Case IH presented new generation of combines: Axial-Flow 250

At the end of July in Dresden (Germany) there was a presentation of new models of Axial-Flow 250 series combines, which are to replace the 240 line. The new line includes three models of Axial-Flow 7250, 8250 and 9250 with power from 498 to 634 hp.

Despite the fact that the 240 series began its way to the market not so long ago (in 2015 to 2016) the manufacturer has found some ways to improve combines. The innovations have received many new automatic features aimed at making it easier for operators to use the performance of the machinery and achieve maximum delivery capacity and quality.

These include the AFS Harvest Command automation system, feed rate control system, continuous grains quality analysis, sieve pressure control, fan speed control and much more. At the same time, despite the presence of many “advanced” systems, combine control did not become more complicated, but it simplified (but the test drive of Case IH Axial-Flow 250 combine we will discuss in our separate material).

The tilted camera received an 18 % increase in load capacity and delivery capacity. This innovation allows harvesters to work with 13.5 m belt harvesters and 18-row corn harvesters. The factory-installed dual lateral tilt control mechanism helps to improve control of the 13.5 m belt harvesters.

The new optional longitudinal tilt control function allows the operator to change the longitudinal tilt angle of the header up to 11.9 % directly from the cab, which increases the efficiency of both high and low crops.

By the way, one of the assets of the combine is Ground Speed Adaptive Sensitivity (GRAS) automatic system which regulates the height of the harvester, and allows you to maintain stability at different speeds.

For increased collection efficiency, large hoppers are also offered: for the 7250 model, the hopper volume is 11,100 litres, and for the 8250 and 9250 models it equals to 14,440 litres.

Engineers also thought about unloading: the new auger allows unloading in 91 s, and the distance to the reloader can reach 10.4 m.

The Axial-Flow 250 series combines are equipped with rotor housing guides that can be adjusted automatically by AFS Harvest Command system or otherwise manually if the system is switched off.

Changing the step of the location of the guides one can increase or decrease the speed of passage of the crops through the rotor casing and adjust the productivity of threshing and separation according to the state of the culture.

The combine is also equipped with a new function of adjusting the pre-cleaning sieve from the cab, which allows the AFS Harvest Command automation system to automatically adjust each sieve parameter according to data from loss sensors, grain monitoring chambers and sieve pressure sensors (the same function can be activated manually).

The pre-cleaning sieve adjustable from the cabin is also available as a separate option which includes a remote control switch that allows adjustment via controls located under removable side covers on the combine body. Unique sensors provide AFS Harvest Command with sieve load data, allowing the system to “understand” potential losses and adjust settings before they occur.

These sensors help the system to distinguish effectively grain losses due to sieve overload and due to blowing out, and to prevent grain losses during combine stops in the field, during turns at the ends of the drive etc. Case IH Axial-Flow 250 combines received a new hydrostatic transmission with two operating modes (field and road). Two transmission ranges allow you to control travel speed which ensures no need for stops and transitions during operation or movement on the slopes. At that the transmission is equipped with a speed control system with feedback, which allows you to maintain a given speed when changing conditions and soil conditions (but we will talk more about this in our test drive).

In combination with the reinforced hydraulic drives the modernized transmission allows to improve by 36 % overcoming of rises by equipment when moving on the road.

The engineers also improved the braking system by reducing the pressure on the pedal necessary to achieve the required braking force as well as improving the cooling required during prolonged braking.

Production of the new line of combines will start in autumn at the American plant belonging to Case IH. And in Ukraine Case IH Axial-Flow 250 series combines will appear in 2019.