highest maize threshing performance
Maize headers of up to 12 rows are available for new Axial Flow 30 series combines, with rigid or folding frames. These feature the proven Case IH high performance cob stripping system with individual overload protection on each row. As standard, each row on the maize header is equipped with a chopping rotor underneath the stalk rollers that can be switched on and off as needed. As on smaller units, these maize headers can be equipped with mechanical feelers on each row to greatly reduce driver fatigue when working in high density crops.