By Chris McCullough

Case IH combine plans for 2020 includes a new 150 series Axial-Flow and updates to the 250 series Axial-Flow.

Its current line of Axial-Flow 140 series combines – aimed at mid-sized farms and contracting businesses – will become the Axial-Flow 150 series for 2020, with upgraded engines that meet Stage V emissions regulations.

New for the 5150, 6150 and 7150 Axial-Flow combines are FPT Industrial engines that meet Stage V emissions regulations, with respective rated ECE 120 power outputs of 278hp, 333hp and 380hp.

On the 7150, both unload boost at rated engine speed and peak power have been increased by 11hp to 460hp, compared with the 7140 it replaces, allowing for both extra daily output during unloading and a more constant harvest speed to achieve higher productivity in varying crop conditions.

The engines use the FPT-patented Hi-eSCR selective catalytic reduction exhaust after-treatment system that imposes no penalties on fuel consumption or power output.

In an upgrade from the previous 140 series models, new 150 series Axial-Flow combines can be specified with IF800/65 R32 tyres to minimise ground pressure by spreading the combine’s weight over a broader area.

European deliveries of Axial-Flow 150 series combines will begin in March, 2020.

New for the Axial-Flow 250 series is a feeder or elevator option with a higher lift capacity, enabling the easy handling of larger headers.

The new 6000kg-capacity elevator is complemented by a heavy-duty header drive to ensure that units such as 18-row corn heads can be powered with ease.

Further updates for the Axial-Flow 250 series include a simpler rubber track alignment arrangement that is easier and faster to carry out, should owners or operators need to tension the combine’s track units.

PANEL

The Axial-Flow updates for next year include a new 8.5m header specifically designed for controlled traffic farming (CTF).

The new 8.5m Varicut header has been launched to cater for traffic-controlled operations, based on an 8m system. It will use the frame of the existing 7.5m header, extended to 8.5m to save weight, with an actual cutting width of 8.5m and should ensure a true and repeatable 8m cut for a CTF set-up.

The mid-year 2020 grain headers will also feature a new crop lifter, which has been designed to reduce losses by utilising a higher lifting profile to better lift lodged crop up to the cutter bar. To help improve wear resistance, the new crop lifters will also feature a wave formed skid.

There's also a new LED light package for safer harvesting at night.