It’s said that yield is the ultimate measure of a growing season, and if that’s true, then the combine is the ultimate device for measuring success. Sales of combines, like most farm machines, are admittedly finding the going tough these days.
In its most recent assessment, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) reported that North American equipment sales are likely to take a hit in the wake of lower commodity prices. Not only are net incomes falling, but the glut of used equipment at dealerships is also weighing on the market. Against this backdrop, however, manufacturers are continuing to innovate and improve. Simply put, the combines on this year’s market are the best ever.
New Holland CX8000 Elevation
New Holland has redesigned its CX Series by looking across the Atlantic and importing some key European features, all with an eye to boosting productivity. The CX8000 Elevation provides 490 horsepower, billed as the world’s most powerful conventional combine, yet capable of handling all crops from wheat to corn to canola. With a new, ultra-functional cab design, growers can stay in constant contact with the PLM Connect telematics, whether it’s planning to unload or refuel. Fingertip control means improved performance and the Harvest Suite cab provides superior operator comfort to keep fatigue to a minimum.
John Deere S Series
John Deere has taken a look inside its popular S Series combine and made some significant changes to its S680 and S690 designs. At the same time, the company is introducing its new 645SFD Hydraflex Draper to help growers improve their performance and productivity in soybeans as well as small grains. In the S680 and S690, throughput has been increased by as much as 20 per cent with Active Concave isolation, interrupter bars and heavy-duty separator gates. There’s also a new PlatformTilt feature, which ensures proper cutter bar positioning no matter the ground conditions or the terrain. Deere says the 645FD Hydraflex Draper means growers can harvest 10 per cent more acres per day.
Gleaner S8 Series
It may be new, but Gleaner says it has taken all it has learned in more than eight decades in the field to launch the S8 Series. Significant upgrades have been made, but Gleaner’s performance in this series is based on proven yet unique technology. A two-stage, four-strand gathering chain system translates into smooth feeding, always at the same angle, regardless of the header’s height. The distribution augers spread material evenly before entering the cleaning stage, reducing uneven feeding and blockages. The machine’s low centre of gravity, welded frames and heavy final drives also set the stage for a bin capacity of 390 bushels on the S68, S78 and the new 8 S88.
Case IH 240 Series
Looking ahead to 2015, Case IH is defining its new 240 Series Axial Flow combine with more grain tank space, more fuel capacity and more power. Three models — the 7240, 8240 and 9240 — makeup this series, with a view to the increasing size and productivity of today’s farms, and those farmers’ need for more capacity, better fuel efficiency and the capability to ramp up more power to unload that harvested crop without slowing down. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides smoother, easier operations, and a 30-inch track for specialty crop harvesting is among the available options.
Claas 700 Series
Claas combines are known for their size, but with the refinements added to the Lexion 700 Series combines, the company has taken yet another step forward. Claas says its accelerated pre-separation (APS) threshing system, combined with Roto Plus separation offer the industry’s most productive harvester. Added to its many features is the Terra-Trac undercarriage option, offering greater traction, lower compaction and greater header stability on challenging terrain. In response to higher planting populations and more residue, Claas has also improved residue management with Pro Chop and Turbo Chop options.
